In its early history, Kramers was open 24 hours and soon became a popular destination for neighborhood residents, authors, and politicians. It also earned a reputation as a place to meet a potential date. "The New York Times" described Kramer's as "one part bookstore, one part restaurant and perhaps one part singles bar." According to Posner, Kramers in part "helped establish a street life in Dupont Circle." For many patrons, it was the first place where they had their "first real espresso and cappuccino, their first microbrews, their first taste of Häagen-Dazs, their first decent bagels." The owners would have fresh bagels from New York delivered to Washington, D.C.'s Greyhound station because they couldn't find any decent ones in the area.