Coffee Shops - Alexandria Virginia

I am not a huge fan of Starbucks’ coffee but I always find myself stopping by and getting my usual Grande Skim Latte from there.  Do they spike their coffee with a secret addictive ingredient?  Is it because there is a Starbucks on every corner? Or is it the human habit of always going to the same spot?

In Alexandria, we have several unique coffee shops known not only for their coffees but also for their local and fun appeal.  They all provide different tasting coffees but more importantly, they all provide different atmospheres.  So the question is do you go to the coffee shops for the coffee or do you go for the atmosphere?

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Below.Here are some of our favorite Coffee shops in Alexandria

St Elmo’s Opened in 1996, this quickly became the definition of the neighborhood coffee shop. Located on Mt. Vernon Street in Del Ray, St. Elmo’s is situated in the center of a neighborhood that prides itself on its uniqueness and community spirit. St Elmo’s is the meeting place for the community. Neighborhood artist and musicians display their wares while local businessmen, mothers with strollers, and neighborhood leaders hold court at the tables and couches that abound here.There’s also Wifi, plenty of outdoor seating for people watching, and it’s dog-friendly.

2300 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22301
(703) 739 - 9268

Misha’s Misha’s is the oldest coffee house in Alexandria – it’s been around since 1991. Walk in and you immediately notice the aroma, the jars of coffee beans, the burlap bags, and the coffee roaster in the corner. They’ve been roasting their beans in house since day one. To insure the highest quality, all of their beans are hand-picked and high grown (altitudes ranging from 3000-6000 feet). There’s only one location, and they’re proud of it. Misha’s won’t be confused with a Starbucks – there’s a worn, beatnik look to it, with a smoker’s room and enough locals to keep it crowded. They take their coffee seriously.

102 South Patrick Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-548-4089

Perk Up Owned by 2 twenty-somethings, this shop is the epitome of “laid back”. Adam and Ryan are two local guys who are really enjoying their business, getting to know their regulars by their first name. Their coffee is Illy (can’t go wrong with that), and they’re doggy treats and free WiFi for everyone. This place is so well-liked by its customers that they don’t even complain when they’re locked in after closing (true story)!

829 S Washington St
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-2812

Buzz Buzz is the latest creation of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (owners of restaurants such as Evening Star, Vermilion, and Rustico). In this endeavor, they focus on great coffee and great pastries. Illy Coffee is their choice, and Chef Lisa Scruggs is the pastry wizard. Buzz is open and airy and quite kid-friendly during the day. There’s an area for kids to play while you relax with your coffee. Free WiFi as well. At night, it livens up and gets more of a loungy feel, serving liquor, live music and fun times! 

901 Slater’s Lane
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703)600-2899

Firehook Since 1992, Firehook is probably better known for its bread, but people fill in for coffee as well. Since it now has 11 locations, some might label it a chain. But the store has its roots in Old Town, so it gets a mention. The coffee is good – I don’t know what it is or where it comes from, but it’s always good.

105 S. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 519-8021