Emma's Torch Cafe

2212 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20018, United States
+1 202-525-1393
$$$ Cafe , Brunch restaurant , Coffee shop , New American restaurant , Non-profit organization
(60 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Emma's Torch Cafe, a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, at 2212 Rhode Island Ave NE. This charming café stands out not only for its delightful menu but also for its remarkable mission of empowering refugees and asylees through culinary training and employment opportunities. It's a space where you can enjoy scrumptious food while contributing to a meaningful cause.

Step inside and you'll immediately feel a sense of warmth and community. The atmosphere is lively, with the hustle and bustle of friendly customers and dedicated staff creating an engaging backdrop for your dining experience. Whether you're coming in for a morning coffee or a leisurely lunch, the cozy interior beckons with its inviting vibe—perfect for catching up with friends or enhancing your productivity while you work.

Speaking of food, Emma's Torch Cafe offers a menu that is both comforting and innovative. Start your day off right with their Egg & Cheese, a heavenly combination of scrambled egg and sharp cheddar encased in a fluffy buttermilk biscuit. Looking for something more adventurous? Dive into the Breakfast Wrap filled with seasoned potatoes, peppers, and delicious tomato mayonnaise—a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying, perfect for fueling your day. For something refreshing and light, try the Watermelon Salad, a melodic blend of watermelon, avocado, and ricotta salata drizzled with a zesty lime vinaigrette that dances on your palate.

Don’t forget to indulge in one of their delightful pastries, such as the Chai Spiced Donut or the Morning Glory Muffin. These treats are not just an afterthought; they are crafted with care, making each bite a blissful moment. If you’re seeking a drink, the Hawaij Mocha—a luxurious blend of coffee infused with a Yemeni spice mix—has garnered rave reviews for its unique flavor and is a must-try that keeps coffee lovers returning for more!

Emma's Torch Cafe is not just about the food; it's about the community and the stories that unfold within its walls. Reviews from customers tell heartfelt tales of delicious meals and the café’s mission. Sydney raves about the breakfast burrito with harissa mayo that brings a burst of flavor, while Kelly shares her delight in discovering freshly baked biscuits that beckon her back for more. The staff is praised for their kindness and attentiveness, creating an inviting atmosphere that welcomes everyone.

In a world filled with coffee shops, Emma's Torch Cafe rises above the rest with its genuine commitment to affecting positive change in the community. So whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee on your way to the Arboretum or looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch, you'll find yourself at a place where every sip and bite contributes to a larger purpose. Experience the magic of Emma's Torch Café, where delicious food meets compassionate mission!

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

60 Reviews
Sydney

04 Sep 2025

Amazing breakfast burrito- harissa mayo was great! Hawaij Mocha is one of the best coffees I have had! Service is also great and the interior is cute.

Tabitha Bean

21 Aug 2025

New little spot with a mission you’ll want to support. Had the chicken sandwich, it was delicious! Zekes coffee cappuch was perfect too. Food was fresh, service was great, atmosphere was a bit loud and frenetic.

Ashley Robertson

24 Jul 2025

I loved everything about this place. My regular cafe was packed on a rainy Friday afternoon and I needed a place to work. Emma's Torch had space, stronger WiFi than my typical spot (took video calls with no issue), and an amazing mission. I loved being in the space and seeing the mission at work. I had a delicious breakfast sandwich. The coffee was so-so, and it was difficult to find plugs, but I still give it 5-stars because I felt really welcome and taken care of which at the end of the day matters so much more.

Austin Graff

18 Jul 2025

Emma's Torch is more than a coffee shop. They employ refugees and asylees, providing culinary and employability training. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., some items on the menu are inspired by flavors from around the world- homemade chai, hawaij (a Yemeni spice blend) mocha, shakshuka, chai spiced donuts. There are open seats and WiFi. My little family of three went Sunday around 9 a.m. and there wasn't a wait despite a few other customers in the cafe. We ordered the donut, blueberry muffin, and banana bread. My wife got the hawaij mocha and I the latte. (They use Zeke's coffee beans.) Everything was great! Not loving sweet drinks, my wife really enjoyed the hawaij mocha. The cafe has water for everyone and restrooms.

Lucia Ormaza

14 Jul 2025

So delicious, great food, great coffee! Will come back for the biscuit bc it was fresh and delicious!! Service was pretty fast, lovely staff.

R

26 Jun 2025

Went here after a meeting with a colleague. The woman training some of the other associates was very friendly. Told us a little bit about Emma's history and their mission. The associates that waited on us were very nice as well. All our drinks came out perfect!

Kelly Fink

08 Jun 2025

Emma’s Torch was the perfect stop for a hot drink and snack on the way to the Arboretum. Even better was remembering the next morning that I had bought a second biscuit that was waiting for me. I love the cafe’s mission, but the food and kind staff are what keep me coming back.

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