Every day, people in the US drink over 400 million cups of coffee, making us the leading consumer of the beverage in the entire world. You may simply brew a cup at home or grab it from a nearby drive-thru, but what better way to start exploring Virginia than to cozy up in a local shop?
Whether you want to act like a local or just need a caffeine boost for your day, these standout coffee shops around Virginia are ready to provide the coffee and the vibes.
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Mudhouse Coffee Roasters
Photo Credit: Hannah Armstrong @hannahelizarmstrong
Mudhouse Coffee Roasters—Charlottesville
Mudhouse serves fair price, fair trade coffees sourced from all over the world, including farms in Central and South America, Africa, and islands in the Indo-Pacific region. They even have their own coffee farm that they opened in Panama, which allows them to learn more about the art of coffee while ensuring the quality of the beans. There are two cafe locations in Charlottesville, plus another in nearby Crozet, as well as one in Richmond.
Lamplighter Coffee Roasters—Richmond
Lamplighter brought world-class coffee to Richmond in 2009, using ethically sourced coffee beans from around the world to craft delightful espressos, cappuccinos, and pour-over coffees. Pair with something off their menu, which includes lots of creative vegan and vegetarian options, for a complete breakfast or lunch.
More Central Virginia Coffee Shops:
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Rostov’s Coffee and Tea in Richmond: The quintessential Richmond roasters, in the game since 1979.
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Urban Hang Suite in Richmond: A social cafe with a great selection of coffee and eats.
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Sefton Coffee Company in Richmond: Ask the expert baristas for their favorite in-house flavors.
- Blanchard’s Coffee in Richmond: Another classic River City coffee establishment, roasting since 2005.
- Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters in Charlottesville: A favorite near UVA Grounds.
- Grit Coffee in Charlottesville: This shop has several locations in Charlottesville, two in Richmond, and one in Williamsburg.
- Demolition Coffee in Petersburg: Industrial-inspired decor meets quality coffee in Olde Towne.
- Baine's Books and Coffee in Appomattox: Quality brews and plenty of books and records to peruse.
VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea—Roanoke
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea roasts in-house to create some of the freshest, most flavorful cups of coffee around. Canisters built into the walls of the coffee shop store the roasted beans, making for practical-yet-funky decor. The cafe offers an array of customized coffee drinks as well as a full breakfast and lunch menu.
More Coffee Shops in the Virginia Mountains:
- Sweet Donkey Coffee House in Roanoke: Gourmet coffees, pastries, and a reimagined historic setting.
- Little Green Hive in Roanoke: Coffee, tea, and smoothies in several locations.
- One Love Coffee House in Roanoke: Enjoy a cup inside or swing through the drive-thru.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
Black Sheep Coffee
Photo Credit: Andrew Cothern
Black Sheep Coffee—Harrisonburg
For a steaming cup of coffee in downtown Harrisonburg, stop by Black Sheep Coffee in the historic Ice House building. The shop serves up coffee from local roasters, including Red Rooster in Floyd, Mudhouse Roasters in Charlottesville, and Roadmap CoffeeWorks in Lexington, turning these locally bought beans into a bevy of traditional coffees, espressos, teas, and baked goods.
Hopscotch Coffee & Records—Winchester
Browse through the old-school vinyl selection at Hopscotch Coffee & Records as you enjoy a cup of some of the finest coffee in the area. Beans are roasted on site and brewed to order. They sell a variety of coffee-making merchandise, as well as their whole-bean coffees and breakfast pastries from local bakeries.
More Coffee Shops in the Shenandoah Valley:
- Broad Porch Coffee Co. in Harrisonburg: Lots of indoor and outdoor seating at this coffee staple.
- Merge Coffee Company in Harrisonburg: Don't miss the specialty espresso beverages.
- Roadmap CoffeeWorks in Lexington: Award-wining roaster with a focus on tastings and coffee education.
- Doppio Bunny in Winchester: This coffee shop is located inside a brewery for the perfect day-to-night hangout spot.
- Woodstock Cafe in Woodstock: Enjoy coffee and espresso drinks on Woodstock's charming main street.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Del Ray—Alexandria
Swing’s Coffee Roasters—Alexandria
Swing’s Coffee Roasters in Alexandria has been part of the region’s culture for over a century, roasting and brewing fresh coffee for Northern Virginia residents since 1916. They have several locations in the area, but our favorite is the Del Rey neighborhood coffee bar. The building has an industrial feel, utilizing concrete floors, large glass windows, unfinished wood, and unembellished hanging lights for a rustic yet warm tone.
More Coffee Shops in Northern Virginia:
- Hyperion Espresso in Fredericksburg: A downtown Fredericksburg staple that's now part of Roadmap CoffeeWorks.
- Eileens Bakery & Cafe in Fredericksburg: Coffees, pastries, and more in Historic Downtown Fredericksburg.
- Agora Downtown Coffee Shop in Fredericksburg: Cozy vibes, delicious beverages, and used books to peruse.
- Raven's Nest Coffee House in Culpeper: A go-to spot downtown for locals that styles itself as "the community living room."
- St. Elmo's Coffee Pub in Alexandria: Family-owned coffee shop with three locations.
- Rare Bird Coffee Roasters in Falls Church: High quality coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
- CUPPi COFFEE in Bristow: Enjoy an espresso creation or a sweet coffee treat that's blended with ice cream.
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
Red Rooster Coffee
Photo Credit: Chelsa Yoder
Red Rooster Coffee Roaster and Cafe—Floyd
Red Rooster Coffee was established in 2010 in downtown Floyd with a specific goal in mind — roast excellent coffee for the community in the owner's existing coffee house. Little did they know their product would become a favorite across Virginia and the East Coast. Sample their flavorful creations in the heart of downtown Floyd.
More Coffee Shops in Southwest Virginia:
- The Girl and the Raven in Abingdon: This small batch coffee roaster also serves top-notch Southern fare.
- Briar Patch Marketplace & Cafe in Galax: Hearty eats and quality coffee.
CHESAPEAKE BAY
The Local
Photo Credit: Hannah Armstrong @hannahelizarmstrong
The Local—Irvington
The Local brews locally roasted, organic beans into a variety of coffee and espresso drinks in this Northern Neck town. On sunny days, the cafe’s patio provides a refreshing and beautiful venue to sip your drink while you experience the small town charm from a sort of “front porch” vantage point. Fresh baked muffins, bagels, and parfaits round out the breakfast menu, and for lunch the cafe offers a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches.
More Coffee Shops in the Chesapeake Bay Region:
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The Art of Coffee in Montross: Part coffeehouse, part art gallery.
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Java Jacks Cafe in Tappahannock: Grab a drink from the full service coffee bar or enjoy all-day breakfast.
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Front Porch Coffeehouse in Kilmarnock: Stop in for coffee and pastries seven days a week.
EASTERN SHORE
Cape Charles Coffee House
Photo Credit: Scott K. Brown
Cape Charles Coffee House—Cape Charles
Housed in the restored Cape Charles Bank that dates back to 1910, the Cape Charles Coffee House hints at their grand beginnings with original tin ceilings, a grand staircase, art deco chandeliers, and paneled walls. Order their signature drink, the Café Cape Charles, along with your breakfast or lunch, and finish it all off with one of the delicious dessert options. If the weather permits, lounge on the patio to enjoy the Eastern Shore air, or grab a seat in the dining room upstairs, where you can savor your coffee as you peruse work by local artists.
More Coffee Shops in Coastal Virginia — Eastern Shore:
- Machipongo Trading Company in Machipongo: Stop by for lunch and a coffee pick-me-up.
- AmaRin Coffee USA in Chincoteague: This shop began roasting in 2012 in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
HAMPTON ROADS
Three Ships Coffee Roasters
Photo Credit: Hannah Armstrong @hannahelizarmstrong
Three Ships Coffee Roasters—Virginia Beach
You'll find Three Ships Coffee Roasters in a beautiful brick building a short walk from Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, with a stark black and white color scheme that allows the coffee to be the star. The cafe roasts their coffee beans in-house before turning them into world-class brews. You can’t go wrong with the flavor-infused coffees or espresso options, but the cold brew coffee is the most raved-about beverage here. Pair with a homemade biscuit made with hearty ingredients, or a sweeter treat like the Nutella Hand Pie.
Aromas—Williamsburg
Aromas is a full scale coffee shop and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with their all-day cafe menu. They roast the coffee beans on-site for the freshest coffee possible, and also serve loose-leaf teas and fresh-baked desserts throughout the day. In addition to being a cafe and restaurant, Aromas acts as a live entertainment venue, featuring local bands, open mic nights, and various other community events on a weekly basis. Bring your friends and family when you visit Aromas if you are looking for an immersive experience rather than just a simple cup of coffee.
More Coffee Shops in Coastal Virginia — Hampton Roads:
- Lynnhaven Coffee Company in Virginia Beach: A community staple with locally roasted beans.
- Colattao Coffee House in Virginia Beach: The coffee and food get rave reviews at this cozy spot.
- Java Surf Cafe & Espresso Bar in Virginia Beach: Get your joe and explore the ViBE Creative District and oceanfront.
- Coalescence Coffee Company in Norfolk: Top-notch coffee with a welcoming atmosphere.
- The Coffeehouse in Williamsburg: A longtime roaster with sandwiches, salads, and soups.
- Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters in Yorktown: Take a break from sightseeing at this spot in Colonial National Historical Park.
Keep exploring more of our food and drink favorites in Virginia.