Washington DC

Tynan Coffee & Tea is giving Starbucks a run for its money. For a while there, it looked like nothing could stand up to the grande skinny soy caramel latte frappuccino. The density of Starbucks is simply overwhelming, and the only other players in the ring were Dunkin Donuts (the few, the proud) and a handful of upscale coffee shops serving artisanal lattes with pretty foam designs. And then here came Tynan, with top-quality coffee beans, free Wi-Fi, loyalty cards, loose tea (not bagged), and courteous staff that will stomach all the spoiled coffee-drinking attitude you've acquired over your Starbucks-patronizing years. The new location in Chevy Chase, MD--literally just across the DC border--has outdoor seating on the Wisconsin Place plaza, perfect for people-watching or resting after your Bloomingdale's shopping spree.

Photo:  Magda Nakassis