Panama’s best coffee now comes with cocktails, tapas, and a full bar in DC’s most exciting food hall.
Panama’s Coffee Culture Takes Root in Union Market
Café Unido is growing — and DC is the better for it. This April, the beloved Panamanian coffee brand opens a larger, reimagined space inside La Cosecha in the Union Market District, complete with a full kitchen, long bar, indoor seating, and outdoor tables. What started as a specialty coffee counter in 2019 has evolved into an all-day café and evening bar worthy of the brand’s reputation back home in Panama.
From Morning Coffee to Evening Cocktails
Mornings belong to Unido’s signature Panamanian coffees — sourced directly from volcanic highland producers and roasted to let origin speak for itself. Order the Panama Geisha Coffee Flight, the house La Banda lavender latte, or the Coco Americano made with organic coconut water espresso. Breakfast runs all day: the Breakfast Sandwich (featured image) with guava mumbo sauce and sofrito aioli is a must, and the El Breakfast Wrap with Panamanian-style kidney beans delivers something genuinely different. By night, the space transforms into a relaxed bar with classic cocktails refined with single-origin espresso and raspadura — the Old Fashioned Raspadura and the espresso-spiked Negroni lead the list. Tapas include Carimañolas, Lime Zest Chicharron, and Tequeños with mumbo sauce!
A Wine List as Curated as the Coffee
The wine program reflects the same precision as the coffee sourcing. Bottles are selected for clarity and regional expression — expect Ceritas Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Domaine Mee Godard Morgon Gamay, and a crisp Sandlands Chenin Blanc from Amador County. House wines pour by the glass, half carafe, or full carafe starting at $11. Additional Unido locations are planned across DC through 2026 and 2027!
The Washington Lobbyist is DC’s guide to the city’s best tables, bars, and experiences — and Café Unido at La Cosecha belongs on your list now. Follow @cafeunidousa on Instagram and visit cafeunido.com to stay current on the new menu and hours.
Address: 1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC (inside La Cosecha food hall) | Hours: Sunday–Wednesday 8 AM–8 PM | Thursday–Saturday 8 AM–11 PM | Average spend: $14–$20 breakfast/lunch | $10–$19 tapas | Cocktails $15–$19 | Wine by glass from $11.
