Why DC Locals Love The Coffee Bar and Its Owner, Cait Lowry

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TLDR

If you ask regulars at The Coffee Bar (TCB) what keeps them coming back, they’ll mention the exceptional coffee, welcoming atmosphere, and the kind of customer service that makes everyone feel like a regular. But behind it all is Cait Lowry, the woman who built this beloved coffee shop from the ground up.

Since opening TCB’s first location in December 2012, Cait has created a space that is more than just a stop for coffee—it’s a neighborhood fixture in Shaw and Downtown DC, where people connect, unwind, and feel at home. As a cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and hands-on leader, Cait’s journey is one of resilience, hard work, and dedication—not just to coffee, but to the people who make TCB what it is.

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A Coffee Lover Turned Business Owner

Cait Lowry didn’t just open TCB to serve great coffee—she wanted to bring back the social element of coffee shops, the kind of place where baristas know your name and your order, and customers feel like part of something familiar. She built TCB’s reputation on warmth and consistency, making sure the café serves coffee from some of the best roasters, including Ceremony Coffee, Verve, Onyx, and Bespoken Coffee Roasters.

From the start, Cait was intentional about fostering a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. Whether you walk in for the first time or have been a loyal customer since 2012, the staff at TCB treats everyone as a regular. That’s not just a slogan—it’s something Cait and her team live by. They still remember their very first customer, a testament to the personal connections they cultivate every day.

Cait’s work ethic is another thing people notice. She’s not just behind the scenes running the business—she’s in the shop, working alongside her team, supporting them, and making sure every customer gets the best experience. Her hands-on approach has made TCB one of DC’s most charming and well-loved coffee shops, complete with a cozy interior and a picturesque outdoor patio that customers can’t get enough of.