20 years after its inception, we’ll be the first to admit that the PSL from Starbucks is a bit ‘been there, done that’. But if fall refreshments in general are basic, we’re throwing out the rule book entirely. Luckily, when it comes serving up fall flavors as vibrant as the season itself, DC doesn’t disappoint.

From classic twists on old favorites to new autumn-inspired inventions, keep reading to find out where you can get the tastiest fall treats in DC today!

#1 Compass Coffee: This iconic DC coffee shop is practically made for sweater weather in the city. Spice up your pick-me-up with autumnal options including a maple latte, spiced apple cider, and a pumpkin latte at one of the many Compass Coffee locations studded across the metro area.

#2 Commonwealth Joe: This Arlington spot has multiple tasty fall-inspired beverages on the menu. The popular “pumpkin cookie butter latte” has returned, but patrons can (and should) also sip their Brown Sugar Sage Latte — a blend of earthy sage, brown sugar, condensed milk, and cinnamon.

#3 Foxtrot: Georgetown and Mt. Vernon locations of this burgeoning artisan market/cafe chain are serving up warm drinks for the cold weather. A decadent pumpkin pie latte is made with espresso from Vigilante Coffee and a swirl of pumpkin pie sauce, and topped with cookie butter-flavored whipped cream and graham crackers. The caramel apple latte, meanwhile, features a tart apple syrup and sweet-spiced caramel.

➤ Looking for more classic fall activities in DC? Read these posts next:

• How to Welcome Fall in DC in Style
• Where to Go Apple Picking in DC
• Top Fall Weekend Getaways Close to DC

#4 District Doughnut: This doughnut shop is DC through-and-through, founded by locals and home to some of the tastiest flavors in the District. This season, traditionalists can get their pumpkin on with glazed creations. Indulge in other fall flavors like the sweet potato pie, featuring pumpkin dough, sweet potato pie filling, a marshmallow glaze and a pecan topping, or the caramel apple streusel. And be sure to round out your next dozen with the maple butter pecan — a staff favorite featuring a vanilla bean doughnut dipped in a maple syrup and butter glaze, then garnished with candied pecans.

#5 Ted’s Bulletin: A contemporary American restaurant with diner vibes and a bakery, Ted’s is bringing all the sugar and spice to the DC-area this season. Indulge in flavors from the orchard with caramel apple cheesecake, fried caramel apple pie and apple Ted Tarts (a signature take on a nostalgic Pop-Tart). And for the pumpkin fans? A creamy, pumpkin pie milkshake is sure to please.

#6 Ice Cream Jubilee: Even though summer has come and gone, this popular ice cream spot in Capitol Riverfront and U Street continues churning out inventive flavors for the season — from pumpkin honeycomb to sweet molasses and more.

#7 Colada Shop: Located off the buzzing 14th Street Corridor and The Wharf’s Pearl Street, this all-day Cuban cafe is famous for serving up empanadas, cocktails, and coffee. This fall, you can find new menu items including seasonal libations from the dulce flan latte to the La Coqueta cocktail with rum, amaro, apple and lime, and autumnal bites like the sweet potato, caramelized onion, and Swiss cheese croquetas.

#8 Baked and Wired: This iconic DC bakery is helmed by Teresa Velazquez, the shop’s head baker/owner, and when you try their ever-popular Pumpkin Ginger Bread, you’ll become a fan, too. The pumpkin loaf (which tastes much more like a pumpkin cake) is delicately interspersed with bursts of crystallized ginger, and topped with a ginger buttercream. We recommend pairing with one of their handcrafted espresso beverages — like a cappuccino or macchiato — for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up!

Planning a move this fall? Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling, we can help. Get in touch with our team directly by calling us at 202.280.2060 or emailing us at jsmira@jennsmira.com.