storefront sign saying Misha's Coffee with a Black man with hat walking inside door

I admit it, I am a coffee snob. Most gas station coffees make me queasy, and I cry when I see artificial flavoring on a coffee label. I pull out my French coffee press every morning and make a fresh batch. It’s like my morning therapy. But as a remote worker, sometimes I feel like going to a coffee shop to work.

Living in Old Town Alexandria makes choosing a good coffee shop easy. A quick stroll on King Street will bring you to some of the best coffee shops in Old Town. Sip your coffee while daydreaming on cobble-stoned streets or in front of the Old Town Waterfront. From cozy hideaways to bustling cafes, there’s a java joint for every taste bud!

The Coffee Shop that Old Town Alexandria Locals Love

1. Misha’s Coffee House & Roastery

The first stop on our coffee crawl is none other than Misha’s Coffee House & Roastery, a local gem known for its artisanal brews and cozy atmosphere. Nestled on Patrick Street, Misha’s offers a wide selection of single-origin coffees, freshly roasted on-site. Whether you’re in the mood for a smooth espresso or a creamy latte, Misha’s has got you covered. Their desserts are super delicious. I can’t recommend the caramel cake enough, but they also have plenty of muffins, coffee cake, and pastries. Bonus points for their friendly baristas and inviting patio – the perfect spot for people-watching!

Address: 102 S Patrick St, Alexandria, VA 22314

burlap bags of coffee beans stored in coffee shop
a slice of caramel cake at Misha's coffee shop

2. ESP Tea & Coffee

inside of ESP coffee shop showing chairs, window, and wall with lots of stickers and foreign money
Black woman's hand holding a purple and pink iced drink outside in front of a sign that says ESP coffee and tea

ESP Coffee and Tea reminds me of college. There are lots of people working on their laptops, a laid-back barrister, and great music playing in the background. The decor is cozy and inviting. They even have outdoor and indoor seating. I was surprised to see a vegan Jamaican patty on the menu, which was good. They also have lots of pastries from all across the world. I would describe this place as a true coffee and tea lover’s paradise.

Located on King Street, this eclectic cafe offers a unique blend of specialty-sourced teas and handcrafted coffees to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a classic chai latte or an adventurous matcha espresso, ESP has something for everyone.

Address: 1011 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

3. Ben’YaYs : New Orleans Beignets and Coffee

My mom is from Louisiana and I grew up enjoying homemade beignets and coffee. One day I was riding my bike and I saw a sign about a new cafe coming to Alexandria. I made sure to check back and sure enough, Ben’Yays is open! These beignets were fluffy, moist, and dusted with the perfect amount of powdered sugar. This place might just become my new favorite spot. They even have a cozy space in the back for those who enjoy working in cafes.

I was lucky enough to meet the owner when I visited. He was super nice and shared how Ben’YaYs came to Alexandria. I love supporting local coffee spots, and this place will be on my regular rotation.

4. The Greenery Coffeehouse

The Greenery Coffeehouse has great coffee and lots of healthy snacks. The woman I spoke to at the register was really nice and had a lot of knowledge about mushrooms and herbs. I decided to try the coffee with collagen. They also have gluten-free and vegan pastries.

They offer herbal coffee infusions with skin, gut, and health benefits, and I love that they offer many environmentally friendly options. It’s a new location but I think it will really blow up when people find out about it.

a 2 story white house with a sign that says "The Greenery Coffeehouse"
a Black woman's hand holding a disposable coffee cup

International Coffee Shops in Alexandria Virginia

3. Turkish Coffee Lady

I love riding my bike to the Turkish Coffee Lady. After all the baklavas and pastries I eat here, it’s like a reward. The Turkish Coffee Lady is a hidden gem tucked away on Queen Street. It’s the next best thing if you can’t make it to Istanbul.

This aromatic delight is a must-try for coffee connoisseurs, made with finely ground beans and brewed to perfection in a traditional cezve. Pair it with a sweet treat from their selection of baklava or my favorite, the Acma Pastry With Olive Paste.

For a more immersive experience, try the Turkish Breakfast. It comes with Turkish tea or coffee, fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, and pastries. Their menu also shows that a lunch sampler may be on the horizon. Seating is very limited, but there is a quick turnover.

Address: 412 Queen St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Fancy gold tea sets. One set has milky pistachio turkish coffee. The other set had dark brown coffee. Turkish pistachio pastries, water, and turkish candie are also on the table.

4. Abyssinia Mart and Coffee House (permanently closed)

Address: 822 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Our coffee adventure continues at Abyssinia Mart and Coffee House, where Ethiopian tradition meets modern charm. Located on the quiet Fairfax Street, this cozy cafe serves up rich and flavorful Ethiopian coffee that will awaken your senses with its bold taste and aromatic spices. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the warm ambiance as you savor every sip of their signature brew.

The Best Work-Friendly Coffee Shop in Old Town Alexandria

5. Café du Soleil: Perfect Cafe for Remote Workers

Address: 44 Canal Center Plaza #100, Alexandria, VA 22314

Last but certainly not least, we’re rounding off our coffee crawl at Café du Soleil, a charming bistro in Canal Center Plaza where you’ll find gorgeous peaks of wisteria blooms in the Spring. Step inside and bask in the warm ambiance as you sip their expertly brewed coffee. This cafe is full of people working on laptops. It can get a bit busy and is more expensive than other shops on this list. It is also family and veteran-owned.

So there you have it, fellow coffee lovers—the ultimate guide to the best coffee shops in Old Town Alexandria! Whether you’re looking for a cozy hideaway or a bustling cafe with waterfront views, this charming neighborhood has something to satisfy every craving. So, grab your mug and start sipping through Old Town—your taste buds will thank you!

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5 Comments

  5. oh, I love to sit down at a coffee shop (with a chai latte, if they have that) and read my book or get some work done. They all sound good and I love it when they have good pastries and cake. Would love top sit at Cafe du Soleil or try the chai latte from ESP Tea & Coffee.

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