If you’ve ever ordered a coffee at one of our Washington DC restaurants and found an animal cracker waiting alongside it, you already know: it’s a small thing that somehow feels like a big thing. A tiny welcome. A little signature. A reminder that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

So why animal crackers? Constantine put it best: when he opened Tryst, he was inspired by the European tradition of serving a small treat with coffee, something like a piece of chocolate. But instead of going fancy (or risking a chocolate situation where everyone eats them before the coffee even hits the table), he wanted a simple detail that could live with us every day.

Animal crackers were the answer because they’re very American, unpretentious, and quietly nostalgic in the best way. And over time, that little cookie became part of our identity: a small, consistent gesture that says come in, stay awhile.