It’s a very brisk week in NOVA. The weather out here is usually nothing compared to the Northeast U.S– or even Western Virginia– but the current forecast is a lot chillier than usual. That can be bad. It means getting to work is a little more arduous. It means more time putting on one layer over another. Walking the dog might feel a little torturous. A strong chill in the air can also be good, though. Huddling under fuzzy blankets near kindling fireplaces. A great excuse to skip the gym, too. Most importantly, a lovely excuse to go grab a fresh, warm, deliciously brewed cup of coffee. If you need a quick, cozy pick or just need something to add warmth to your bones, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Northern Virginian coffee shops.
Simply Social Coffee
Staff photo by Angela Woolsey
This is where the best espresso in Northern Virginia lies. If you dig an acidic, flavorful shot of warmth, this is it. Simple Social Vienna follows traditional recipes for its espresso, which is why it is oh-so-good. Unlike more mainstream coffee spots, Simply Social doesn’t try to sell a latte as a flat white. Instead, they really make those velvety, delicious espresso drinks with real, admirable skill, great beans, fluffy micro foam, and creamy milk. You also get a nice little pizzelle cookie with every drink you order.
Rare Bird Coffee Roasters
Photo courtesy Rare Bird on Instagram.
Perfect place (and beans) for a pour over. The pastries also happen to be excellent. The bean selections are mostly single-origin, which is why they have such distinctive flavors— and they roast everything in house. Rare Bird is not a bean-burner— everything is roasted light to medium. If you’re looking for something dark, they have it, but it’s less common here. This is another traditional brewing place, so if you crave a classic, familiar taste, you’ll find it here. Just don’t expect to find seating, as it tends to be super crowded. There’s also less customization here, but it’s worth it for the amazing quality and consistency across their stricter menu.
Foundation Coffee
This one's a bit harder to find. It’s tucked away in the back, hidden, at Fair City Mall in a little corner. Yes, you have to drive by all the mall dumpsters. But it’s worth it. The atmosphere is quiet— calming even. It’s a great little spot for Americanos because they tend to roast their beans on the lighter side. The selection is smaller because they’re more about quality than quantity. Foundation’s coffee tends to be very acidic if that’s your thing. The food isn’t too great, so maybe skip the croissant or cake slice.
Qamaria Yemini
Photo provided by Ilana Bar-av
If you’re looking for something less classic and more foreign, that’s Qamaria Yemini. This shop imports their single-origin selection from small, organic Yemen farms. Yemeni and Arabic coffees are hard to find in the DMV area, but this spot has got it covered. A unique recommendation for this cafe: their Adeni Karek Chai. It’s a beloved Middle Eastern staple; a chai-based drink made from sweet and spicy Yemeni milk tea. Qamaria is also open until 10 P.M on weekdays (11 P.M on weekends), and their desserts are scrumptious.
Gute Leute
Gute Leute is also less traditional— and far more high end. It’s Korean coffee but framed like a gourmet experience. Perfect if you’re looking to make coffee more of a fun activity. It’s a chain, started in Seoul, and this location in Ballston is its only U.S. location. The coffee is served Omakase style, a multi-course menu that’s hand-picked by the chef. Gute does that, but with coffee flights, which is quite special. People rave about their espressos. The staff is lovely, and the atmosphere matches. One major downside is that it’s pricier than your average cup of joe.
Oh, and fun fact: Gute Leute is German for ‘good people’. Why is a Korean-style coffee cafe named in German with a Japanese-course style menu? No clue, but it works.
29th Parallel
Photo credit: The Benjamin Banks
A little less busy than some of the above recommendations. The coffee here is top-tier. They focus on it like an artisanal craft— think well-sourced beans, and pour overs. The beans tend to be roasted darker, so be prepared for a strong cup. It’s a small third-wave coffee shop, quaint and cozy. Amir, the owner, is known to be very kind and extremely passionate about good coffee. A word of warning: 29th can be a bit snobby when it comes to their craft.
Swings Coffee
Swings is a local icon— it’s been around since 1916. They have multiple locations, but their Alexandria location is the best. They roast their own beans every day and are great at pour overs. Many of their products are single-origin selections. Every Friday, they hold a coffee cupping. It’s a fancier way of saying a tasting where a specific coffee they have is evaluated using the five senses. They’re perfect if you’re looking for some coffee at home too; Swings usually has a gigantic rack full of their varied selection of beans.
Caffe Amouri Coffee Roaster
A community favorite. The staff and owner, Michael Amouri, are insanely friendly and clearly love what they do. They import their beans and roast them in-house. They have classes and cupping sessions for those who want to learn the art of tasting coffee. Amouri’s drip coffee is a step up from chains and other local spots, but their espresso is superior. Some of their blends, like Adventure, are amazing as ice coffees, and others hit the spot for pour overs– might have to ask for some recommendations from the staff while you're there. Because they are Italian-owned, you can find some special Italian sodas here, along with hot chocolate, teas, and smoothies if you want non-caffeinated options.
Weird Brothers
Similar to Amouri, but better at Americanos. Both roast their beans in-house, and both sell a variety of other drinks besides coffee. Weird Brothers is also quite talented at triple espresso shots, which are punchy and properly acidic. The Americanos are fresh and hit the spot if you’re looking for something similar to drip. It’s a spot with a relaxed vibe, perfect for getting work done or hanging with friends and loved ones. Their bagged beans are particularly loved, so if you check it out, make sure to grab a bag for home.
Wawa
"wawa" by lsiegert is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
I’m sure you were not expecting a gas station chain to be on this list– especially after talking about very high end, sometimes delightfully snobbish options. Wawa is a staple chain in New Jersey that has made its way to Florida, Indiana, Georgia, and good old Northern Virginia. The coffee here is surprisingly outstanding. The machines they use to brew are industrial and nice– really nice. The coffee flavors range from light to dark roasts, with some particularly flavorful, distinct options like hazelnut and french vanilla. Decaf is available too, and usually they have a seasonal special. Wawa is open late (super late, sometimes 24/7), so it’s perfect for an evening or late night beverage. Their bagged beans are not worth buying, though-- it must be something about their brewing machinery that makes it so good, because at home, it just doesn't taste the same.
Posted by Lauren Weiner on
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