A Comprehensive Guide to Coffee Shops & Cafes in Charlottesville & Albemarle County
As you'll soon see, there are an abundance of high-quality coffee shops and cafes in the area. They're largely concentrated near Charlottesville's downtown and the University of Virginia but, no matter where you go in the city or county, you're never far from a choice location. Many have a variety of seating options and offer the full array of caffeinated beverages: everything from affogatos and americanos to redeyes and ristrettos. Expect expertly-arranged atmosphere and ambiance. Of the well over a dozen unique locally-owned coffee shops in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, many roast their own beans as well.
Mudhouse Coffee Roasters
Mudhouse Coffee Roasters operate several coffeehouses in Charlottesville and Albemarle County: one on the downtown mall, one in Crozet, and one on 10th street not far from the University of Virginia.
Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters
Grab yourself a cup at their Ivy Road coffee bar, near the University at their Corner Joe location on West Main Street, or from their main location on Preston Avenue near Dairy Market. Shenandoah Joe has been served in Charlottesville and Albemarle County since 2007. They roast their coffee by hand and do so with great care and attention to detail. For a quick peek at their roastery and one of their locations, check out their Nickel Tour.
Greenberry's Coffee Roasters
Greenberry's got it's start here in Charlottesville in 1992. You can still find a Greenberry's at Barracks Road Shopping Center. There are now many locations. Greenberry's also boasts a robust online store. Check out all things Greenberry's at the links below!
Java Java Cafe
Java Java, a family-run coffee shop, has been open for business on the downtown mall since 2006. They specialize in fair trade coffee and teas, but also serve paninis and smoothies. Their outdoor patio now has six tables, each spaced to ensure social distancing. Should you find yourself near the eastern end of the downtown mall near the Sprint Pavilion, be sure to check out Java Java!
C'ville Coffee & Wine
The decor here is off the charts. After you walk inside, look up. There's plenty to observe while you wait to place your order. Plenty of parking available outside.
Lone Light Coffee
Enjoy Lone Light Coffee and Pie Chest pies at their downtown location half a block north of the Downtown Mall on Heather Heyer Way. Be sure to bring an appetite and try a couple of their pies for breakfast or lunch.
Rocket Coffee
Rocket Coffee is one of the newest coffee shops in Charlottesville, located just across the street from Quirk Hotel. If you're staying in midtown, or walking from grounds to downtown, be sure to stop here.
MarieBette Cafe & Bakery
MarieBette Cafe and Bakery was founded by Jason Becton and Patrick Evans and named after their daughters, Marian and Betty. There are two Mariebette locations in Charlottesville: one on Rose Hill drive and another, Petite MarieBette, on Water Street next to the Downtown Mall.
Petite MarieBette Cafe & Bakery
Grit Coffee
Grit's cafes are beloved by locals and visitors alike. In 2018, after about a decade of serving coffee here in Charlottesville, they started their own roasting operation. Learn more about their many pickup locations, or take a look at their online shop. There's a Grit Coffee location on the Downtown Mall, on the Corner near the University of Virginia, at the Shops at Stonefield, in Crozet, and east of the city (near Pantops).
Milli Coffee Roasters
A beloved community space since 2012. In 2015, Milli Coffee Roasters began roasting their own coffee beans in small batches. Their downtown location is on the corner of Preston Avenue and Ridge McIntire Road.