Smell that? That delicious cappuccino? The aromatic latte? Nothing is better for a kickstart than a hot cup of coffee, and Virginia’s plethora of coffee shops offers some of the best in the country. Virginians appreciate an excellent cup of caffeine, and there are so many to choose from, but here are our favorites!
Swing’s Coffee, Del Ray, VA
Swing’s Coffee Roasters has been a staple for almost 100 years. The interior is post-modern, with wood paneling, sparse flooring, and barrels and bags of coffee beans all around. The bar is huge and always bustling. But perhaps more impressive than the delicious cup of Joe is the leadership team’s commitment to ethical sourcing. Swing’s is a coffee aficionado’s dream.
Greenberry’s Coffee Co., Charlottesville, VA
Greenberry’s is a college town favorite from Charlottesville to Ashland. Mention it to any University of Virginia, James Madison University, Randolph Macon College or Virginia Military Institute student and you’re sure to hear stories about late night cram fests, meeting new friends, or developing life-long loves. What started as a singular Charlottesville location has grown to locations throughout the state as well as in Washington D.C., Louisiana, and internationally. Definitely worth a visit, particularly with a seasoned alumnus.
Lamplighter Roasting Company, Richmond, VA
Ask for a good coffee place in Richmond and chances are you’ll be directed to one of Lamplighter’s three locations. The owners pride themselves on brewing wonderful coffee while creating unique experiences between each location. The original Addison Street location has a full kitchen and is known as “Richmond’s living room.” Pull up a chair and get settle in.
Three Ships Coffee and Roastery, Virginia Beach, VA
Three Ships is a quaint coffee shop down at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. It’s small, but that’s how the owners like it. Their love and appreciation for the craft is apparent in every cup. In the owners’ own words: “We’re a hometown operation that reveres our community and the fierce good will that can be shared over coffee.” Its no wonder Three Ships has become a Virginia Beach favorite.
The BY&BY, Staunton, VA
The BY&BY, formerly Coffee on the Corner, has grown from its humble roots into a Staunton go-to. The menu has grown over time from offering coffee (of course) and desserts to now include gourmet espresso drinks, bagels, grilled sandwiches, and craft beer and wine. Drop by on Monday nights for movie-night and check back for live music throughout the year.
St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, Alexandria, VA
The first thing you might notice about St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, besides the aroma of fresh beans, are the dogs. Like so many of the best coffee shops on this list, St. Elmo’s aims to be more than a commercial coffee alternative—they want to give back to the community by becoming an integral part of it. The menu is robust, offering all your favorite coffee staples, along with food and craft beer. Make sure to stop by between Wednesday and Sunday for live music.
Misha’s Coffeehouse and Coffee Roaster, Alexandria, VA
Misha’s is all about style. The menu is made from a magnetic alphabet. The music: upbeat jazz. The slogan: “The best coffee you’ll ever have.” A bold claim, but not far from the truth. The beans are handpicked and hand-roasted in small batches daily. With six different blends and 18 varietals from around the world, there’s something for everyone in this eclectic coffeehouse.
Key Insights at a Glance
