Searching for your new favorite coffee shop in Northern Virginia? We’re here to help. Peruse our guide to find the local coffee shop or cafe that works for you — from the cafes where you can get work done to the best roasteries in town.
Roasts to boast
Idido’s Coffee + Social, Arlington | Order classics like a latte or cortado at this cafe along with eats like sandwiches and flatbreads. If you go on a Sunday between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., make sure to check out the Columbia Pike Farmers Market.
Misha’s Coffee, Alexandria | Established in 1991, this spot is a staple for the Alexandria community. Make sure to check out the selection of both French roast and city roast coffee beans.
Second Nature Coffee Co., Leesburg | This coffee shop has such a cozy, homey vibe — probably because it’s actually set in a house. Sip on a steaming cup of joe, or indulge in an affogato.
Caffe Amouri Coffee Roaster, Vienna | If you’re looking for a cafe that truly values sustainability, this is the perfect spot. Sip on crafted coffee on-site, pick up ethically sourced beans to brew at home, and take part in barista classes to sharpen your coffee-making skills.
Foundation Coffee Roasters, Fairfax | If you’re on the hunt for a local spot to stock up on coffee beans, this is the place to visit. They offer an impressive selection of roasts, from African Flower to Blackbird.
Shaghf Coffee, Falls Church | With 67 locations nationwide, this Dubai-based café chain is making its mark in the DMV. Stop by to try their signature Karak Chai, rich Turkish coffee, and other tasty specialties.
Best bites
Simona Cafe, Arlington | This is my favorite coffee shop in NOVA. While it’s on the smaller side, it has the sweetest patio for you to sit and enjoy some fresh air while you drink your coffee. As for the food, they have delicious breakfast sandwiches on fresh focaccia bread. Don’t miss happy hour from 3 p.m. to close.
Bakery Museum + Co, Fairfax | This newer coffee shop in NOVA is the perfect spot to grab a bite while getting your caffeine fix. If you’re looking to hop on the Dubai chocolate trend, this cafe offers a Dubai brownie, a Dubai chocolate croissant, and a Dubai chocolate strawberry freshie.
Northside Social Coffee + Wine, Arlington + Falls Church | With two locations, this coffee shop is easily accessible to many in the NOVA area. Along with tasty sandwiches, the cafe offers both coffee and alcohol, making it the kind of place where you can work by day with a cappuccino and unwind at night with a glass of wine among friends.
Grounded Coffee Shop, Alexandria | This cafe serves up expertly crafted coffee drinks alongside a selection of pastries and light meals. Known for its seasonal specialties, standouts include the Nutty Irish Coffee for St. Patrick’s Day and the festive Gingerbread Latte during the holiday season.
Plenty of outlets and internet connection
Hypergoat Coffee Roasters, Alexandria | This is yet another spot that offers a coworking space while also serving up a great cup of coffee. Speaking from experience, the Wi-Fi here works great, and there’s a decent amount of seating, including an outdoor patio.
Three Whistles, Arlington | This European-style coffee shop also doubles as a coworking space. You can get a membership to receive additional services like access to more seating, faster Wi-Fi, and more to be as productive as you need to be.
Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters, Arlington | Located in Pentagon City, this coffee shop is one of my favorite places to work — not only does it have reliable Wi-Fi and outlets, but it’s also filled with natural light, which is an absolute must for me.
Kaldi’s Social House, Arlington | If you work from home, this is a great place to change up your routine. With plenty of seating, it’s an ideal spot to settle in, stay productive, and enjoy a latte or cortado while you work.
On-the-go joe
Mom + Pop, Fairfax | This smaller cafe doesn’t offer a ton of seating, but it certainly serves great coffee, making it the best stop for grab-and-go. I recently got a cold brew here and then walked around the Mosaic District farmers market on a Sunday morning.
Rare Bird Coffee Roasters, Falls Church | This charming cafe and bakery in NOVA is a hidden gem. The cardamom vanilla latte is absolutely worth a visit.
The Greenery Coffee +, Alexandria | This quaint coffee shop, located in a house in Old Town, is an ideal spot to grab a coffee while exploring the area. We recommend The Giver latte with caramel, maca, and oatmilk.
Basecamp Coffee Roasters, Tysons | Outdoor enthusiasts, take note — this is your go-to coffee spot. Connected to the neighboring climbing gym, Vertical Rock, it’s the perfect place to recharge with a cup of coffee after your morning climb.
Ballstonian, Arlington | This hidden gem in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood serves up some of the best Turkish coffee around. Run by owner Isa Seyran, the coffee cart offers a few outdoor seats — but it’s just as perfect for a quick grab-and-go pick-me-up.
Trendy and new
Underdog Coffee + Bread, Annandale | Opening back in April, this newer spot in NOVA is serving tasty toast, beautiful bagels, and classic coffees.
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., Sterling + Vienna + Falls Church | The newest spot for this location is in Sterling. Started by two Yemeni entrepreneurs, Hatem and Munif, they wanted to bring this style of coffee to the United States.
Simply Social Coffee, Reston | This is now the third location for this cafe, with other locations being in Vienna and Fairfax. We recommend getting a Belgian waffle with your coffee, or maybe the pesto chicken sandwich if you’re looking for something a bit more savory.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
