
Takoma Beverage Company has earned a major regional nod, making Eater DC’s newest list of “The 16 Best Coffee Shops Around DC.” The Takoma Park café, located at 6917 Laurel Avenue, was the only Maryland coffee shop to appear on the list.
While Montgomery County and the state as a whole are home to many beloved coffee spots, Takoma Bev Co. stood alone as Maryland’s representative, praised for its craft-driven approach, community focus, and strong neighborhood following.
The café is the creation of cousins Chris Brown and Seth Cook, whose longtime passion for specialty beverages inspired the business. According to Takoma Bev Co., the shop grew from a dream the pair shared for years after working together in a busy specialty café. They became immersed in the world of coffee and the stories behind it, as well as the social connection that cafés help foster.
Noticing that customers who appreciate high-quality coffee often seek the same craftsmanship in beer or cocktails, the cousins set out to build a space where people could relax, gather with friends, and enjoy beverages across multiple categories. That vision continues today, with Takoma Bev Co. offering a curated selection that celebrates both local and global craft traditions.
Before launching the business, Brown and Cook spent time living abroad, traveling the world, and experiencing how coffee, tea, wine, beer, and spirits create connection across cultures. They cite that universal sense of community as a guiding principle for the café. The team continues that mission by traveling to origin, meeting farmers and producers, and showcasing the depth of specialty beverages from around the world.
