Ten Best Coffee Shops In Charlottesville, VA
I wouldn’t want to live in a world without coffee. Luckily for me, Charlottesville, VA is a city where many other people feel the same way. In fact, my fellow Charlottesville residents take their coffee so seriously you can essentially find a cafe on every corner - and many of these coffee shops have been in business for over 20 years! It’s a caffeine fiend’s dream, as you won’t be experiencing a shortage of Americanos or Ristrettos here any time soon.
It’s not just that Charlottesville has an abundance of coffee shops; Charlottesville also has an abundance of unique coffee shops. In fact, none of the Charlottesville coffee shops are entirely alike. Whether the reason be they roast their own beans, bake their own pastries or they offer up an exciting service, there is something for all coffee lovers. I think it’s fair to say everyone in town has one they consider Charlottesville’s best local coffee shop. That’s why I’m sharing a roundup of the ten best coffee shops in Charlottesville, VA; come get caffeinated with me!
Ten Best Coffee Shops In Charlottesville VA
Atlas Coffee
Atlas Coffee dubs itself your friendly neighborhood espresso bar, making it more of a town spot than a tourist attraction. They serve up locally roasted coffee from Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters and pastries are baked in-house. Kid and dog friendly, it is the kind of spot where you can meet up with friends for a chat outside or grab a seat at the counter to work - all while enjoying your caffeinated beverage!
If you are a fan of Chai, I recommend going with that, as their version is brewed in-house with fresh ginger. If you require more of a jolt, you can always make it dirty with an espresso shot or two!
Cville Coffee & Wine
Who doesn’t like the option of food and wine with their coffee? From egg sandwiches in the morning to salads in the afternoon, this is a great spot if you are also feeling peckish. They make their food in-house minus the bread, which comes from Albemarle Baking Company.
Cville coffee also has a strong neighborhood feel to it, as it’s located just before you get to the historic Downtown Mall. I would describe the decor as a bit cozy chic and you can easily spend a morning here just getting lost in conversation. Why not catch up with an old friend over a Milky Way (A shot of espresso with chocolate syrup, French vanilla, caramel and steamed milk)…or a glass of wine? The beauty of this spot is you can have both!
Greenberry’s Coffee Co.
Keeping Charlottesville caffeinated since 1992, Greenberry’s is a popular spot with the locals. Located in the Barracks Road Shopping Center and close to UVA, this coffee shop is a great place to take a break during a busy day exploring the shops - don’t we all need a jolt of caffeine for that? However, it also works well if you are studying or working.
Greenberry’s also boasts Nitro and Cold Brew options, like their Toffee & Cream Cold Brew. I recommend trying this for a unique treat while you are here.
Grit Coffee
From its humble beginnings as Para Coffee near the University of Virginia grounds to a known name with multiple locations in Charlottesville, Grit has become a popular spot for great specialty coffee. I myself have had many cups of coffee (and worked on my blog!) from here.
As they do have multiple locations, it’s easy to find one in town even if you aren’t staying in the downtown area. Each location serves up a different ambience, from the light and airy Pantops location to their more traditional coffeehouse feel on the Downtown Mall. One thing to note is their Downtown Mall location is the only one with a true food menu, as their other locations stick mostly to baked goods.
I personally always opt for either a Dirty Chai or a seasonal drink when I’m here, but I would recommend trying their High Five for something a little different. This drink consists of espresso pulled over raw sugar, steamed half and half, and topped with Maldon flaky sea salt.
Get Directions (Pantops location)
JBird Supply
If you are looking for a hidden gem where you can get some work done while you caffeinate, JBird is for you. Located in IX Art Park, this coworking cafe is walking distance from town but allows for a quieter feel. The space itself is super welcoming with quality (and ethically sourced) coffee. It’s the perfect coffee shop for focusing on whatever the task is at hand.
For something a little more refreshing than your typical espresso drinks, try the Lil Zip. A Cold Brew with Tonic Water, this will give you a bit of pep to get your work done. After you finish, take a stroll around the IX Art Park. Maybe you’ll time it just right to visit their Saturday morning Farmers Market!
Lone Light Coffee once shared its space with The Pie Chest and hearts were broken when the beloved pie shop closed. Luckily, Lone Light will be making a comeback in the same location and will soon be serving their great coffee again. Try their Cortado (my friend Ali swears it is the best in town) and enjoy the picturesque setting on the Downtown Mall.
Keep an eye out to see when they reopen and what their hours will be.
Milli Coffee Roasters
A Charlottesville staple since 2012, Milli Coffee Roasters has also been roasting their coffee in-house since 2015, which means you can expect a fantastic Americano here.
Located walking distance of the Downtown Mall, Milli Coffee Roasters gets fairly busy with students studying and people working, but if you’re lucky to snag a seat it’s a place where you can really settle in and get comfortable. They also serve waffles, quiche and panini in case you need extra sustenance.
From their humble start with a small cart on the historic Downtown Mall to their current multiple establishments, Mudhouse has been bringing great coffee to Charlottesville for over 20 years. This isn’t surprising, given Mudhouse founders Lynelle & John Lawrence are also licensed Q Graders.
Wait…what on Earth does that mean?
In basic terms, this is like being a wine sommelier only with coffee. Essentially, they know their coffee and they ensure what they are serving is a product they can be proud of. I recommend grabbing a cup at their location on the Downtown Mall so you can sit outside and people watch while enjoying a seasonal latte and pastries from the Albemarle Baking Company.
Get Directions (Downtown Mall Location)
Petite MarieBette
Petite MarieBette takes the idea of a French bakery and gives it a coffeehouse twist. Located just off of the historic Downtown Mall, this spot is popular with locals and visitors alike. They also have an extensive and popular food menu. As a result it can get very crowded on the weekends, especially Saturdays from April - November when the City Market is open so expect a line - not to mention the risk of running out of their delicious Everything Prezzant (Pretzel Croissant)! I swear by them.
While their coffee is fantastic, their hot chocolate is extra special - they even have hot chocolate month in February where they showcase a different flavor each day. Add the homemade marshmallow to make it extra decadent.
Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters
Finishing out my list of Ten Best Coffee Shops is Shenandoah Joe’s. Roasting coffee since 1993, they are passionate about what they do.
You’ll find an eclectic mix of coffee lovers in their quirky Preston Avenue location. From students hard at work to good friends chatting away, there is definitely a true coffeehouse vibe to their loyal clientele. Sit back in a comfy chair. Order a cortado to perfectly highlight their amazing espresso and enjoy.
Get Directions (Preston Avenue Location)
Until next time, cheers and happy caffeinating!
