8 trendy cafes and coffee shops in Virginia

Whether you’re in the mood for a citrus-infused delight or you’re seeking a special artisan blend, Virginia’s coffee scene has it all.

There’s nothing quite like the delicious flavor of coffee in the morning… or the afternoon… or even late at night! Or how about a perfectly crisp panini to enjoy during a brief break from reality? Whether you’re looking for a little pick-me-up or a sweet treat, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to espresso yourself across the commonwealth.

RND Coffee Lounge

1114 Main St SW, Roanoke, VA 24015

What stands for “Roaster Next Door,” locals know as the RND Coffee Lounge. Have you ever heard of a citrus coffee? Here’s your chance to try one! RND has three unique offerings: Orange Morning, Lemon Drop, and a seasonal Grapefruit Espresso Soda. If you develop a sweet tooth while you’re there, be sure to try a vegan carrot cake muffin, made by local bakery Bread Run Roanoke.  

Fun fact: RND also has a presence in Vinton, where they offer a private event space complete with natural lighting and comfortable seating for up to 38 guests. 

Blackbird Bakery

188 Piedmont Ave, Bristol, VA 24201

Whether you’re looking for a donut and coffee or a cake and a bowl of ice cream, Blackbird Bakery is a one-stop-shop for all-things-sweet. The bakery serves both walk-in and order-ahead customers, dazzling tastebuds with everything from apple fritters to seasonal cheesecake flavors (yes, they have pumpkin in the fall). 

Fun fact: Each quarter, Blackbird Bakery supports nonprofit organizations and charitable causes in the community through a designated amount of cupcake donations. 

Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co.

1805 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23223

If you’re looking for a true artisan coffee experience, Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co. has just about every offering you could imagine. Not a coffee aficionado, or curious to learn more about the craft? The roastery offers a master cheat sheet, showcasing everything from the everyday espresso to cortados—and the differences between them. 

Fun fact: Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co. uses Homestead Creamery products, which are made in Virginia. For guests looking for non-dairy options, Ironclad also offers alternatives. 

Callands Coffee

11 S Main St, Chatham, VA 24531

From Costa Rica to Ethiopia, Callands Coffee offers a slew of exotic blends to customers out of their idyllic small town location in Chatham. Whether you prefer whole beans or need something to spice up your Keurig routine, the roastery is ready to grind your order to perfection. Freshly brewed cups of coffee and tea—as well as flavored lemonade varieties—are also available to order to-go.

Fun fact: Callands Coffee started selling unique blends at locals farmers markets before expanding to a brick-and-mortar storefront and roastery. 

Coaster Coffee

8418 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk, VA 23518

Want to drink a cup of coffee and help your community at the same time? That’s possible through every single sip at Coaster Coffee. The folks at [OV]Church launched the coffee shop as a way to positively impact the Norfolk area, while providing a safe and comfortable meeting space. From sandwiches on Sourdough to oat milk lattes, each treat carries the simple satisfaction of supporting a good cause. 

Fun fact: Coaster Coffee operates as a nonprofit business, meaning all profits benefit the community. Whether that’s feeding the hungry, building community gardens, teaching kids the arts, or helping people secure employment, one cup of coffee really can change the world. 

Café du Soleil 

215 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

If you’re in the mood to order a quiche, piece of toast, and espresso macchiato at the same time, you’ve come to the right place. Café du Soleil serves everything from quick bites to full meals, as well as a long list of coffee, tea, smoothie, and wine selections.

Fun fact: You can sign up for the Soleil Wine Club online, which grants members access to small production artisan wines from around the world.

Black Sheep Coffee

80 E Market St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Offering in-house, fresh made baked goods and a plethora of coffee and tea blends from speciality providers, Black Sheep Coffee serves up the perfect blend of tasty treats and yummy drinks. Featured roasters include both Virginia and out-of-state coffee pros, like Red Rooster Coffee Roasters, Blanchards Coffee, Tandem Coffee Roasters, Pilot, Parlor Coffee, ReAnimator, Little Amps, and Roadmap Coffee Roasters.

Fun fact: If you look around Black Sheep Coffee hard enough, you’ll find pieces of reclaimed wood from tables the owner built for his own wedding reception!

Machipongo Trading Company

13037 Lankford Hwy, Machipongo, VA 23405

You won’t just find coffee here—though it is delicious. An assortment of local snacks, beverages, and art line the shelves of Machipongo Trading Company. If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, they’ve got you covered with sandwiches, wraps, ice cream, and more. But hey, if you are looking for a nice warm cup, you can’t go wrong with a blend by the Eastern Shore Coastal Roasting Co.

Fun fact: Machipongo Trading Company is located inside of an old Texaco station.