The Local’s Guide to Coffee Shops in Alexandria, Virginia
As a Washington, D.C. area native and self-proclaimed coffee shop connoisseur, I am often asked for recommendations on my favorite DC coffee shops. Just over the 14th Street Bridge, you’ll find the beautiful history-rich City of Alexandria.
Take a walk along King Street in Old Town where you’ll find brick walkways, buildings dating all the way back to the 1700s, and cobblestone streets. Or, head over to Del Ray, “Where Main Street still exists” and walk along Mount Vernon Avenue were you’ll find many eclectic and independent shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. More on that below!
Alexandria is easy to fall in love with. There are a variety of cafes and eateries where you can relax and do some people watching, yet, you’ll never have to fight through crowds or circle around and around for parking (on most days, at least.) I moved to Europe in 2018 so new places are moving in and older places are being renovated but I try to update this whenever I’m back in my favorite US city. Whether you’re visiting Alexandria for a short while or have recently moved into town, here are my recommended coffee shops to add to your list!
1. Swing’s Coffee Roasters
Roasting ethically-sourced coffee, Swing’s has called the D.C. area home for over 100 years. They host coffee cuppings every third Friday of the month and are more than happy to share their love and passion for coffee with you. Believe me, the first time I went in, the baristas took the time to explain the different beans and the roasting process. Walking into a coffee shop is so much more than ordering a coffee, making a transaction, and then walking out. It’s an experience and Swing’s does it best. Their coffee is delicious and the ambience in their Del Ray location is my absolute favorite.
Their Roasting Facility and Del Ray Coffee Bar can be found at 501 East Monroe Avenue.
What I love:
Again, the design and vibe
Their unique, seasonal coffee drinks
2. Misha’s Coffee
The second local coffee roaster, Misha’s is located on the corner of King Street and S. Patrick Street in Old Town. It’s the perfect place to stop in to grab a coffee and go for a stroll down to the waterfront. It’s certainly a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike so seating might be limited but luckily, there’s so much to explore in Old Town, I don’t think you’ll mind :)
What I love:
The prime location
Hand-roasted in-house every day
3. St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub
Considered to be a Del Ray institution, St. Elmo’s originally opened in 1996 and was recently renovated. Its bright, spacious interior, strong WiFi, live music, and open-mic nights make it the perfect place to get work done or hang out, day or night.
What I love:
The wall mural on the side of the building, showcasing one of Del Ray’s former residents, Jim Morrison!
4. Junction Bakery & Bistro
One of the latest additions to the Del Ray neighborhood is Junction Bakery & Bistro. Though I didn’t stop by on my most recent visit to Alexandria, it looked very cute as we drove by. It has a nice coffeehouse atmosphere whilst also serving various breakfast and lunch options.
5. Stomping Ground (closed in 2023)
Located back over in Del Ray on Mt. Vernon Avenue, Stomping Ground’s motto is: “Seasonal first. Local and organic whenever possible. Buttermilk biscuits always.” While they’re mostly a neighborhood eatery for breakfast/lunch, you can stop in for a coffee and check out their charming atmosphere.
What I love:
The unique, mismatched dishes the food is served on.
Do you have a favorite Alexandria coffee spot? Let me know in the comments and I’ll check it out next time I’m in Alexandria. I’d love to hear if you end up checking any of these cafes out while you’re in town. Let me know!
To keep up with my travels and future recommendations, come on over to Instagram. You’ll find me @ChelseaDinen
