Being that it is Friday, I slid on over here after lunch for a cold brew that will carry me for the rest of the afternoon. One that I've tried before is called the cherry vanilla cream cold brew. Along with that I got a yogurt bar. Most all of the folks were inside and I felt like I was the only sole out on the sidewalk. Today was one of those days when it wasn't too hot and humid. I felt some very light sprinkles but it was fine enough to be outside. The cafe itself is huge and there is quite a bit of activity on Wilson Boulevard out in front. The cold brew has quickly become one of my favorites! read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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No stars! You should go elsewhere. Made pickup order, order cancelled immediately. No reason given at all. Called their phone number, rolled to an answering machine immediately. Got charged, no refund. This is a ridiculous way to run a business, the food is overpriced and the ambiance is bad. You should go elsewhere. read more

Reliable work spot, but prep for a crowd! I'm so relieved this location survived the reorganization and is still open. It's my go-to spot for an hour or two of laptop work. The location at Wilson and Randolph is perfect, though it's definitely been discovered--it was much busier today than on my previous visits. ​While I had to wait a bit for my drink, the atmosphere is still great for staying productive. Next time, I'll definitely be using the mobile app to order ahead so I can jump straight into work! read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee liner up - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I have been wanting to try this spot for a while! The barista yesterday was so patient with me and walked through their seasonal and best sellers. I told him I was looking for 3 things: a strong coffee, lightly sweet, and light on the milk/cream. Ultimately, we decided on the vanilla cherry cold brew with a splash of cream. It was a little lighter in color than I would like (usually indicative of a weak coffee or too much cream) but upon first sip I exclaimed "WOW! This is good!!" And it really was! The barista told me their cherry syrup tasted like cherry coke and it totally did! It was a flavor I'm not used to having in my coffee- but as a coffee connoisseur and yelper, who likes to try what's hip, this absolutely itched that scratch for me before my appointment down the block. Sizing was on the small side. I ended up paying approx $7 for a delicious yet small coffee that I slurped down very fast. I'd recommend a larger size and just be aware of the price point. Around 10am during the week, you see several business bros and finance professionals grabbing a quick caffeine hit in between meetings. They freshly grind their beans too! So all in all, this location has very good coffee and steady clientele. They also carry some unique snacks for grab and go! read more

Compass coffee is always great! This spot had good seating, though the outdoor area wasn't covered outside of some umbrellas-- a consideration if it's raining! The indoor seating area was smaller than others but still considerable. The latte was excellent, as always. Their almond croissant was okay, I may have come at a bad time and gotten one that was less fresh. We will definitely be back to try their other offerings! read more

Clean location, great meeting and work location. This location is within a few blocks of another location that tends to be much busier. This location is calm, quick service, and of course the menu is great. read more

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Needed a pick me up before taking the metro to work and stopped by this gem of a place! It was pretty packed at 730am on a weekday. I ordered an iced matcha latte and & their hot honey sausage breakfast sandwich. Service was so nice and the food and drinks were so delicious. I'd definitely come back to try more things on the menu! If you didn't know, like me, they serve their drinks without a lid and you go to their self service bar to get a lid! read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

The barista was super nice (freak Dodgers cap) and helpful for my daughter who didn't know what to order. She had the Lavender matcha and she loved it. I got a cross aunt and a latte and i could tell the coffee beans were fresh, not like Starbucks (eww). I will definitely be back again. read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I don't think their seasonal drinks are very good-- they taste rather watered down and almost a bit flavorless. Compass Coffee is good however if you need a place to sit and want a basic coffee. Staff is also generally pretty nice, and if you have the app, they also give some promo codes. read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Located in the heart of Ballston, just steps from Ballston Quarter Mall, this café is a popular spot that often has long lines. Fortunately, Sunday morning wasn't too busy, so I stopped in for coffee. I ordered a hot honey lavender latte, which was a bit sweeter than I expected, along with a breakfast sandwich and a blueberry muffin. One suggestion: having menus closer to the entrance would be helpful for those waiting in line--unless I missed them. Parking can be tricky, as you'll need to find street parking or use the garage. Inside, there's plenty of seating, making it a great place to study or relax. While the initial greeting could have been warmer, the overall experience was good. They offer treats for furry friends! read more

Whenever I travel, I generally like visiting local coffee shops and sometimes, buying locally roasted coffee beans. Last October, a group of us visited from Hawaii, San Diego, and Norfolk, and some of us are huge coffee fans. Coming from Hawaii, I especially wanted to try a pumpkin spice latte in actual "cool" weather, as drinking a PSL in 80-degree weather still feels strange to me. Of course, in my search for good local coffee, I instantly found Compass Coffee. Fortunately, this one was located just a couple of blocks away from our Airbnb in Ballston. Overall, the food and drink around Ballston is amazing--it is a college district after all. Compass Coffee is something else, though! On our first visit to Compass Coffee, I ordered a hot pumpkin spice latte. Did I mention oat, soy, and almond milk are complimentary? I ordered my PSL with oat milk and my drink was so good! The pumpkin sauce wasn't overpowering like in some corporate shops, and you could still taste the nice espresso flavor. I loved it! The following day, I ordered the hot almond butter latte with oat milk, which was tasty. My husband, however, ordered the iced almond butter latte since he said a good amount of Yelp reviews mentioned the drink. I tried his drink, and this ICED ALMOND BUTTER LATTE WAS THE BEST DRINK AT COMPASS COFFEE. The almond butter flavor complemented the espresso so well. DC locals are lucky to have daily access to that iced almond butter latte! I'm glad I ordered a canister of Compass' signature roast, the Cardinal Blend. Hubby and I have been drinking Cardinal Blend brewed by our V60 almost every day for the past month! Coffee lovers, a brewed Cardinal Blend or an iced almond butter latte will make your day or your stay in DC! read more

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Great setup with windows with a long table setup with stools chairs. A couch and various tables. Nice selection of books as a small bookstore feel. Had some green and mint tea. read more

Got an offer via e-mail for a free breakfast sandwich with purchase. This is dangerous for me because I love a breakfast sandwich and a place this close could form an addictive habit! I bought the cherry blossom latte. I was a pretty pink and very sweet (a statement- not a complaint!). It was the perfect accompaniment to my savory egg sandwich. The sandwich was super hot which I liked. The egg was good, cheese perfectly melted and bun soft. I would have preferred the bacon more crispy. I really like this particular coffee shop. It's bright and never too crowded. read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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One of the better oat milk matcha lattes I've had anywhere. Great flavors for coffee, too. I came here every morning of my trip and tried a breakfast sandwich - the hot honey one. The bun was really tough but it was tasty! Probably not healthy but definitely tasty, and comes out very hot, which is a huge plus on cold days. Service is nice and fast, even when there are many people queuing for their orders. read more

Got a cold brew around lunch time and it wasn't too busy, although this place can get pretty busy in the mornings due to its location on a busy street in Ballston. The cold brew was good but prices are a little on the higher side. Good amount of seating inside and outside, saw some people working from the cafe. read more

Not the biggest coffee fan but wanted a warm beverage to avoid the cold. I opted for a sweeter drink and ordered the Nutella mocha and wow was I impressed!! Sweet enough to satisfy my sweet tooth but just enough espresso to give me a burst of energy. read more

Compass Coffee - Nutella Mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Seems like overpriced coffee but so worth! I got the matcha lemonade and was a smooth and interesting combo that kind of blew me away. Their coffee drinks are tasty as well. The whole experience for Compass Coffee is just amazing! Place has great vibes and spacey environment. The employees are nice and super friendly. Supplies such as napkins and lids are placed in a nice area too. Bathroom is spacious and clean. Definitely recommend a visit for any coffee/caffeinated drink lover! read more

Compass Coffee - Matcha lemonade - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

One star ding because in the winter it's freezing inside. Compass throw on the heat, even Tiny Tim had a lump of coal to keep him warm. It's warmer ice fishing than inside of Compass. read more

service is amazing and coffee and croissants even better. service was very fast as I recieved my items very quickly. Love love love it here. Will be my favorites coffee house from now on thanks to their amazing service. Vivian was my favorite.. every coffee house should have someone like her... AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING read more

I love Compass this location is conveniently located in walking distance to a lot of great shops in the area which is very walkable. Downside it is often very busy especially on the weekends. They do a great vanilla latte though and their pastries and croissants are always top tier. read more

Super slow. Multiple people waiting on drinks and the barista is just talking to a buddy. Also thoroughly freaked out by the 2 dogs they let inside. One of them sitting on a booth and the other keeps jumping up on a table. Gross. read more

My go to study spot. Drinks are good and there's wifi for you to do some work/study. As folks said, cost is a bit higher than average, but it's worth it. read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Compass coffee is one of my go to places for coffee. What I like about compass is the fact that they still have the option to serve the coffee in a normal cup instead of a paper cup. Having coffee is one of the bright moments of my day and I really like to sit and enjoy my coffee and it sucks when it is in a paper cup. This place also is very bright and everybody there is friendly. Another thing I like about compass is the fact that they don't have tip. Even though the coffee is expensive but there is one final price. I also like how they make coffee in this branch specifically better than the other branch of compass coffee I have been. Definitely recommend this place for a cup of cappuccino and relaxing. read more

Compass Coffee - Small cappuccino with whole milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Visiting a friend in the area and wanted to get some coffee in the morning! He said Compass Coffee was pretty good so I decided to stop by. I got the Cherry Blossom cold brew and it was indeed very delicious! The coffee and cherry blossom flavors were certainly prominent at the same time and the sweet syrup gave it an extra kick. They seem to have a lot of floral flavors (cherry blossom, lavendar etc) and I appreciate how oat/almond milk are free, which is super rare in most coffee places!! I liked how the store itself was very spacious with wooden furniture and accents of pink! It was pretty popping on a weekend morning so I had to wait a little longer for my drink but it was totally reasonable! Would 100% come back if I was in the area! read more

Compass Coffee - Cherry Blossom Cold Brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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It's local. It's veteran-owned. It's becoming the Starbucks of the D.C. area. They have expanded fast and most areas in D.C. and beyond have a Compass Coffee. While their pastries are often subpar, their coffee menu is on point. I could drink the Almond Butter Latte all day. Their spaces are also inviting, well-designed, and come with plenty of tables with outlets and strong wifi. This location is not the exception. read more

A very nice coffee shop in the Arlington area According to their website, this chain was started in 2014 by 2 Marines in Washington, DC who became obsessed with making a great cup of coffee. This store is located on the street level of a building situated on the southwest corner of Wilson Blvd and N Randolph street. It stands out as a cozy and inviting haven for people looking for a pleasant place to get a good cup of coffee. Nestled in a bustling neighborhood, this coffee shop exudes a welcoming air with its large windows, wood counter, terrazzo floor, rustic decor, comfortable seating, and the nice aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. Their menu is along the back wall behind the counter. The day that I visited, the baristas were friendly and knowledgeable. My order was prepared quickly and tasted very good. The prices were reasonable for the location and the economy. Overall, Compass Coffee in Arlington delivers not only exceptional coffee but also a welcoming environment that fosters community and appreciation for quality caffeinated delights. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or simply in search of a charming spot to unwind, Compass Coffee promises a satisfying experience worth returning to. read more

Compass Coffee - Counter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Got my dog groomed at a place close by and instead of going home and having to deal with parking all over, I decided to stop in and work while I wanted on him. I got an iced latte with caramel & vanilla, my companion got an iced americano. Both of our drinks were really good and it was a nice, pleasant suprise! We both love coffee and it seems like most times when you try a new place, you have to learn how to order your drink to make it taste *just* how you like. The service was cool, nothing to really rave about. Sometimes the line got long but they kept a nice pace and people moved through quickly. The thing I really liked is that they don't automatically give you your drink with a straw/lid, but they have them out if you want one. The thing that I didn't like is that the shop didn't really feel clean. I didn't notice anyone coming out to disinfect the tables between guests and the corner we chilled in seemed like it hadn't been thoroughly dusted or detailed in months. The seats and surfaces felt sticky. I'd definitely come back, I'd just take my coffee to go! read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Another wonderful Compass Coffee, but this time out in Virginia! The staff were incredibly nice, and even remade my drink because I had requested Oat Milk, and it did not have it. I'm only docking this place because the Tumeric Honey Latte was not very good. I heard it was good for inflammation, so I wanted to try it, but it really gave me chicken maruchan ramen vibes. Next time I'll stick to my normal americano/drip coffee. read more

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Cool Spot, Outstanding Coffee! Stopped here while in the Ballston-VA area visiting friends. For a weekday afternoon, the place was buzzing with patrons and it was really busy with people hanging-out and/or studying. Clearly this was a sign that the coffee is good here. The vibe is really cool too...very open, bright and a relaxing-casual atmosphere....with much of the decor featuring their brand's coffee. The staff was friendly, helpful and welcoming. I came in for a quick cup of coffee, but for some odd reason the "Matcha Tea Latte" caught my eye. And, man!....so glad it did. I was one of the best matcha green tea lattes that I've had in a long time. You never really know how good you have something, until you try something else. I thought all matcha lattes would be similar to any other place. I couldn't have been more wrong. It was a deep matcha flavored liquid that was well balance with the coconut milk I requested. Each sip was warmth, comfort and heaven rolled into one. It wasn't the steamed almond milk and watered-down matcha that I have experience at SB and other local coffee shops around the DMV in comparison. A thumbs up and must try. I even ordered a medium roast for my drive home, called the Meridian, and it was nothing short of perfect....full-bodied, smooth with hints of chocolate/caramel. I enjoyed it black, no sugar no creme. In all, a great experience here. I was a newbie and it was my first time trying Compass Coffee. Will not be my last. Glad to know there are locations in DC as well. I certainly and definitely will be going back. * PRO TIP: I had a conversation with the Barista and was told off-the-menu drinks are the name of the game at Compass: For a creative caffeine kick, sip on an Espresso Cola!....an unholy combination of Mexican Coca-Cola and two shots of espresso!! Another suggestion mentioned was the: The Nutella Mocha. Yes, Nutella! read more

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Officially my new favorite coffee shop with Philz Coffee coming in at a close second. I've always heard of Compass Coffee, but didn't get a chance to try it out until recently. When I went last month, I got their lavender latte and it was SO GOOD! I loved the uniqueness of the drink and how I could taste the subtle hint of lavender. They only have this in the spring though. When I went today, I got their iced mint mocha and of course, it was AMAZING! Although a bit on the sweeter side, I quickly got used to the sweetness and enjoyed the mintiness (not too overpowering and just perfect). Such a smooth coffee. The whole combination of coffee, milk, mint, and chocolate was heavenly! I highly recommend this!! The workers are so nice and it's a great atmosphere. They have their big sliding doors/windows open, so you can feel the fresh air while sipping on your coffee inside! They have outdoor seating too. Lastly for parking, you can just park at the main Ballston Public Parking Garage for just $1 for 3 hours. read more

Compass Coffee - Menu - June 2021 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Conveniently located near Ballston Quarter. Not the best iced pumpkin spiced latte ever, but not bad. There wasn't enough flavor and it had a peculiar pumpkin taste. Wouldn't recommend this place. Maybe if I was desperate and in the area, I would try another drink here. read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I have only visited one time, but this was one of the tastier hot chocolates I've had made with oat milk (since I'm lactose intolerant). I enjoy Starbucks hot chocolate with oat milk, but this was definitely a tastier option, but it was a little more expensive. As other commented, I like the vibe in the coffee shop. I like to have a nice place to read and think and Compass works well for me. Regarding service, based on my first visit, it is warm and friendly. I rank it higher than the Ballston Starbucks locations and Good Company Doughnuts. Those are the only other coffee shops I have recently visited in the Ballston neighborhood that remain open. Compass Coffee is a good place for a change of pace (for me), but I think I will still probably visit the Marymont Ballston Starbucks on Glebe more because I find the space to be a little quieter and comfortable if you like to sit and work. Starbucks has the added advantage of placing orders on your phone ( I did not see that capability at Compass Coffee). Plus, the Ballston Starbucks does offer a free refill on drip coffee. From what I've read Compass does not, but given the warm service and nice energy of the café, I think it is a nice option in the neighborhood. read more

I've tried out Compass another three times since my initial review and I have to say the coffees are over priced and mediocre. I liked the mocha on my first try. But since returning for the chai, coconut latte, and pumpkin cold brew I think I am done coming here for coffee. The chai had heavy hint of clove, was horribly sweet, and mostly tasted like milk. The pumpkin cold brew might be the worst coffee I've ever had. Imagine a chemical/candle/artificial pumpkin flavor in your coffee. I was far down the street before I took my first drink, and I had to throw it away and go somewhere else for coffee. The coconut latte again had a weird chemical taste similar to how sun tan lotion smells. I would stick to your usual coffee orders here (mocha, ice latte etc) and avoid the unique flavors. read more

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Let me say I was a bit taken aback when I was told my large vanilla latte was $7! Oh and if you pay cash they don't make change in coins.. BUT!! one sip of this latte and I was transported to a place of magic.. the aroma encapsulates you when you walk in the door and everyone is so nice and friendly.. my vanilla latte reminded me why I love coffee so much and I will definitely make this a coffee stop when in the area! read more

Compass Coffee - Vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Compass is always a favorite of mine! Plenty of tables to get work done or catch up with a friend. The coffee is great no matter what you get! Great spot for a quick to go cup or to sit down and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. read more

This coffee shop sits on the corner of a busy intersection in Ballston and is usually packed, though the line moves quickly. I ordered a matcha latte, and when we asked for something less sweet for my parents, there didn't seem to be many non-sweet options available for them to try. Overall, we found the café a good spot for studying--they even offer dog treats. However, the pastries and drinks were a bit too sweet for our liking. read more

I used to love Compass -- so why a one star review? This place is infested with small flies. There were so many in the pastries on display for sale that I lost count. There were on the food items, on the glass, all around it. So unsanitary and gross. Who knows what it looks like back of house if that is what FOH has. read more

Coffee and lattes are always TOO HOT ! you have to wait at least 20 min before it is drinkable. Lattes are too watery, the froth is not creamy at all. it was when Compass first started. there are smaller coffee shops that are stepping it up in ceramic mugs that leave a film all the way to the bottom, that is how lattes should be. Compass waters it town so much , no wonder it is so boiling hot.....it burns my tongue each time. read more

I still think Compass is no more than a four star coffee shop. The cherry blossom coffee is amazing. Totally worth a visit. But two things were annoyances today during my visit. One is the ridiculous stools by the tables. they're very low stools and completely unsuitable for anyone with bad knees or mobility issues, not to mention people of size. Not at all accommodating to many people over 50. The other is their cold drinks are served in plastic cups. But there is no recycling for plastic cups so I had to take mine home. really? how many people are going to be lazy and just throw it in the trash. come on! read more

Compass Coffee - cherry blossom coffee! awesome. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Compass Coffee is a chain but it's better than Starbucks. It's slightly over price. The Ballston location is spacious & a good spot for a meeting or to chat with a friend. I had the almond butter latte with oat milk and it was delicious. Highly recommend. I also had a ginormous almond croissant that was delicious & covered in powdered sugar. It was a quick order process although there weren't many folks in there. Street parking is abundant but don't forget to pay the meter! read more