I admit it, I’m a coffee snob! No matter where I go I’m always on the lookout for a good cup of coffee. I sometimes find that difficult when traveling because I don’t know the area well and I don’t want to take chances on getting a bad cup. So I stick with what I know even if what I know isn’t my favorite, but an acceptable, cup of coffee.
To help Ashburn residents, I sought to find the best cup of coffee around town. I have a friend who lives in Broadlands that assured me the best cup of coffee could be found at his house and made by his Keurig coffee maker. He even offered to make me a cup as part of this exercise until he realized Ashburn residents might drop by his house for a cup of coffee as part of their voyage to find the best coffee in town!
Seeking out the best coffee in Ashburn was quite a task. My mission took me to five venues: , , Elim Café (inside The Community Church), and Starbucks (, , , ).
When comparing the coffee, I’m not talking about those “fru-fru” drinks that some coffee drinkers consume. I somewhat prefer to have a really strong espresso but, for the purposes of this exercise, I compared a 12-ounce cup of house coffee (with a little cream and sugar) from each location.
I considered taste, temperature, available condiments, freshness, smoothness and the aesthetics of the establishment.
Here are my results:
- Hours: Mon–Sat 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sundays 7 a.m. - 8p.m.
- Price: $1.79
- Refill Cost: Free
- Beans: Costa Rican
- Temperature: Perfect
- Sweetener Available: Sugar, Splenda, Sweet and Low, Equal, Sugar in the raw
- Flavorings: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Honey
- Milks Available: Half and Half, 2%, skim
- Served in: Paper Cup but can request ceramic cups for dining in.
- Service: Self serve from coffee thermos with choice of light, dark, decaf or hazelnut
Summary There is a nice relaxing ambiance to Panera. The restaurant offers plenty of outdoor seating with patio tables and umbrellas, or indoor seating, where there’s a fireplace and nice comfy chairs or just a table and chairs. Free WiFi and a kid’s corner are available. This particular location is on the quiet end of a shopping center.
- Hours: Mon 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Tue 7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Wed-Fri 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.; closed on Sundays.
- Price: $1.65
- Refill Cost: $1.00
- Beans: 100% Organic, Fair Trade Colombian Supremo
- Temperature: Too cool for those who like it really hot
- Sweetener Available: Sugar, Splenda, Sweet and Low, Sugar in the raw
- Flavorings: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla, Chocolate
- Milks Available: Half and Half, skim
- Served in: Paper Cup
- Service: By Barista
Summary Sakasa has some potential. It offers big comfy sofas and chairs as well as tables and chairs. There is free WiFi (with purchase), a TV, faux fireplace and a book corner. I like the “local” aspect of Sakasa because the shop allows local artists to sell their creations. The coffee shop didn't seem to be very busy during the time I was there but it may be because it’s tucked away north of Route 7, and not particularly convenient. But it might be worth the trip, judging by one reader’s review.
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- Hours: Mon-Tues 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Wed 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.; Thu and Fri 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Price: $1.00
- Refill Cost: $0.50
- Beans: Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company
- Temperature: Perfect
- Sweetener Available: Sugar, Splenda, Sweet and Low, Equal, Sugar in the raw
- Flavorings: Various liquid flavorings from barista
- Milks Available: Half and Half, 2%, skim
- Served in: Paper Cup
- Service: By Barista
Summary
To try out the Elim Café, first, you must first step inside The Community Church, so the location isn’t extremely convenient. But, the mission at Elim Café might be just the thing to make you stop and grab a cup: “We give back 100% of our proceeds through projects in our community like Messiah’s Market Food Pantry, Fire Escape Teen Center, Triple C Ranch Day Camp, the Virginia Academy, and in mission work around the world in places like Peru, Haiti, Ghana, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and more.” With a comfortable, quiet sitting area, free WiFi, and a warm, inviting fireplace, it might be just the thing commuters need to beat the Route 7 rush-hour traffic.
- Winter Hours: Sun and Tue-Fri 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Closed Mondays
- Price: $1.99 for French Press
- Refill Cost: No refills
- Beans: Colombian Coffee
- Temperature: Perfect
- Sweetener Available: Organic Sugar, Sweet and Low, Equal, Organic Blue Agave, Stevia
- Flavorings: Vanilla, Hazelnut, Coconut
- Milks Available: Organic Almond, soy, organic 2%, half and half
- Served in: Paper Cup to go or ceramic cup for dining
- Service: By Barista
Summary If you prefer cool, local coffee shops, this is the place for you. Fresh & Organic uses local vendors and growers, and its coffee is roasted in Virginia. The business has an IKEA-like décor in a cozy little shop. Fresh & Organic offers free WiFi, a kid’s corner, small outdoor seating and the giant lawn chair outside in the summertime.
- Hours: Mon-Fri 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sat 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sun 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Price: $1.50
- Refill Cost: $0.50 or free with a registered Starbucks card
- Beans: Arabica Beans
- Temperature: Perfect
- Sweetener Available: Sugar, Sweet and Low, Splenda, Equal, Sugar in the raw
- Flavorings: Vanilla, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
- Milks Available: Whole milk, Skim, 2%, half and half
- Served in: Paper Cup
- Service: By Barista
Summary. Who doesn’t know the basics about Starbucks. Free WiFi, a small outdoor seating area and comfortable indoor seating. A customer card offers special benefits.
And the winner is ...
At the end of my journey, a decision had to be made. Who serves the best cup of coffee in Ashburn? After careful consideration and reflection I have decided that the best cup of coffee in Ashburn, based on the criteria stated above is served by … Fresh & Organic.
I think Fresh & Organic has a great cup of coffee. It was the only shop to serve from a French Press which helps cut back on the aftertaste. The only thing that concerns me about this shop is that today's fast-paced crowd might drive right past without stopping due to the store’s hours. But a true coffee connoisseur should consider being patient for this store to open. And, I might suggest the next time you are dining at Fresh & Organic, consider having a cup of coffee with one of their yummy organic Nutella sandwiches. I promise it'll be worth the wait!
So, everyone has a favorite place to go for a cup of java. Who do you think serves the best cup in Ashburn? Did we miss any? Take our poll.
Colombian not Columbian. I always wrote it incorrectly as well until I married a Colombian. :) Sadly, I predict Starbucks winning this poll and us coffee enthusiasts promptly shaking our heads.