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Charlottesville's Must-Try Coffee Shops

Written by Jess McCurry - August 12, 2024

Where would we be without coffee shops? Warm and inviting, they’re a great spot for first dates or writing or just that caffeine boost that’ll keep you going. Charlotteville's coffee culture is characterized by innovation and sustainability, many shops prioritize organic, ethically sourced beans and environmentally friendly practices. Charlottesville Insider is your source for crafting the perfect coffee itinerary for your trip to Charlottesville.

Must-Try Coffee Shops in Charlottesville

1. Grit Coffee

Address: 12 W Main St #1, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Grit started their first coffee shop near the University of Virginia Campus, and is a favorite spot among students, faculty, and professionals in the area. They've now grown to six other Charlottesville locations and locations in Richmond and Williamsburg.

Barista at Grit Coffee Shopundefined
Hand holding a hot cup of Grit coffee
Barista creating flower latte art
Packaged Grit coffee bags

Did you love the coffee while visiting? Join the Grit Coffee Subscription Club for discounts on reoccurring coffee orders, care packages, and brewing equipment.

2. Mudhouse Coffee Roasters

Address: 213 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Mudhouse has built its reputation by focusing on single-origin coffees and has medaled at the Golden Bean Competition. They foster direct trade relationships and have a Geisha coffee farm on Volcan Brau in Panama. Try the three local locations—one on the Downtown Mall, one in Crozet, and one within the CODE building.

Latte in a mudhouse coffee cupundefined
Interior of Mudhouse Coffee
Mudhouse downtown exterior

Try the best-seller blends: Mudhouse, Intention, and Some people call me Maurice. Coffee subscriptions are also available.

3. Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters

Address: 945 Preston Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Coffee bar at Shenandoah Joe'sundefined

Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters started as a small-batch coffee roaster in 1993 in Charlottesville. In May 2007, they opened its first coffee shop in Charlottesville on Preston Avenue. They now operate four different coffee shops and expanded the original location. They currently offer 25 varieties of specialty Arabica coffee. Check out one of their locations during your trip or bring a souvenir home for your coffee-loving friends and family!

4. Lone Light

Address: 119 Heather Heyer Way, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Barista serving coffeeundefined

Lone Light is conveniently located in the Downtown Mall. Fresh pastries are also available from Mariebette!

5. MarieBette Café & Bakery

Address: 700 Rose Hill Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903

MarieBette Cafe at Sunsetundefined

Desert lovers, this is your place! Pair your cappuccino with the local's favorite brioche feuilletée, breads, and pasteries.

6. Atlas Coffee

Address: 2206 Fontaine Ave Ext, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Interior Coffee Bar at Atlas coffeeundefined

Atlas Coffee is known for its great coffee, tea, espresso, homemade syrups, and fresh-baked pastries. This is a great stop to study, meet friends, work, or even bring your kids! Kids love sitting up at the bar with a hot chocolate. Looking for treats to bring your coworkers? Call ahead to order fresh coffee pastries and donuts by the dozen.

See Charlottesville Insider's full directory of Charlottesville Coffee Shops. Happy sipping!

The Workshop at the Wool Factory

With coffee from Grit and baked goods from Coucourachou and a huge warehouse space, The Workshop has everything you need for working remotely. It’s proximity to the Rivanna River and trails make it a great rest stop as well.

Petite Marie Bette

With the pastries and coffee that have made the originalMarie Bette a Charlottesville phenomenon, Petite Marie Bette on Water Street is the go-to coffee spot for Charlottesville Insiders Linnea White, Ian Dillard and Claire Kettering.

Mudhouse

A Charlottesville coffee classic, Mudhouse on the Downtown Mall is a gathering spot for first dates, a favorite for remote work, and doubles as an art gallery for local artists. Charlottesville Insider Olivia Branch sings the praises of owners John and Lynelle.

Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters

Every batch of Shenandoah Joe coffee is roasted by hand on a “San Franciscan 25-lb. batch roaster.” Two locations for retail coffee, one on Ivy Road and one on Preston Ave.

Grit Coffee

Grit is a full service coffee shop on the Downtown Mall and at the Shops and Stonefield, but that’s not all. Grit also offers whole bean and ground coffee delivery to the Charlottesville area.