Part of the Coffee Adventure, where I review area coffee shops based on totally random factors while I study for the bar.
Food & Drink. Typically I've started my reviews with "location" and while Peregrine's location is quite nice, the coffee is where it's at. Since I started my coffee shop tour, I've been to Peregrine Espresso twice. But I'd been there one other time. During my holiday break after fall exams Mr. Moggie and I spent a day wandering around the city. It was one of those unseasonably warm December days, and we started the morning in Eastern Market. We popped into Peregrine for some coffee. I ordered a vanilla latte but then got distracted by cute t-shirts and bacon chocolate. Yes, bacon chocolate. I'd heard the coffee at Peregrine was serious; Counter Culture is their roaster, I think I read that the owners had been affiliated with Murky Coffee, and I knew that they didn't stock traditional coffee syrups. The only flavor they'd add to a drink was a vanilla syrup they'd infused themselves. I'd say that's pretty serious. But, like I said, there were t-shirts. So when I took that first sip of vanilla latte while looking for a cute tee in my size, I wasn't really paying attention. Until the coffee hit my mouth. And blew my mind. Hands down, it was the best coffee drink I'd ever had. Fast forward several months and I still remembered thinking the coffee was the best ever, but couldn't exactly remember the taste. That's a tough situation because my expectations were really high, but I was worried they were unrealistic. Not to worry. My second vanilla latte from Peregrine (this one iced), following the first by about 7 months, did not disappoint. The third time I visited Mr. Moggie and I shared a large, tasty cinnamon bun. Peregrine gets their offered food (predominantly sweets) from a few different area bakeries. But you won't care. Because you will drink their coffee and it will change your life.
Location: Peregrine is in the old Murky Coffee space in Eastern Market. It is mere steps from the Eastern Market Metro stop and if you are there for the market, you will walk right by Peregrine. Except, after reading the above review of the coffee, you will not walk by. You will walk in and buy a coffee. And a t shirt. It's a wonderful neighborhood. I've found some great finds at the Market. Like my favorite winter hat. And the pearls I wore in my wedding. And the cute handmade bags I gave as bridesmaid's gifts. Another favorite in the neighborhood is Capitol Hill Books. On our wander-y winter day, Mr. Moggie and I spent hours in the used book store. I was looking for cool old map books; he was looking for cool old cookbooks. The Market Lunch in the market building is perfect for a greasy breakfast. And I hear someone sells old letterpress type in the neighborhood, but it's still a mystery to me.
Decor and Seating: When I was at Peregrine the Friday of the Independence Day holiday weekend, I sat at the back counter and worked on some multiple choice questions and flash cards. The seat was comfy, and others around me were having friendly conversations or working from their laptops. The shop was bustling but lots of people just stopped in for coffee to go. I was totally comfortable spending a couple hours studying away while sipping coffee and eating pastries. The next time I visited, I sat at a table near the front window. I longed to be outside since it was a beautiful day (and Peregrine has outdoor seating), but I knew I wouldn't get any studying done out there, so I just enjoyed the view. I used my laptop to work on some outlines for studying and monitored my email with the free wifi. It's a pretty good place to study. I'd shy away from taking up a table for too long on the weekend since it seems pretty busy, but on a quiet week day, it seemed fine. It can get a little chilly, so bring an extra layer if you plan to stay for a bit.
Music: Anecdote - I've been listening to Passion Pit a lot lately. After I'd been studying at Peregrine for a while, I got it in my head that I had to hear PP's Seaweed Song RIGHT THEN. So I pulled out my earbuds to listen to it on my computer, but before I had a chance to set it up, the song came on over the speakers in the shop. Not kidding. It was perfect. So yeah, the music is good, if not a little eery.
One more story: One day last spring, I wore my Peregrine Espresso shirt to class. After class I walked over to Murky Coffee* for some evening studying. I'd forgotten what I was wearing until the barista chided me for wearing the Peregrine shirt to a different coffee shop. I think he was kidding but he had an awfully convincing poker face and I offered feebly, "I can zip up my hoodie if you'll let me stay."
Overall: Go to Peregrine and drink coffee. It will be awesome.
* The Murky folks appear to be opening up a new shop called Chinatown Coffee Company in mere days. I'm pretty excited to check it out! You should be, too.
