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Alexandria, VA may be a small city, but with over 100 independently-owned boutique shops and local restaurants, there is plenty to see and do. One of the most appealing features of Alexandria is its charming aesthetic. The picturesque cobblestone streets and attractive row houses make it an ideal setting for posting up in a cafe to get some work done, meet up with a friend, or simply people-watch. Read on to discover our favorite coffee shops in Alexandria. 1. Misha's Coffeehouse and Roaster The ambiance of a coffeehouse is almost as important as the quality of the coffee, and Misha's is well aware of that. Think warm, red walls, soothing jazz music, the earthy smell of roasted coffee, and the steady hum of conversation and productivity. In addition to their in-house roasted coffee, Misha's also serves a variety of pastries. Unless you arrive early, you should expect to take your coffee to go, as Misha's is a popular spot and is often crowded. more 2. Swing's Coffee Roasters With three locations in the D.C. area, Swing's is a D.C. staple. The Del Ray location in Alexandria is located in a lofty, industrial building that serves as the perfect workspace or coffee date spot. Swing's coffee roastery is attached to the coffee bar, and several large windows behind the register overlook the roasting production. Seating is limited, so again, you may want to arrive early. 3. St. Elmo's Coffee Pub St. Elmo's Coffee Pub has two locations: one in the Del Ray neighborhood and one in Old Town North. St. Elmo's offers a larger variety of food than competing coffeehouses, making it an appealing option if you hope to stop in over breakfast or lunch. They also offer a sizable beverage menu that includes smoothies, hot chocolate, assorted teas, and even kombucha. If you don't plan to eat in you can order food and drinks to go via Toast. 4. Dolci Gelati Primarily a gelato shop, Dolci Gelati also serves locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks. Specialty gelato flavors such as honey mascarpone fig and kettle corn set Dolci Gelati apart from other ice cream options in the area. If you're also planning to visit the Alexandria waterfront, Dolci Gelati is an ideal option -- once you get your caffeine and sugar fix, you need only walk five minutes to the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront Park. 5. Fontaine Caffe & Creperie If you snag an outdoor table at this French-style creperie, Fontaine is a great location for people-watching. The menu features both savory and sweet crepes, along with other French-inspired dishes, and a limited coffee selection featuring drip coffee, cappuccinos, espresso, and hot or iced lattes. They also have an impressive beer and wine menu, but if you imbibe, drink responsibly, and only if you are of legal drinking age. And please, never drink and drive. Now that you know about some of the best spots for a coffee or a bite to eat in Alexandria, you'll need a way to get there so that you can try them for yourself. Visit Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria today to find the best new or used car for your needs.

Whether you're in the mood for pancakes smothered in syrup, an omelet made with all your favorite ingredients, or a sweet donut or pastry, you'll find something to satisfy your craving at one of the great breakfast spots around Alexandria, Virginia. So the next time you're getting ready to go out for breakfast, consider these area restaurants. more Fontaine Eating at Fontaine's will delight your senses. From their friendly staff to their fresh menu items, everyone will leave here satisfied. In fact, because they make everything to order, you can enjoy a delicious meal no matter what your dietary restrictions might be. They can prepare your food the way you want it, all you have to do is ask. You'll find some of the best crepes in the metropolitan area on their menu. With options like the Old Towner, which has ham, sauteed spinach, and caramelized onions, and the Zenist, which has lentils and spinach and tomatoes simmered in a coriander coconut curry sauce, everyone is sure to find something they love. Other items on the breakfast menu include a breakfast Cobb salad and the quiche du jour. Elizabeth's Counter If your idea of a perfect breakfast involves coffee and doughnuts, then head to Elizabeth's Counter. From slow-brewed Yama cold drip to classic vanilla lattes, the coffee at Elizabeth's is some of the best in town. If you want sweet and tasty doughnuts, you'll find traditional, old-fashioned, and extraordinary options on the menu that are all made fresh daily. Vegan doughnuts are also available and come in flavors such as caramel and toasted coconut, maple French toast, and grandma's strudel, just to name a few. Breakfast sandwiches are available for those that don't have a sweet tooth at breakfast. Del Ray Cafe Are you going to breakfast with the whole family? Then Del Ray Cafe is the place for you. This family-friendly restaurant uses local, organic ingredients to create some of the best food around. Even for breakfast, you can enjoy appetizers like a chocolate croissant or a slice of fresh homemade banana walnut bread. For your main course, get an omelet made just the way you like it, or, if you're feeling adventurous, try one of the DRC signature dishes. On the weekends, this cafe also serves brunch from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Extra Perks Coffee Shop and Cafe Located in Old Town, Extra Perks Coffee Shop and Cafe serves delicious British and American fare for breakfast and lunch. While everything here is good, you can't leave without trying the Italian French toast that's made with ciabatta bread. One of the more unique menu items is the full British breakfast, which comes with two eggs, banger, applewood smoked bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. If you don't make it here for breakfast, they also have a wonderful lunch menu. Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, so why not treat yourself to the best that Alexandria has to offer. Try all of these great restaurants and let us know which one you like the most. image via pixabay

Jacksonville, Florida, has plenty of coffee shops that can help you rise and shine in the morning or perk up at any time of day. Their coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dessert options are varied and delicious. Take a look at some of the best coffee shops that the Jacksonville area has to offer. more Brass Tacks Coffee Company For an exceptional cup of coffee and great food, head over to Brass Tacks Coffee Company in Jacksonville. Their extensive drink menu has nine types of espressos, nine varieties of tea, and five basic coffee types. They include drip coffee, Kalita Gold Cup, nitro cold brew, cold brew, and flash brew. If you love flavored syrup with your coffee, this is the place for you. Brass Tacks offers vanilla, almond, mocha, Irish cream, Mexican mocha, lavender, caramel, hazelnut, mint, and white mocha. Brass Tacks serves breakfast until noon. Patrons love their build-your-own-burrito menu, and their biscuits and gravy are peppered with succulent sausage. Their Nutella Belgian waffles are excellent, and their Night Bites menu is available from 11 a.m. to closing. Try the chicken pot pie biscuit or the buffalo chicken grilled cheese. They're open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and they close at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Southern Grounds Southern Grounds has a professional chef who uses quality coffee, wine, and food. They offer lots of impressive options, and it's a great place to spend time with friends and family members. Several types of tea, delicious coffee, and smoothies are available. Try a strawberry smoothie or a frozen caramel latte. For breakfast, you can choose a three-egg omelet with grits or a fruit cup and a biscuit or toast. The yogurt parfait has granola and fresh fruit, and the avocado toast comes with avocado, olive oil, onions, Feta cheese, and tomatoes. Other options include a Baja shrimp taco, a grilled salmon salad, a Baja ancient grain bowl, and sourdough toast with goat cheese. Southern Grounds is open Sunday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and they close at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bold Bean Coffee Roasters If you're looking for sustainably sourced specialty coffee that's roasted locally, visit Bold Bean Coffee Roasters. They offer a wide selection of coffees and beans from Colombia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Brazil. You can subscribe to get regular deliveries of coffee to use at home. Choose their popular house blend or a constantly rotating selection of coffee bean varieties. Their cafe is near Jacksonville Beach, so you can enjoy a great view from the patio. Try the CBD-infused kombucha or the affogato, espresso over vegan ice cream. You can also enjoy a vegan blueberry muffin or a bacon and cheese biscuit, and you can even buy treats for your dog. Give each of these great Jacksonville coffeehouses a try the next time you need to put some pep in your step. With offerings this good, it might be hard for you to choose a favorite. image via pixabay

Java can perk you up when you need a boost, so knowing where the best local coffee houses are is a must. Alexandria, Virginia, has some of the best coffee spots around, but it can be tricky trying to pick a favorite. That's why it's nice to have a helping hand. Here are a few places that offer the coffee you need to keep you running in the Alexandria area. more Killer E.S.P With two locations to serve you in Old Town Alexandria and Chinatown, Washington DC, Killer E.S.P is where sweet treats, excellent coffee, and good company merge. The E.S.P is short for expresso, snacks, and pie, and they are very skilled in all three of these treats. The decor is quirky and comfortable, offering a casual vibe for enjoying a good book, catching up on emails, or chatting with friends while you sip your coffee. Try some of their gluten-free snacks, or a chocolate pecan pie. If you need something more substantial, they also offer quiche or pot pies. Their hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Extra Perks Located in north Old Town Alexandria, Extra Perks has been serving up some of the best coffee in the area for nearly 20 years. Extra Perks is more than a coffee house. It boasts a full kitchen where they prepare traditional British fare or your favorite American dishes for breakfast, lunch, or late afternoon. The atmosphere has a couch by the fireplace and cozy tables where you can settle down and enjoy a full meal, a snack, or a coffee. They are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. St. Elmo's Coffee Pub Coffee, croissant sandwiches, quiche, soup, empanada, pastries, Italian style subs, and hot subs make up the backbone of St. Elmo's Coffee Pub. The staff is exceptionally courteous, helpful, and there to serve you. You can not go wrong with any of the menu items as everything is fresh and made to order. Stop in today for a hot sub and a Stumptown cold-brew coffee. They are open Monday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Coffee is the fuel that gets you moving in the morning and keeps you going all day long, but what makes a coffee house great isn't solely based on the coffee. Service, selection, and quality all play a part in where you go for your coffee. Choosing where to go is half the battle, but finding a truly unique coffee house is a rarity. There is no shortage of coffee shops in Alexandria, Virginia, so get out there and explore them all until you find the one that dots all your i's and crosses all your t's. image via pixaby