The Potter's House

The Potter’s House is a café, bookstore, and event space -- but as a nonprofit social enterprise, it’s also much more than that. Along with great coffee, tasty food, and a terrific selection of progressive books and gifts, the Potter’s House is a hub for community conversation, activism, and dialogue. Over 60 years old, The Potter’s House strives to create a third space where all patrons, whether paying or non-paying, can experience the same food, enjoy a shared ambience, and forge meaningful social connections. We are dedicated to celebrating shared humanity through our gathering spaces and programming; our socially responsible meals provided via the onsite café; and the unique curation of social justice books found in our bookstore.

Since 1960, The Potter’s House has been a steady, welcoming presence in Adams Morgan, offering radical hospitality to all who walk through our doors. Our ethos revolves around the concept of paying it forward – every coffee and book purchase contributes to our organizational mission, and patrons can easily make additional donations to provide meals for those facing food insecurity. Through our “Pay It Forward” program, we serve over 20,000 free meals per year to neighbors who might otherwise go hungry.

Our commitment to community service, accessibility, and justice forms the cornerstone of our work. Through activities of gathering, collaboration, growth, and social care, we work to create a shared community in which all members experience dignity and belonging. In our rapidly changing city - one in which development so often means displacement - The Potter's House is particularly dedicated to aiding individuals impacted by gentrification, serving as an inclusive space where we can build relationships across our differences, envision just alternatives, and grow movements that will make this future possible.

Today, we are in a pivotal moment of growth and expansion in terms of the services we provide, the impact that we’re making, and the structures that support our work. For more information about our rich heritage, please visit www.pottershousedc.org/history.