A lot of people regularly consume coffee; some are consumed by coffee. If the average Joe turns their coffee addiction into a profession, they might begin working as a barista at a local cafe. A well-trained, dedicated barista can become a manager or maybe even a partner at their respective company, but what does it take to reach the next level? 

Coffee pop-ups have become increasingly prevalent as industry professionals dial in their obsessions and seek to gain market share through their unique version of the perfect cup. If you can forgo the need for Wi-Fi or coworking space and focus solely on cup quality, a morning jaunt to a local pop-up can do everything coffee intends to do: get you up and moving. The journey can be rewarding in more than one way. 

A great introduction to pop-ups is Cam’s Kettle, operating at Eastern Market on Saturdays and Sundays. Stands and food trucks make it easy to pair your morning fuel with a delicious bite. If you’ve visited the market within the past five years, you’ve likely crossed paths with Cameron Waggener, the primary face behind the brand that sources and roasts the beans it sells.

Waggener, a self-described “chatty Kathy,” takes time to speak with and educate customers about his process of working with farms, the company’s vision, and what he’s focused on growing now—his subscription service. The coffee club is an excellent option for those who enjoy the convenience of coffee at home. At the pop-up, cold brew and 12 oz. bags are available for individual purchase; monthly subscribers get free cups of cold brew or hot coffee when they visit the market. 

Next on the quest for a perfect cup is Others Coffee. Partners and cofounders Brian Raupp and Ashley May are powered by an entrepreneurial spirit, a love for art and design, and of course, coffee. Others strategically launched on Sept. 29, 2020, widely recognized as National Coffee Day.

The worldwide pandemic shutdown gave the couple ample time to consider every avenue of creative branding, which is a large part of their company. May sells stationery and art prints at their Little Others weekend pop-up in Adams Morgan alongside stylish merchandise and flowers in collaboration with Little Acre Flowers. The space gives Others’ customers an idea of what a brick-and-mortar might offer. 

Raupp and May purchased a small drum roaster as they saw the need to experiment and develop the perfect roasts to sell their clients. “Coffee is amazing, obviously, and I really enjoy the process of roasting … but I’m even more into marketing and building the brand,” Raupp says when asked if they would eventually hire someone to take over roasting. For now, it’s all hands on deck for Others.

In a similarly caffeinated vein, you’ll find Little Hat Coffee. While new to the pop-up game, teammates Hwan Choi and Frankie Contreras have no shortage of industry experience. Choi recently spent four years at Northeast staple Maketto, while Contreras brings both barista and consulting experience with well-known establishments such as Yellow and The Wydown. While they don’t roast their own beans (at least not yet), Little Hat works closely with A Toda Madre Roasters, based in Maryland, to supply their coffee.  

Choi and Contreras take a fun and lighthearted approach to the pop-up scene while effortlessly cranking out items beyond your typical cup of coffee. Imagine a burnt orange espresso tonic over ice or a creative matcha-based drink. Hungry? Hwan and Frankie have previously collaborated with restaurants to create and serve entrees, including chopped cheese sandwiches, a plant-based banh mi, and various breakfast sandwiches. You can currently find them at Bryant Street Market, working with friends at Taqueria Habanero and Alegria.

You’d hate to skip Grafika, run by Joe and Heather Reyes. The company name combines two words: “graphic,” as the couple also have backgrounds in art, and “fika,” an essential part of Swedish culture. Fika is not only a physical break for coffee and a snack—it’s a mindset and a way of life, representing the ability to socialize and unwind. Their events at The Art Room near Union Market featuring coffee and homemade cardamom buns, provide that opportunity.

From the brand aesthetic to how they approach serving customers, Grafika embodies simplicity. However, their coffee gets served with a technical precision that only comes from experience and a complex understanding of coffee and methodology. Whether you crave an expertly pulled shot of espresso or the perfect pour-over, Grafika invests in the best of everything—both beans and equipment—so you can enjoy them as intended. They also teach classes so you can learn brew methods and barista techniques yourself.

Morning rituals should no longer be so predictable. For your next buzz, consider diving a little deeper into your favorite caffeinated beverage.