Black Lion Cafe Coffee & Pastry

March 2023 update:
They did indeed make it up to me and have also corrected the price of the chai latte on the menu (offering small sizes now). Thank you Black Lion for that! I’ve been back a few times and it’s consistently great coffee/teas, pastries and food. Awesome addition to downtown silver spring!

Long review ahead:

I went to Black Lion Cafe for their soft opening. I ordered the chai latte and an opera cake (to go). The total was ~$13/$14 which in this inflated economy is probably accurate but I still thought was a bit pricey for just a coffee and cake. I was mostly shocked that the chai alone was $7.00. I think it would be help if I was able to order a smaller size. The smallest size available for the chai was a medium (I believe) which was too big in my opinion. However the taste was good. It tastes pretty much like an Oregon chai (for any tea connoisseurs out there). The opera cake was tasty especially if you have a sweet tooth. If you don’t, I think it would be perfect to share. There were plenty of other baked goods and a few other cakes to choose from. Since it’s a soft opening I’m sure there will be an even a larger assortment of items to choose from in the future. The few staff I saw there seemed friendly and affable. It certainly will be/and already is a great addition to the selection of downtown silver spring coffee shops. My prediction is, that in a few months it will be the ‘go-to’ spot.

Note: I have not been to the Black Lion Cafe in Rockville so I cannot compare my experience to there.

Overall
Pros:
- Beautiful decor/environment
- Lots of food, pastry, and drink options
- Rather empty (at least for now) during soft opening
- Friendly staff

Cons
- Range of size offerings for drinks/price of drinks
- Current unpredictability given the several changes in opening dates. When I arrived there was a ‘temporarily closed’ sign but either the owner/manager came and let a few of us inside. Had that not happened I would have left. Others that tried to come inside after us were locked out so I can only imagine their confusion seeing people being served but not able to get inside.

Every thing was fresh. Nice decoration. Great for work or hangout. The latte arts was inconsistent and in some cases didn't even exist!

I found this wonderful coffee shop when walking around downtown Silver Spring. The cappuccino generally is terrific - served in a black ceramic mug of the correct shape (flat, not tall). Occasionally a barista doesn't get the foam "stiff" and it's more like a latte. They don't offer shakers for cocoa or cinnamon to dust the cappuccino. The regular coffee is excellent. They have a self-service pastry display (the spinach and feta croissant is a highlight) and sell a range of sandwiches including for breakfast. They sell other sweet treats. If I lived nearby, I'd come in every day. This overall is major upgrade to the quality of coffee shops in downtown.

I'm always on the lookout for coffee shops that are open in the evening, and I'm so glad I found this place. The coffee was very good - it's hard to find a cortado in this area and theirs was delicious! The sandwiches were great, too. This is a good study spot if you like to study in the evenings, or if you just want to hang out after work. I've been back already and I will definitely be back again!

Really attractive decor and lots of light. Nice atmosphere with people working or chatting, but still able to find a good spot to sit. I’ve only been a couple times so far but the egg-croissant sandwich was so delicious and coffee and chai were great! Excited to try more things.

10/10 Experience. The croissants always taste fresh and are very fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The espresso shots taste is fantastic since the coffee beans are always fresh and when paired with the pastries they serve it truly makes for a perfect start for anyone's day.

Amazing coffee, tea, and sandwiches! Looking forward to frequenting this new place in the future as it is only a couple blocks from our apartment.

Love this little shop, coffee is excellent. The people were friendly and the atmosphere is lovely, and the seating is very comfortable. I highly recommend.

Great coffee and huge selection of pastries. The sandwiches are really tasty too. The best part about this place is the atmosphere is perfect for meeting friends or doing some work.

Best coffee, all roasted in house, freshest pastries & food, coolest vibe around. Nothing generic about this coffee house. I drive out of my way for Black Lion coffee. Plenty of seating for work and chatting, great decor & atmosphere.