Coffee is an essential part of our daily routines, so we’ve rounded up the best places to get your caffeine fix in Norfolk. Find the coffee shop that fits your personality best. Whether you’re energizing to explore the city or simply want to enjoy catching up with a friend, these are our go-to Norfolk coffee shops.
Downtown
Alatte Cafe
321 Granby St.
In the mood for a quick cup o’ joe? Stop in to ALatte Café for some refreshing roasts, breakfast sandwiches and pastries, and stay for the excellent staff and board games. Plus, see how many giraffes you can spot while you’re there.
Neptune’s Fury
999 Waterside Dr.
What started as a coffee roasting hobby in a Virginia Beach garage has evolved into a physical location (and a beautiful one at that) in Downtown Norfolk’s Dominion Tower. This coastal-themed coffee shop features light to medium roasted beans featured in your favorite caffeinated beverages like lattes, espressos cappuccinos and cold beverages too. The shop also features bagged coffee beans for sale and a sweet assortment of baked goods—all overlooking the beautiful Elizabeth River.
Rich port Coffee
150 W. Main St.
Rich Port Coffee was founded on the age old ritual of brewing and savoring coffee. Their passion is to deliver a coffee that engages the senses and creates an experience.
Three Ships Coffee
400 Granby St.
Located in Assembly, Three Ships Coffee is a small group of passionate coffee enthusiasts. They source the best coffee they can get their hands on and bring it home to Hampton Roads.
Ghent
Café Stella
1907 Colonial Ave.
Café Stella is one of the first coffee shops to pop up in Norfolk. The shop continues to produce tasty house blends and an atmosphere that’s welcoming and happening. All of their roastings are done in-house, which makes for delicious classic coffee drinks while their sweet treats are all baked from scratch. You’ll find lots of comfortable seating, lots of regulars and a homey ambiance.
Elliot’s Fair Grounds
806 Baldwin Ave.
Norfolk’s oldest independent coffee shop, Elliot’s Fair Grounds offers fair trade coffee, plus assorted pastries in a homey atmosphere. Bonus: they’re located right above Eleanor’s feminist bookstore and bottle shop, so you can pick out a great book to enjoy with a great cup of joe.
Equinox Coffee Co.
2800 Colley Ave.
This corner café is aesthetically pleasing with natural sunlight that beams through the windows complemented by modern rustic décor. Owner TJ Harrell explains that “Equinox represents the balance of night and day, and applying that balance to our everyday lifestyle is what we want to represent.” You will experience this lifestyle in the atmosphere and drinks. Their specialty lattes change with the seasons and are created with house-made syrups and dashed with spices. Grab a seat at the bar while sipping on a classic cappuccino and soaking up the feel-good vibes.
Kobros Coffee
419 W 21st St.
Twin brothers Erik and Sean grew up in Orlando, Florida before both joining the military. They always had a love for coffee, but their extensive travels around the world broadened their appetite and amplified their appreciation for the coffee bean. Now veterans, they are creating some of the most tasteful and compelling lattes in our city. While they have rotating seasonal latte flavors like Maple Squash or Camp Crystal Lake S’mores latte, they also always have some sort of citrus flavored latte on hand. This citrus element is incorporated as a tribute to their original home in the sunshine state. While their coffee shop is bursting with plants, they are extremely accommodating and friendly. It’s hard not to be an avid Kobros coffee drinker.
Chelsea
Vessel Craft Coffee
1229 W. Olney Road
Sarah Cowherd’s decision to open Vessel stemmed from her background visiting a small coffee farm in Nicaragua as a teen on Medical Missions Trips. This once online-only business started out in Selden Market (a market in Norfolk that provides local entrepreneurs with a supportive space to develop their small business) and has now moved to Norfolk’s Chelsea neighborhood. In addition to delicious food offerings (breakfast burritos, anyone?) Vessel features a unique menu of sought-after beverages including cold brew nitro on draft, fun flavors of lattes plus a variety of teas.
Freemason
Cure Coffeehouse
503 Botetourt St.
Cure Coffeehouse, a Norfolk staple, has an astounding selection of carefully crafted beverages. Located among the cobblestone streets of Norfolk and set in a historical building, Cure is constantly putting out exciting drink menus for both cocktails and coffee! Sip on a lavender mocha latte, order an avocado toast, and stroll the streets of Freemason. Check their Instagram for their latest seasonal flavored lattes and monthly events.
Larchmont/Lochhaven
Borjo Coffeehouse
4416 Monarch Way
Located near ODU’s campus, Borjo offers fairly serious coffee, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, salads and bagels.
Voyager Cold Brew Coffee
5106 Colley Ave.
Crafted in Norfolk, this 100% Hawaiian single origin coffee is exceptionally pleasing. Their selection of nitro cold brew coffees will wake you up in the most delicious way. They also have a tempting menu of hot drinks including dark chocolate latte, toffee nut latte and a tasty flat white.
Ocean View/East Beach
Coaster Coffee
8418 Tidewater Dr.
Coaster Coffee is a nonprofit, community-driven coffee house in the Ocean View neighborhood of Norfolk. The owners decided to incorporate a bit of Norfolk history in their name by paying homage to Ocean View’s now defunct amusement park, which had roller coasters as a main attraction. While you no longer can find coasters in this area, the community pride remains. Be sure to meet some locals while you grab a coffee for the road or stay a while by sitting on couches with friends. The coffee beans on hand and for purchase are from local Virginia roaster, Prescription Coffee Lab. On your way out, look for their brightly colored outdoor mural and flourishing veggie garden making for the perfect spot to have a cup of joe.
COVA Brewing Co.
9529 Shore Drive
COVA is nestled in the heart of East Ocean View, also known as East Beach, and is owned by two local families whose passions brought this project to life. COVA’s building was formerly an auto repair shop but has been beautifully transformed into a coastal influenced brew-house, offering both craft beers and coffee. Cedar slatted counters imitate beachy dune fencing, and the color schemes throughout reflect the palette and sheen of sea glass. While they’ve kept the classic garage door look, you would have never guessed the building’s previous life. Their slogan, “There’s always something brewing at COVA” refers to the frothy liquids that fill their fermenters as well as their tasty craft coffees. All syrups and flavorings are homemade and pair well with their locally sourced pastries and treats!
Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse
9647 1st View St.
Mudita specializes in internationally inspired craft coffee and tea with rotating seasonal specialities. They also have a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Whether you’re in the mood for a unique coffee experience or just need a good brunch spot, Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse is the place to be.
Railroad District
Coalescence Coffee
226 W 24th St.
Coalescence Coffee is paving the way for a newly imagined coffeehouse. While you might be thinking it’s their sleek, modern, well sought-after architectural design and Instagram-worthy drinks that sets them apart from many cafes, it’s actually their business model that has sparked our admiration. Coalescence is a not-for-profit coffeehouse that’s completely community driven—even their baristas double as community catalysts! You can find this one-of-a-kind coffee shop in the Railroad District, a neighborhood that is being revitalized thanks to companies like Coalescence. Before planting roots within the district, the owners chatted with local businesses and residents in this neighborhood to make sure they were wanted and needed, just another example of their community-minded model.
Mea Culpa
2410 Colonial Ave.
Most locals will suggest this café for their waffle sandwiches since the owner once ran a favorite foodie pop-up called Waffletina. However, in looking for a more permanent space, Mea Culpa was born and now has much more than decadent waffle sandwiches. Customers will find locally roasted Three Ships brewed coffee and espresso with house-made seasonal syrups that make their lattes extra special. You can also spend the day hanging out in their outdoor hammocks or on their 1906 Victorian front porch. The inside of the coffee house boasts modern, sleek vibes, which pairs well with the owners’ personable demeanors. Nosh on a waffle, sip on a coffee, sign-in to WIFI and let the relaxing day pass you by.
Multiple Locations
Town Center Cold Pressed
Downtown: 100 E. Main St. (Inside Norfolk Hilton The main)
Ghent: 1902 Colley Ave.
An extensive but insanely straightforward and delicious menu awaits you at Town Center Cold Pressed. You’ll find everything from Nitro Brown Sugar Vanilla Lattes and superfood lattes like pistachio to their freshly squeezed juices, oatmeal and açai bowls. Waffles and bagels are also on the menu for the days when you want something heartier.
