Joseph Oh’s Coffee Nature: A Hidden Gem in Friendship Heights

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TLDR

If you wander down Fessenden Street NW in Friendship Heights, you’ll find Coffee Nature, a neighborhood café that feels like a local secret worth discovering. With its laid-back atmosphere, cozy patio, and a menu blending classic coffee shop staples with unexpected Korean flavors, it has quietly become a favorite among locals.

But Coffee Nature wasn’t always what it is today. Originally opened under the name Blue Mountain, the café had already been a neighborhood fixture for several years before Joseph Oh took ownership in 2022. When he heard from friends at church that the shop was looking for a new owner, he saw an opportunity to turn a long-time dream into reality. Oh stepped in, renamed it Coffee Nature, and has been running it ever since—not just as an owner, but as a hands-on barista, ensuring that every cup of coffee and every customer experience reflects the warmth and care he believes in.

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A Coffee Shop With Character

Step inside Coffee Nature, and you’ll notice that it’s not your typical grab-and-go café. The space is small but thoughtfully arranged, offering a variety of seating options—whether you prefer a window-side table, a counter spot, or a quiet corner on the garden patio. The jazz playing in the background, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and the friendly energy of the staff all set the tone for a place that encourages people to stay awhile.

The menu is equally inviting. Alongside perfectly pulled espresso drinks and smooth pour-overs, Coffee Nature serves breakfast sandwiches, wraps, burritos, and salads—but it’s the Korean-inspired dishes that make it stand out. Regulars love the unexpected additions, a reflection of Oh’s own background and love for bold flavors.

And it’s not just the people who feel at home here—Coffee Nature is dog-friendly, welcoming neighborhood pets with open arms. On any given day, you’ll spot customers sipping lattes with their pups lounging by their feet, adding to the café’s easygoing, communal feel.