Our Story

Swing’s Coffee began with a simple goal: roast honest, high-quality coffee, and serve it with heart. More than a century later, our mission remains the same.

The Swing's Story

1916

The M.E. Swing Coffee Company was established in Washington, DC by Michael E. Swing.

1918

Mesco Patent – Sept 17, 1918 – “…a coffee that improves as it cools in the cup.”

1920

Craft roaster before craft was cool – Swing’s has been cupping coffee for generations, long before “third wave”.

1937

The original coffee subscription service – Swing’s delivery vehicle in 1937.

1939

Same-day delivery was advertised in newspapers to spread the word on freshly roasted coffee delivery.

1942

Wartime Lineup – Oct 28, 1942 – coffee available via “coffee stamps” issued during WWII.

1960’s

The tradition continues, neon signage added to the storefront.

1988

Roasted coffee in DC until 1988, city regulations made it no longer possible to roast in the district.

1994

Swings Coffeebar at 1700 G Street open for business – Swing’s flagship coffeebar across the street from White House and the Executive Office Building.

2006

Granddaughter of M.E Swing, Patricia Swing, transitions ownership of the company to Mark Warmuth.

2013

Del Ray Roastery open for business in 2013, focus on community and transparency in operations.

2016

Swing’s celebrates 100 years of serving the DMV area.

Rooted in the Past,
Roasting for the Future

Since 1916, Swing’s has honored the traditions that built our name while embracing the craft’s evolution.

We roast with the same care and consistency that defined us in 1916, but with a forward-looking approach that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and the next generation of coffee drinkers.

SHOP OUR COFFEES

Our
Locations

A century after our first roast, our cafés still bring people together over coffee that feels honest, local, and made with care.

EXPLORE LOCATIONS

14th Street
Coffee bar

Del Ray
Coffee Bar

G Street
Coffee Bar

Alexandria
Roastery

Frequently asked questions

Swing’s Coffee Roasters began in 1916 in Washington, D.C. Founded by Michael, and his son Edward Swing.

It’s where our legacy began, and we’ve grown through generations of coffee lovers who share the same values that started it all — community, craft, and care.

We balance traditional small-batch methods with a modern approach that highlights each bean’s natural character.