I'm always impressed by the quality and flavors in their food. Their coffees are also great! Full…read moreof flavor and it's not a syrup taste.

DO NOT ORDER DELIVERY FROM THEIR SITE!!! They will not honor it. They will make excuses. They will…read moretry to rectify the situation and somehow it will be worse than just honoring the initial order. They personally tried to deliver the order after I brought to their attention that their delivery system doesn't work and even that order was incorrect. In the end, their "solutions" were unsatisfactory: retry the delivery 2 hours later or come in and pick it up myself. I'm over it. "Je suis unique" indeed. Mdr.

Plenty of seating, outside as well, great vibes all around. It's a bit pricy for the sizing but…read moretastes fantastic. Had some unfiltered grounds which is a pet peeve of mine but nothing crazy. Can totally study or do work there. Definitely a must try in the Alexandria area. Coffee 8.9/10 Atmosphere 9.3/10.

Decided to try a new coffee place with my friend. So glad we did! As others have stated, it's off…read morethe main streets (but not too far) so there is decent street parking available on the weekends. We came around 11 on Sunday and it was packed. They have free WiFi and phone booths (for members to take calls) for those who want to work/study there. There is a decent amount of indoor and outdoor seating although it's not an overly large space. I loved that they had a community puzzle, but wished they had more than one bathroom. I ordered the Jasmine Zest Iced Latte (signature drink from their summer menu), Brazilian Cheese Bread (3 for $4.50), and Honey Goat Toast. Everything was delicious and flavorful! Items came out as they got prepared - cheese bread (at checkout), latte, then toast (estimated wait of 5 minutes). I lucked out with the cheese bread. The customer in front of me got the rest of the last batch and I got everything of the new batch that came piping hot out of the oven! The texture was different from other cheese breads where it was a thin bread exterior and a mochi-like cheese filling. I appreciated actually being able to taste the jasmine and lemon in the latte as well as the lavender on the toast. I wouldn't mind coming back to try more items on their menu. I wouldn't mind coming definitely reorder the cheese bread!

Dear reader, Misha's…read moreon Prince Street offers the same excellent coffee and menu that people already know and love, but with a completely different atmosphere. The biggest advantage here is the amount of space. There is plenty of seating outside, throughout the main floor, upstairs, and even on the upstairs deck, making it very easy to find a comfortable place to settle in with a drink and stay awhile. The coffee was just as good as expected, and the coffee cake was excellent. The staff was also nice and efficient, keeping everything moving without making the experience feel rushed. The only thing that kept this visit from matching the King Street location was that the space felt a little neglected in comparison. The upstairs bar area, in particular, seemed deserted during our visit, and seeing what appeared to be an expired liquor license posted on the wall gave the impression that the space was once used in a greater capacity, but that's purely just speculation. Overall, it is still a lovely coffee shop with great drinks, plenty of room to spread out, and a relaxed atmosphere. I would happily return, especially when I am looking for a quieter place to enjoy my coffee.

Had high hopes but the service was off which affected the entire interaction. Not very welcoming…read morewhen we walked in and wasn't clear where to order. After standing a couple minutes in what we thought was a line, she finally asked if we were ready to order (yes, we had been ready!). I ordered a lavender oat milk latte which somehow was made iced and she didn't seem happy to have to remake it. Very little conversation ensued with both counter people. Just was odd. We paid and went up to enjoy on the rooftop deck on a brisk morning. There were ants on the table and my chair so we moved to another table. Coffee was decent but that's the best we can say.

Dropped in with my husband and one of my best friends for Saturday coffee and breakfast. I chose…read morethis place because I saw they had beef patties (pretty good) and other food items. My husband enjoyed his hot caramel latte (soy milk)...he's a native New Yorker who hates Starbucks as a reference. My best friend got an iced salted caramel vanilla latte (almond milk)...she loved the taste. I had the sugar daddy (hot w/almond milk) and it was the perfect drink as I was cramping (think hot chocolate & coffee combined). The barista was patient with us even though there was a line. She answered all our questions and gave good recommendations. And of course did a great job making the coffee! The building looks small at first but there is a good amount of seating both inside and outside and looked great for solo stop ins or small groups/families. We'll definitely be back !

I LOVE KILLER ESP! This has been a go to place since I started working in Old Town Alexandria back…read more2017! I cant believe I'm just doing my first review. To begin, this place is super cute; everyone is beyond friendly; from drinks to food, I haven't had anything that I dont like there; a great place to come in to do some work and enjoy your crafted beverage. If you haven't ate, their beef paddy's are my goto! Before becoming pescatarian I used to get their beef patty with my nutella latte. (I need to try the veggie now) Today, I got an Iced Pistachio Matcha drink off their Spring Menu. It was amazing! If you are in the Old Town Alexandria area, make sure you stop by x grab a drink x grab a snack baked freshly everyday!

We dropped in for some coffee and desserts after a heavy lunch nearby. I'm so glad we found this…read moreplace! The decor is cute, service is great, and no complaints about drinks or desserts. I loved everything! Here's what we really enjoyed: * Magnolia Cream Crepe - I used to have this at a local Thai food festival and never found a place that served it till now. It comes with five crispy crepes that are folded like thin cookie cups, filled with a light cream. * mango sticky rice - tastes exactly as expected, sweet coconut cream sticky rice topped with ripe mangoes. * affogato Lots of pretty picturesque walls and decor for photo ops. The plate settings are pretty and dessert presentations, even down to the menu screams "take a photo"! So don't mind me that I took plenty! Even the bathroom is cool with their Dyson faucet and dryer.

Simple but splendid. The coffee was decent and could have been a bit smoother but great nonethelessread more

Studying or need to get work done AND neurodivergent? This is the place!…read more There are a few St Elmo's in Alexandria/Arlington, but this location is by far my favorite. The service is always top notch, the food and drinks are consistently great, and the environment is so conducive to just about anything. I've met up with friends for coffee here, come just for a peaceful moment for myself, and it is my go-to for studying and working on the doctoral manuscript. There are outlets thoughtfully placed literally everywhere for charging computers, tablets, phones, etc. My favorite thing about St Elmo's is probably the amount and variety of seating they offer- they have bar seating with comfortable backed barstools, another long high top table (great for small group meetings or projects), traditional tables and chairs scattered throughout, booths, etc. The playlists they use are great, but music is also not too loud (can use my own headphones without having to blast the volume). There are fairy lights strung and the lighting is great. At the front, they have big windows that completely open to allow fresh air in on days the weather is nice. Parking isn't an issue- if you can't find anything on the street, there is a free garage with EV charging. I live less than a mile from the Del Ray St Elmo's (which is also great!), but the layout of this location and how it is set up for those looking to be productive outside of their home is fantastic.

Overall, this coffee shop was pretty underwhelming. I ordered the Autumn Spice Latte on a cold,…read morerainy day, hoping for a cozy seasonal treat. Instead, it was lukewarm from the very first sip and didn't have much flavor. Not exactly what I was looking for. I also asked the cashier which of the fall menu items was her favorite. She told me she hadn't tried any of them and then just stared at me. Girl, lie and pick one. Or at least offer some guidance on what seems to get ordered most often. Customer service 101. Between the disappointing latte, lack of helpful customer service, long wait, and crowded interior, the experience just wasn't worth it. I don't see myself returning.

- creamy light and a good price for gelato! - they pack it…read moreup - cute seating area inside and outside!

Stopped into Dolci Gelati in Old Town Alexandria and immediately ran into the classic problem:…read more"I'll just try a little something." Famous last words. Went with the Biscoff and pistachio gelato. Both were excellent, but the Biscoff is clearly the crowd favorite--I even asked the staff what people usually order, and they didn't hesitate. So of course I did the responsible thing and ordered it... and then almost didn't share it. Normally I'd pace myself. Not here. Also tried an Americano, which was surprisingly solid. Not an afterthought coffee situation at all--actually good enough that I'd come back just for that alone. What really stood out though was the staff. Super friendly, all smiles, really personable. I think the guy who helped me was named Avery--shoutout to him for making the whole thing feel like a neighborhood spot instead of "just grab dessert and leave." Bottom line: this is one of those places you end up going back to "just to try one more flavor," and suddenly it's a habit. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Old Town... which, realistically, will be sooner than I'm admitting.

We loved La Pluma! My husband is such a coffee snob, and he really liked their coffee. The staff…read morewere so kind & attentive. The food was delicious too. I was so hungry & it was so good I forgot to take pictures. You can order to-go at the counter, sit outside, or there's also a small upstairs bar/dining space. Despite being off the main road, it was PACKED, and I completely understand why. We had a great time & great meal at La Pluma. We'll definitely be back!

I've been here a few times now and my experience has been mixed. The first time I went, the service…read morewas horrible, and it honestly made me never wanna go back. Since then though, I've been back a couple of times and the service has been on the standout side (I wish I could recall my most recent server's name to give him a shoutout -- next time!). So hoping that part is there to stay! Aside from the recent service, I like the ambiance upstairs -- exposed brick is always a win, and they've done a great job fitting in as much seating as possible in a fairly tight space. The menu is great too, with lots of appealing options -- many of which (like plantain chips and pupusas) are otherwise hard to find in Old Town. (I tried the plantain chips last time btw and enjoyed them.) It's really nice to have a Latin-inspired coffee shop nearby, and even cooler that they serve not just coffee but also food and wine. That said, here are a couple watchouts: - While the space is definitely cute and cozy, the downside is that it is smaaaall. Especially upstairs, tables fill up fast. It's always a toss-up whether there will be one available if I want to go. - They have a laptop policy that restricts laptop use to 2 hours tops (though I'm not sure if/how they actually enforce it). On the one hand, I absolutely love how intentional the policy is; particularly in such a small space, a row full of laptops could definitely kill the vibe so wanting to preserve that balance between productivity and leisure seems totally fair and actually good. On the other hand, I have to admit it does deter me from going there vs. another coffee shop at times when I'm not sure I can wrap up what I have to do in under 2 hours. This is especially true if I know I'm planning to eat. - The Mayan hot chocolate is basically hot chocolate/cocoa that is made from Guatemalan chocolate, rather than the kind of Mayan hot chocolate that has a kick to it. This may not be a biggie but I was definitely thrown off and disappointed when I first ordered it expecting the latter, so you've been forewarned! Overall it's a cute spot and I'm glad it's in the neighborhood. Though it's not someplace I'd call my go-to, I'll no doubt be back and will keep giving it more chances now that that first bad service experience has been overwritten a bit in my head.

Tatte Bakery & Cafe, near North St. Asaph Street, and King Street in the Old Town neighborhood of…read moreAlexandria, VA, boasts a signature, stylish, aesthetic, Parisian-inspired ambiance that is inviting and offers plenty of tables to sit, relax, and enjoy coffee with pastries. Situated conveniently in Old Town Alexandria, it's within walking distance of shops and strolling areas. They serve artisanal pastries and specialty coffee drinks such as the Pistachio Latte, Pumpkin Oatmilk Latte, and Honey Halva Latte, along with classic options like iced Americano and latte--perfectly complementing their baked sweet treats. The outdoor seating area is perfect for pleasant days. - Their Iced Americano was excellent--bold espresso that's both refreshing and satisfying for my caffeine craving. - The hot latte is also excellent, warming, smooth, creamy, and well-balanced - Honey Apple Cake, a popular fall favorite, is a moist honey apple cake base layered with a crunchy almond streusel on top, dusted with powdered sugar- a great textural contrast to the soft, fruit-filled center- and pairs well with their espresso drinks.

Delicate Hot Chocolate…read more I have long been an admirer of fine hot chocolate. Traditionally, I would visit Starbucks or a contemporary coffeehouse, only to receive what often felt like mocha syrup blended with steamed milk--pleasant, perhaps, but rarely memorable. This morning marked my first visit to Tatte Bakery & Café in Old Town Alexandria where the hot chocolate proved to be an unexpected delight. The associate explained that it was prepared with semisweet chocolate and warm milk. Intrigued, I ordered a small and chose to enjoy it outdoors. The price was refreshingly reasonable, while the bakery's bright interior and refined ambiance created an inviting first impression. My drink arrived within approximately five minutes, presented elegantly in a cup and saucer. The temperature was perfectly warm--comforting without being excessively hot--and the overall presentation was quietly sophisticated but has room for improvement. Then came the taste.... The texture was exceptionally silky and smooth, with no grainy residue, excessive sweetness, or bitter aftertaste. It was rich without being heavy and indulgent without becoming overwhelming. Even better, it left behind no awkward crown of foam. I have enjoyed hot chocolate in Sicily, where the experience was quite literally a cup of melted chocolate--decadent, dense, and almost dessert-like. Tatte's interpretation was more delicate and restrained, yet equally satisfying in its own way. Tatte has now earned first place in my personal ranking. There is, however, still an opportunity to elevate the service experience. A cloth napkin and small spoon presented alongside the drink would add a more polished touch, while a subtle soupçon of finely shaved chocolate would enhance both the visual presentation and the final sip. Overall, I award Tatte's hot chocolate an A-. I look forward to seeing whether it can achieve an even higher distinction upon my next visit.

Freaking amazing!!!! Perfect cookies fast delivery my favorite was the red velvet Oreoread more

Eh, I found this place to be just okay…read more The inside is small with some neon lights. Late on a Saturday night, there's a mix of regular folks, parents with small children getting a weekend treat, and folks with the munchies who just *have* to have a cookie. Biggest complaint - there are several TV screens, but only one has pricing, one has drinks, and the other was just random shots of stuff they sometimes have. I wish one of them had "current cookie offerings" (it rotates) because otherwise, you have to wait until you get to the front of the line to see what there is, and then people are waiting for you to make up your mind. It just added pressure to what is supposed to be an enjoyable cookie experience. It's not a cheap place (it's a bougie dessert place in NoVa; what do you expect?), but the monster cookies are large and filling and easy to share. We got a half dozen for our family of 5 and that was plenty. We even got an Oat Milk brown sugar tea - it was fine. The whole place is vegan, which does add to the price point, but if that matters to you, this is a good place to get your cookie on. That said, I don't know if it was the lack of egg, or that the Monsters were under-baked, but I found those large cookies just heavy. The two I will vouch for were the chocolate chip (classic, can't beat it), and the cinnamon roll - I kept coming back to that one. The rest were pretty meh. Service was okay. We had to wait for the next batch of chocolate chip cookies to come out of the oven. I get it, though it took longer than estimated. The weird part was, in the whole time we were sitting waiting (and everyone else had ordered), the clerk handed me my half dozen box and I had to remind her of our drink. Sweet, but spacey. In the end, if you like fancy cookies and/or vegan sweet treats, you might want to give this place a try. Otherwise, you can get plenty of other desserts along King Street.