A coffee shop can be a place for a quick caffeine fix when you need it. But it can also be a place to slow down, mingle, and even shop. Around Northern Virginia and DC, bookstore cafés and other combination coffee shops offer a chance for shoppers to peruse books, houseplants, vinyl records, and even bikes with a fresh coffee in hand. It’s a recipe for the perfect weekend outing.
Daydrift Books & Cafe
Newly opened in Arlington, this bookstore café offers an assortment of coffee, tea, and smoothies for you to sip on while you browse the rows of books. The “book menu” has titles in literary fiction, classics, science fiction, and beyond. 1550 Crystal Dr., Arlington
The Den Coffeehouse & Wine Bar
Just below the Northwest DC location of Politics and Prose, The Den serves up sandwiches, breakfast foods, and espresso drinks. Head upstairs to check out the independent bookstore’s shelves or attend one of its frequent author talks and book signings. 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Green Lizard Cycling
This Herndon bike shop — which offers road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, accessories, and more — provides cycling enthusiasts with caffeine boosts to fuel any bike ride. It has coffee, plus baked goods, soups, and sandwiches sourced from Herndon businesses. There’s even a selection of beer available. 718 Lynn St., Herndon
Grounded
Wellness is at the center of this DC space. There are plants for sale, ranging from beginner-friendly houseplants to more care-intensive varietals. The wellness studio presents yoga, reiki, mediation, and other wellness-focused classes. And over in the café, there’s a full menu of coffee and tea, including specialty drinks like the ginger-turmeric Golden Latte or the Lovers Rock blueberry chai. 1913 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Washington, DC
Maketto
This spot on DC’s H Street has a little of everything. There’s a full-service restaurant upstairs, a coffee bar on the first floor, and a retail store with footwear, clothing, books, and magazines. Plus, Cool Kids Vinyl sits on its second floor, selling records and books. 1351 H St. NE, Washington, DC
The Potter’s House DC
The Potter’s House is a community space that dates back to the 1960s, when it opened as a coffeehouse church. Today, it offers books with a focus on social justice and cultural studies, plus coffee, tea, and food at the café. A pay-it-forward program helps provide free meals to those in need. 1658 Columbia Rd. NW, Washington, DC
Shake & Bops
In addition to its menu coffee and tea, this Leesburg shop is a great place to browse for a new houseplant. Plus, the greenery sets a peaceful atmosphere for those spending time in the café. 19 Wirt St., Leesburg
Tales & Tails
Dog lovers, head to Fredericksburg to find pet-themed books and accessories, plus coffee, tea, and bakery items for dogs and humans alike. The shop also spotlights adoptable pups from local shelters and rescues. 1010 Charles St., Fredericksburg
Feature image courtesy Shake & Bops Botanical Cafe
