My husband and I stopped in and I fell in love when I stepped it. The shop is very eclectic in appearance with many styles of art on the walls and shelves and vinyl records displayed. The employees were friendly and polite and helped us choose a tea even though it was bustling and customers were lining up, we were not rushed. The chicken curry Pattie had me doing my happy food dance and the peppermint patty coffee was great! I will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nathan
Love this place, but it has a deceptive sign that says “half off all tea” on specific days a times. When placing an order, I was informed this was not the case. This left a very bad taste in my mouth, the sign needs to be changed or the offer should be honored from now on.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
E Meerbach
I’ve had a lot of oat milk lattes in the DC area, and this one is definitely my favorite! (great place to write or get some work done, too!)
this cafe is achingly rad (reminds me of some of the local spots I haunted in Boston back in the day), and the staff always have the warmest smiles on their faces. They showcase a bunch of local artists, have the best music, and I’ve overheard some of the most interesting conversations, which I think all just goes to show how creative and expressive this place is.
I visited last summer and loved the iced latte I got, and this time I tried their spinach quiche - it wasn’t anything to write home about, but after glancing through some reviews, it does seem that perhaps it used to be a bit higher quality (and lower price?) so I’d perhaps stick to the pastries or hand pies next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Iced Latte
Bedur Alshrif
Imagine a small, cozy coffee shop with dim lighting and walls adorned with dark wood and old books. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and soft music plays in the background. There are comfortable couches and small tables where you can sit and relax. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, perfect for enjoying a good book or having a chat with friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vanessa Marcano
If you want a warming drink in a great/eccentric vibe, this is the place! Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Romita Bulchandani
When I lived in Alexandria from 2013-2017 this place was fire the quiches and pies were AMAZING.
Ever since I left i made a point to come back here every trip to DC and get a Spinach Quiche and my favorite latte. They always deliver!
Now it’s 2025 and the same quiche has significantly dwindled in size and quality, quadrupled in price….and the taste is no where near what I remember. The quiche used to be soft and fluffy. About 3-4 inches thick.
Oh and they are cashless now WTF?
I’m disappointed…I always stopped here every trip to DC and now I’m grieving my favorite spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Danny Douglas
I recently visited ESP Tea & Coffee in Old Town Alexandria for the first time, and it was an awesome experience! From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the funky, cool vibe of the space—definitely a spot with personality.
The staff was super friendly and welcoming, taking the time to help me choose the perfect drink. I ended up going with the “Sugar Daddy” latte, which was a deliciously sweet and satisfying choice. To go with it, I tried an oatmeal cream whoopie pie from Lil Miss Whoopie, and it was the perfect pairing—soft, creamy, and absolutely indulgent.
Whether you’re a coffee or tea lover, ESP is a fantastic place to check out. The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, making it a great spot to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done. If you’re in Old Town and looking for a unique, friendly café experience, definitely stop by ESP Tea & Coffee!
Walktell
My vegan partner and I just got coffees (no food) and enjoyed them immensely, this review is mostly for the space itself... We loved it! We do a lot of traveling and always make a point to try out the local coffee shops (in addition to vegan places) and ESP is just authentically cool. Loved all the concert posters, art work, funky furniture and murals... they sell used vinyl at great prices, I bought a 1960s record of Mexican music for $14! Staff was friendly, service was fast. Looking quickly over the menu, it didn't seem to have any/many vegan options for food but didn't ask.
J Pearson
The tea is unique and delicious, the staff is super friendly, and the chicken pattie was phenomenal.
Really like the electric, bohemian artsy feel of the interior and their outdoor seating out back is a plus, on a nice sunny day!
Been coming here since it was the original ESP that actually served sorbet and pie... was happy to see the shop the new ownership who cared about the community and coffee. However, some of the crew members are not as cool. Last time I stopped in, my order just sat at the counter without being called. Ok, not a big deal. They were probably overwhelmed, I thought. Then a few days ago when I tried to redeem my birthday drink, the girl rushed me through and the perk didn't get applied and she simply said it was not linked to the right card. When I showed her the card and the app, she said she wasn't sure and just turned around leaving me to stand there like a ding dong. Oh well, I stopped enjoying my experience right then and there.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Kash Arora
Beautiful coffee shop in Alexandria. The cafe is designed so beautifully and displays local artists' work. We got a mocha and it was a decent coffee.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Lisa Kelly
I love love this place everyone is so friendly. I met the owners they're down to earth. The teas are very authentic the curry chicken Jamaican patty excellence authentic. I will recommend this place to anyone if they're looking for a nice tea & coffee shop.The vibes are vibing the music is nice and a must try. I won't stare you wrong.
Kid-friendliness: Kids are welcome
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Apple Pie, Iced Latte, Coffee and Pastry, Chai Latte and Chocolate Croissant, Mocha Latte and Chicken Saltena
Tatiana Loarca
I really enjoyed visiting this cafe while in town. It’s definitely a place for ppl to just hang out. It was cool that they also sold vinyls and I picked one up! And I know most ppl may not read past but I hope they’ll reconsider their toilet paper choice…it tears apart so easily (thinner than cheap tissue) and it was quite frustrating trying to use the RR b/c of that😅
So chill will come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Iced Latte, Salted Caramel, Empanada, Drip Coffee
My husband and I stopped in and I fell in love when I stepped it.
The shop is very eclectic in appearance with many styles of art on the walls and shelves and vinyl records displayed.
The employees were friendly and polite and helped us choose a tea even though it was bustling and customers were lining up, we were not rushed.
The chicken curry Pattie had me doing my happy food dance and the peppermint patty coffee was great! I will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place, but it has a deceptive sign that says “half off all tea” on specific days a times. When placing an order, I was informed this was not the case. This left a very bad taste in my mouth, the sign needs to be changed or the offer should be honored from now on.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve had a lot of oat milk lattes in the DC area, and this one is definitely my favorite! (great place to write or get some work done, too!)
this cafe is achingly rad (reminds me of some of the local spots I haunted in Boston back in the day), and the staff always have the warmest smiles on their faces. They showcase a bunch of local artists, have the best music, and I’ve overheard some of the most interesting conversations, which I think all just goes to show how creative and expressive this place is.
I visited last summer and loved the iced latte I got, and this time I tried their spinach quiche - it wasn’t anything to write home about, but after glancing through some reviews, it does seem that perhaps it used to be a bit higher quality (and lower price?) so I’d perhaps stick to the pastries or hand pies next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Iced Latte
Imagine a small, cozy coffee shop with dim lighting and walls adorned with dark wood and old books. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and soft music plays in the background. There are comfortable couches and small tables where you can sit and relax. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, perfect for enjoying a good book or having a chat with friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you want a warming drink in a great/eccentric vibe, this is the place! Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
When I lived in Alexandria from 2013-2017 this place was fire the quiches and pies were AMAZING.
Ever since I left i made a point to come back here every trip to DC and get a Spinach Quiche and my favorite latte. They always deliver!
Now it’s 2025 and the same quiche has significantly dwindled in size and quality, quadrupled in price….and the taste is no where near what I remember. The quiche used to be soft and fluffy. About 3-4 inches thick.
Oh and they are cashless now WTF?
I’m disappointed…I always stopped here every trip to DC and now I’m grieving my favorite spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
I recently visited ESP Tea & Coffee in Old Town Alexandria for the first time, and it was an awesome experience! From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the funky, cool vibe of the space—definitely a spot with personality. The staff was super friendly and welcoming, taking the time to help me choose the perfect drink. I ended up going with the “Sugar Daddy” latte, which was a deliciously sweet and satisfying choice. To go with it, I tried an oatmeal cream whoopie pie from Lil Miss Whoopie, and it was the perfect pairing—soft, creamy, and absolutely indulgent. Whether you’re a coffee or tea lover, ESP is a fantastic place to check out. The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, making it a great spot to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done. If you’re in Old Town and looking for a unique, friendly café experience, definitely stop by ESP Tea & Coffee!
My vegan partner and I just got coffees (no food) and enjoyed them immensely, this review is mostly for the space itself... We loved it! We do a lot of traveling and always make a point to try out the local coffee shops (in addition to vegan places) and ESP is just authentically cool. Loved all the concert posters, art work, funky furniture and murals... they sell used vinyl at great prices, I bought a 1960s record of Mexican music for $14! Staff was friendly, service was fast. Looking quickly over the menu, it didn't seem to have any/many vegan options for food but didn't ask.
The tea is unique and delicious, the staff is super friendly, and the chicken pattie was phenomenal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Really like the electric, bohemian artsy feel of the interior and their outdoor seating out back is a plus, on a nice sunny day!
Been coming here since it was the original ESP that actually served sorbet and pie... was happy to see the shop the new ownership who cared about the community and coffee. However, some of the crew members are not as cool. Last time I stopped in, my order just sat at the counter without being called. Ok, not a big deal. They were probably overwhelmed, I thought. Then a few days ago when I tried to redeem my birthday drink, the girl rushed me through and the perk didn't get applied and she simply said it was not linked to the right card. When I showed her the card and the app, she said she wasn't sure and just turned around leaving me to stand there like a ding dong. Oh well, I stopped enjoying my experience right then and there.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Beautiful coffee shop in Alexandria. The cafe is designed so beautifully and displays local artists' work. We got a mocha and it was a decent coffee.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
I love love this place everyone is so friendly. I met the owners they're down to earth. The teas are very authentic the curry chicken Jamaican patty excellence authentic. I will recommend this place to anyone if they're looking for a nice tea & coffee shop.The vibes are vibing the music is nice and a must try. I won't stare you wrong.
Kid-friendliness: Kids are welcome
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Apple Pie, Iced Latte, Coffee and Pastry, Chai Latte and Chocolate Croissant, Mocha Latte and Chicken Saltena
I really enjoyed visiting this cafe while in town. It’s definitely a place for ppl to just hang out. It was cool that they also sold vinyls and I picked one up! And I know most ppl may not read past but I hope they’ll reconsider their toilet paper choice…it tears apart so easily (thinner than cheap tissue) and it was quite frustrating trying to use the RR b/c of that😅
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coffee and Pastry
Nice place! Cozy, smells great, colorful.
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