By Callie Solomon
A golden retriever puppy licks the last bits of a “pup cup.” A barista greets a regular customer by name. Another customer pauses to pet a passing dog before taking a sip of her latte.
Tucked away on N Street, just past Martin’s Tavern, is Milo & Mav, a Georgetown coffee shop and dog boutique. Since it opened in September of 2025, the shop has offered coffee, pastries, pet products and a space to connect — for both humans and dogs.
Staff member Angel said that Milo & Mav is different from other coffee shops not only because customers are encouraged to bring in their pets but due to its positive energy. “You’re safe here. You’re home,” she said.
Stepping inside, customers are greeted by the smell of fresh coffee and Polaroid photos of dogs that have visited the shop. Sunlight pours through the windows onto the full espresso bar.
Toward the back of the shop, artist Nonja Tiller sits surrounded by her colorful dog illustrations, depicting many dogs that have stopped by the shop. Tiller also creates custom dog portraits, often adding her own delightful touches to photos submitted by customers.
On the way out to the patio, there is a postcard-writing station, where customers can purchase a postcard featuring dogs in signature D.C. locations, like the monuments and the White House. The completed postcards can be left for Milo & Mav to mail.
The outdoor patio is a gathering space with plenty of seating, where dogs lounge beneath the tables and customers chat over coffee and pastries. The area sometimes transforms into a space for pet adoption events, with passersby stopping to greet the adoptable canines.
Milo & Mav owner Rae Stone said one of her main reasons for opening Milo & Mav is to create community. Besides the pet adoption events, she hosts meetups, pop-ups and arts events.
Stone said she is intentional about the products that Milo & Mav sells, aiming to stock items made locally or by persons with disabilities. The shop sells a variety of products, from pet accessories to decorative candles.
Part of the motivation to hire employees with disabilities to run the store, according to Stone, is to address employment barriers faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while giving the community a chance to see their talents and work ethic firsthand.
Staff member Max said, “I think it’s important for people with disabilities to work, and it sends the message that we are able to work.”
When asked why people should stop by Milo & Mav, Angel extended an open invitation. “Come on down,” she said. “I’ll show you all around.”
