Such a great locally owned coffee shop! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming -- perfect for catching up with a small group, meeting with clients, or just curling up with a good book. They serve locally made pastries (a nice touch!) and while the food options are limited, everything they do have is fresh and delicious. It's one of those places where you can actually relax and take a breather in the middle of a busy day. There's even a piano and small stage for live events, which adds to the community vibe. Definitely one of my favorite local spots to unwind with a great cup of coffee. read more

First Free Coffee Bar - Peppermint Protein Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Coffee was ok. Service was frustrating as I was basically ignored, while the bros chitchatted. When I finally got acknowledged & gave my order, I was not overly impressed with the latte. Big & open space. Not very warm temperature-wise & service-wise. Woah! Just saw Health Code violations confirmed by Health Dept. read more

This is a wonderful coffee place with open bright space , comfy seatings , wonderful hot/cold drink menu - some of them the owner's creations , the pastries and other snacks offered are very tasty . The best thing about this place is the owner Steve that is very welcoming to everyone , as well as his helpers that are all very knowledgeable about the menu and all very nice people. The ambience is so great ! It's peaceful , welcoming , very comfy overall . Highly recommend to try this lovely place ! read more

Don't know of a more relaxing and congenial coffee shop environment in C'ville. Always enjoy it there.

Super! Awesome coffee bar! Great coffee and seating and atmosphere! Great original oil painting art. Piano for live music. Soft cushy seating. Roomy. Super ownership. read more

We went here on Constitution Day and thought we would be celebrating that document. We got delicious coffee and pastries. However, the speakers spent their entire time eulogizing Charlie Kirk and talking about how parents have raised a "feral generation." To say the entire experience was offputting would be an understatement! Not worth coming here for a free coffee. read more

First visit to First Free Coffee -- So glad I found this coffee shop! Wonderful peaceful atmosphere. Plenty of seating that's nice & spread out so you feel like you have some privacy even in a public place. And the iced latte I ordered was delicious! When back in the Charlottesville area, I'll be back to First Free Coffee! read more

Excellent coffee and service. The ambiance is incredibly relaxing and welcoming. There is a children's corner with toys and games. Local art work is displayed as well. read more

The Latte i ordered was the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte which was extremely delicious! I could taste all the notes as stated in the title, however it was just a tad too sweet for me. Nonetheless the drink was perfectly balanced with milk and the other components. The name lives up to its weight as it truly was a nice surprise to receive a free coffee to start my day! read more

First Free Coffee Bar - Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I am a matcha lover and it is so hard finding good quality here in cville, first free provided! Will be coming back again and again. read more

First Free Coffee Bar - Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Okay, y'all. Buckle up! From the moment you walk through the doors, you can sense the community vibe. The space is open, full of charming furniture (I was told they're provided by a local business and are available for purchase?) Frequented by people of all ages, it is delightful to see people making themselves at home. Some were working, others were catching up with each other, and there's a great area for kids to be, well, kids! This is a family run, proudly American, pro-family business, and their name comes from the "freedoms our Constitution protects," but there's a double meaning; your first time means you get a free coffee! PSA: this is not a Starbucks, and I'm super glad it's not. So, friends, if you're ordering a Macchiato, please expect an espresso macchiato --that is, a shot of espresso with half the shot amount of milk. This isn't Dunkin'... you're not going to get a tasteless mess of a 16oz macchiato. With that said, I am a bit surprised that it's one of the more expensive items on the menu. Regardless, it was perfect and served with a big smile from the barista, who double checked (very politely) that I was ordering an espresso macchiato, not the "long version". I visited today on their 22nd day of being open at 10am, where there was a good line of people eagerly awaiting to get their hot drinks on a cold morning. There will be comedy and music events coming up soon, and the space is even available for the public to book events! Exemplary for supporting local businesses, you'll find Shenandoah Joe's coffee and Dominion Tea served here. I'll be back for sure; support local and come on by! read more

See all

I stumbled upon this gem while traveling back to NY from NC. I'm so glad that I did. Anna and Catherine were so amiable and helpful when I bashfully said that I didn't *really* know what to order, because I was only looking for coffee to help me continue my way home. My boyfriend and I have always loved the extended Washington area, and this just solidified it more. Our drinks were delicious, I know more about coffee, and I'll bet we stop this way again in a few months! P.S. The atmosphere is so calm, warm, and welcomes you to linger. I wish we had a social spot like this closer to us. read more

Coming to you again with another coffee shop review! Food: I ordered a large iced vanilla latte. The large is a 16 oz. Before tip, it was around $6.80. That's a bit pricey for me. The latte itself was okay. I like my vanilla lattes with a bit more vanilla showing up to say hello, especially if adding the flavor costs $.80. So, not the best I've ever had but not the worst. However, if I'm paying close to $7 for an iced vanilla latte, I do want a bit more. Location: This place is located in a newer development in Cville, and it took me quite a bit of time to find my way here from UVA's main campus. I went over a bridge and a body of water, through some woods, saw some plantation-y type of houses, and finally went through the roundabout to see Kohl's. Probably symbolic of something, not sure lol. If you have been slightly traumatized by finding parking and high parking prices in downtown Cville, you won't have any issues here. Plenty of parking and it's free. We love to see it. Ambiance. They are going strong on the whole America! vibe. Which is fine. Furniture is giving colonial and regency era. Lots of light and very spacious. Plenty of spots for gathering in small groups for conversation and some side tables for work for solo or pair work near the walls. They have a couple of outside tables by both entrances. There's also a stage for performers in the middle of the cafe. When I came in, a musician was playing. I couldn't decide how I felt about the merch spinning off of MAGA (Americans Making Great Coffee). There is a quote on the wall from the Constitution about Congress not making laws that prohibit freedom of speech or press. The overhead music is your standard coffee shop folk fare. That said, it's an interesting time (post-election) to be in a coffee shop with this kind of decor. Service: Pleasant. I didn't experience anything out of the ordinary. Other stuff. If it's your first time visiting, let them know because the website says that you're due a free cup of coffee. Free wifi. 30% off refills. If you want a milk alternative, you may have to ask about that. I think this place may be on the newer side, so let's leave some room for growth. All in all, it was fine. read more

First Free Coffee Bar - make Americans great coffee hats - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

See all

The coffee was overpriced and tasted terrible, with poor service to match. Will not be returning.

A great experience at First Free Coffee bar. The mocha coffee, macchiato and chocolate chip cookies were an excellent combination for a Saturday afternoon. The local jazz band playing onstage were a talented group of musicians. This place is a hidden gem in the city of Charlottesville. Thanks to Steve the owner and his entire staff. We will be returning regularly. read more

Coffee was really mediocre and barely lukewarm. The service was very friendly, but it could not make up for the lack of flavor and the coffee and the baked goods (scone) was in edible. read more

Merideth gave kind and wonderful service-thankful I went in today for a very good Latte and pastry-and exceptional service. beautiful spot-loved all the light and how clean it was-quiet and calming atmosphere. Great spaces for kids and just the KINDEST staff!!! read more

IF you want a place where you can unwind & read a book, chat with a friend, or listen to live music, then come to First Free Coffee Bar! Its filtered light-filled atmosphere checks all the boxes for me every time! read more

What a nice and welcoming addition to the Hollymead area! Great prices on locally roasted coffee. Easy in and out. Def my new go-to location when I want a cup! Support local business! read more

Well done, to the owners of this sweet coffee bar! I had the privilege of meeting the owner, Steve during my weekday visit to this warming coffee bar in Hollymead. They just celebrated their year anniversary and shame on me for not visiting until now. It's a gorgeous space with cathedral ceilings, gothic style chandeliers and huge and almost floor to ceiling windows. Tons of special Community or individual seating spots (a kids area too!) with cushioned furniture as if you were in your own home. There is in fact a bar to sit at or you can step up to the counter and order from there. They have sweet and savory baked goods from Albermarle baking company and an array of their coffee and tea specialties. There's local art along the walls to view and purchase along with a some hand picked items for sale such as signed books by the author, local soaps and candles. There's also books to read if you don't bring your own. You can find some canned and bottled beverages such as beer, hard seltzers and a glass of wine in their big cooler too! My pumpkin spice latte melted in my mouth along with my spinach and cheese quiche. Free wifi, water fountain and your first drink is free after you sign up to their mailing list via email. They are open everyday so take some time for yourself to visit and relax with a treat! read more

See all

Super cute inside and tons of seating which is nice in comparison to the other coffee shops more in the city. Beautiful morning light and calm acoustic music in the background. Super cool that the first coffee is free if you sign up on their email list. Definitely will come back again! read more

First Free Coffee Bar - Matcha and chocolate croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I had enjoyed the cozy feeling while sippin' my flavorful coffee. Perfect place to catch up with friends! Definitely, will come back! read more

I don't know how to review this coffee shop. The cappuccino was lovely, but the barista didn't seem to understand that I didn't want sprinkles because I'm allergic to chocolate. When I asked for a spoon, they were surprised and confused. The place was relatively full. I had hoped to get 30 minutes of work in on my computer, but the only option was a table for four (most of the seating is chairs and low tables). It was clear that I was taking up space, so I left without working. This is a place for groups to share a coffee. Once again, I am left with the feeling that there are few places for singltons in Charlottesville. I'll get takeout and use delivery services. read more

Good service and clean. Coffee was good as well as the Albemarle baking Company baked goods.

The place is fun, service is great and the drinks are delicious. Wide variety of drinks without silliness of blender drinks. read more

Great coffee, patriotic vibes fitting for Thomas Jefferson's hometown and excellent food options. The service is very friendly. We're big fans. read more

Try it, you'll be glad you did! Opened in October 2023, this is a one of a kind coffee bar. Serving all the usual teas and coffees (lattes, mochas, espressos, macchiatos, decaf, etc.), they also offer two deserving special mention: a 15g Protein Coffee (yes, Keto), and (my new favorite) the Creme Cubano - a house specialty. Owner Steve Harvey built the beautiful bar himself! You can browse and purchase items by local artisans, including but not limited to paintings, small batch soaps, candles, tea towels.... I found the unique ambiance inviting to all, even welcoming young children with a few enriching play opportunities. First Fridays with the Fiddling Flynn Family at First Free may be an entertainment opportunity you'll want to check out. FIRST Free is always looking for new talent...maybe you? Oh, and be sure to sign up for their Newsletter; there's too much to tell here, but they will keep you posted. read more

See all

My wife and I try and find a new local coffee shop every time we come back to my hometown in Charlottesville. Saw there was a new spot on the old stomping grounds and had to check it out. Everything you'd want, this place has. Friendly staff, great coffee, and lots of room to spread out. Really love seeing places like this come to town. Will happily return here, and recommend others to go. read more

I went there about a week ago because my sister-in-law gave me a gift card for $20 to use there. I got the special drink (something Cuban). $5. Way better than any special drink at Starbucks or any other place in Charlottesville. It was like a crème brûlée coffee. Crispy hard top with an immaculate creamy taste. Steve was the guy that made my drink. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for an awesome coffee. read more

Finding and frequenting this local coffee house has been a delight. It is located in a small mall area close to Koh's Department store north of town. Maybe the most comfortable ambiance for a coffee house that I have experienced. While I've only gone there in the afternoon, I have never had to wait to be served. My greatest fear is that it will become so popular that the crowd will keep me away. The physical facility is spacious, the furniture is spaced nicely; the room temperature has been perfect, and relaxing jazz is playing. There are tables (a few more that accommodate computer work would be great), sofas, and comfortable chairs to sit in. Paintings adorn the walls, and they have mugs and shirts with their name and logo. There are sufficient electrical outlets near the tables to power/recharge your electrical devices. The coffee/tea menu is fairly standard, with pastries from Albemarle Baking. Two clean unisex bathrooms are available. I have never been there in the evening, but they have a wine bar and entertainment on some evenings. The workers are friendly and efficient. They have an area for children with games and books. Parking is no problem. read more

First Free Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

This is a wonderful new coffee (& tea) shop. Beautiful space. Serving delicious Shenandoah Joes coffee and Albemarle Baking Company pastries. Buying local . Very friendly staff. read more

Very nice space and great coffee and tea as well. I think there will be more to see with this place In the future !

the food and drinks are amazing!!! the owner and employees are very nice. it is an awesome place to do work and also relax. the furniture is pretty and comfortable, and the decorations are very nice. would recommend to anyone! read more