Coffeesmith is a small little coffee shop, located in the plaza off of Metrotech. They offer iced and hot beverages(uses Stumptown Roasters), paninis, cookies, muffins, and even sliced cakes. I tried their ‘award winning’ Espressoda, which is a mixture of Italian vanilla-flavored soda, lemon, and espresso, over ice. It was definitely fizzy and more flavorful compared to the one I tried out in Nash, and while it’s not a taste for everyone, it’s a unique beverage to try! The staff are nice, but more reserved, and they definitely tell you in how to mix the drink properly(so there’s no spillage; you put in the straw slowly, mix it slowly, and then take little sips through the straw, then secure the top on; the carbonation from the Italian soda can cause the beverage to just fizz up!). The café itself has plenty of tables, and many were doing work and/or chit-chatting with friends. If you are dining in the area, this can be a spot to stop by for some coffee/dessert. +Espressoda(supposedly their award-winning drink) +uses Stumptown Roasters +nice & reserved staff +plenty of tables
Kathy N.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Chantilly, VA
No iPad station, but plenty of seating and outlets, which are two crucial factors for me. I enjoyed the iced green tea latte, but didn’t get the chance to order any of the food. Definitely somewhere I’ll be coming back to and will be trying more of what’s on their menu!
Jennifer F.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Silver Spring, MD
First of all, let me just say that their ICEDSPICEDCHAITEAISAMAZING! Awesome staff, very friendly and you can honestly enjoy a great book with a great drink. I am looking forward to paying them another visit.
JW P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Fairfax, VA
Coffeesmith is a great place to read, study, and get work done. There is plenty of seating, electrical outlets, and options on the menu: coffee, espresso-based drinks, teas, lunch sandwiches, etc. Drip coffee is my favorite and it is usually strong-bodied. I think they roast Stumptown here. I’ve had the bacon avocado panini and it was pretty delicious… I’ll take anything with bacon. I imagine that the busiest times here are Sunday afternoons. I wish that the location was better(off the highway, closer to more popular restaurants), I’d visit much more often then.
Lex L.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Centreville, VA
Had a hot chocolate here myself personally. Had a cute design of whipped cream on top. Please see photo. It was pretty good but the service could have been better. The table before us had a child who had knocked over a glass of water all over the table and chairs. There was also pieces of a sandwich on the floor where the child sat. Needless to say, the last party did not do a good job cleaning up so we were left for the clean up job. Went to the counter to ask for paper towels and the worker rudely snapped that they didn’t have any and for me to use the napkins at the counter. It is one of those dispenser ones that only lets you take one at a time. So it took me a while to get enough napkins to clean up the entire mess and had to go back a few times to get more napkins to finish the clean up which was annoying. Nonetheless, place was nice & clean but can get busy on the weekends.
Christopher G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Fairfax, VA
Coffeesmith is somewhat hidden, tucked away towards the back end of Metrotech Shopping Center, across from Lotte and a couple doors down from Hibachi Buffet. I must say, this place is truly a gem! I absolutely love this coffee shop! The first time I went here, I thought it was like any other coffee shop. I ordered an iced vanilla latte, and as soon as I took my first sip, I fell in love. I love coffee shops, and I love vanilla lattes. I must say that this place has one of the best vanilla lattes I’ve ever had! It is my go-to drink whenever I stop in. They’ve gone through many, many renovations, and I love how I’ve been able to witness all the changes. I could(and have) spend hours here catching up with a friend, playing board games, etc. Great coffee, great food and pastries, amazing ambiance, and a wonderful staff! What more could you ask for?
Melissa Rose P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Leesburg, VA
I’m particularly picky about my coffee… aka a royal coffee snob. So with that being said I give * Cafein previously known as Coffee Smith five stars most enthusiastically. They deliver a consistent cup of coffee with depth and flavor. I can tell the main Barista takes great care in his work and it shows with every cup he turns out. The latte’s I get are thick, frothy and fabulous. They also have a fresh and delicious breakfast menu that isn’t over priced. The panini’s are spot on and the desserts and pastries are incredible. They sell cookies the size of your head for $ 2. Starbucks will sell you a stale cake pop for more than that! The very clean and sleek environment provides outlets for charging and places to sit and relax. The décor is tasteful and quarky with the coffee mug and spoon clock and the shelves of antique cars. Everything is well thought-out, executed and maintained. All around an experience you’ll never forget and will keep you coming back. I highly recommend them. * Coffee Smith has recently had a makeover and become Cafein now. They have remodeled a little and I must say it feels open and spacious now. I do however miss the antique cars they had on display. Now the delicious new latte options are a most welcome addition! I tried out the Rose latte and it was magnificent. I’ve included photos. Check them out!
Sunah J.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Oakton, VA
Love the expresoda! It’s definitely a weird but amazing feeling to my taste buds. It feels like a boost of energy surges into my body every sip I take of my drink. Expresoda — it’s a mixture of vanilla coffee with sprite and it literally tastes like a shot of iced coffee with soda. Strawberry smoothie — it was alright. Not bad but not so amazing I would come back craving for that specific drink. I like that the place is spacious and not packed. But don’t like the people next to me who came here to «study» but are being so loud… I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here again but if I’m passing by I will definitely stop by again!
Vivian D.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Centreville, VA
I came here this morning after the snowpocalyse for a quick breakfast and a nice cup of hot coffee. After hearing so many great things about this shoppe from Unilocal,my first visit here felt quite underwhelmed. The shoppe had an open concept which was horrible for these winter days. Every time someone opened the door to come in or out, a wave of cold air would spread throughout the entire store. There was no escaping it no matter where you sit. I had to keep my jacket on the entire time I was in the store. They had a few comfy-looking couches but the majority of the chairs were wooden which were not as comfortable to sit in. I also did not see any iPads laying around. Bummer! :( As for food, we had an avocado BLT panini and an everything bagel with salmon scrambled alongside with, of course, some coffee. The avocado BLT and the salmon scrambled were delicious, but the kitchen definitely skimped on the avocado on my BLT. The coffee was okay, but I expected better from a store that goes by the name«Coffeesmith». I drank half of my cappuccino and poured the rest out on the snow. My overall impression of Coffeesmith is that it is an average coffee shoppe— perfect if you’re in the area(bc I think it’s a tad better than Starbucks) but not worth the extra mile if you live far away.
Jiin S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Washington, DC
Love this place! Just discovered it yesterday after I had lunch at Lotte. Pretty spacious, so good for large groups! Also has free wi-fi and outlets if you’re interested in studying here. My life was changed after having the espressoda. Very refreshing and gives you that caffeine fix you need. It was soda(club soda, I think… Some sort of sparking water + sweetener), with a shot of espresso on top! Be sure to drink a few sips of the soda after they pour the espresso on top so that it doesn’t overflow! Then, mix the espresso into the soda. They’ll give you directions!(: Highly recommend!
Melissa D.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Fairfax, VA
I am so sad! This cute little shop was recommended by the teller at the Suntrust I went to… she said they have the best paninis so I figured it couldn’t hurt to try! I ordered the chicken pesto, after my first bite, I actually coughed it was so dry. barely any pesto, lumped onions in the middle, just very odd. I ate half of sandwich and gave up. My iced coffee on the other-hand is quite delicious. Should have stuck with just that. Feels like a waste of $ 11 but hey, I’m glad I know for the future!
Ingrid K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Aldie, VA
Non-descript from the outside, but nice, clean, and quiet inside. Plenty of seating with outlets near every table so you can charge your electronic device and work in peace. They have a decent food menu as well, but I stopped in for a latte. Quite tasty, in fact. The folks behind the counter take their time creating beautiful pieces of latte art. I like that it’s not as chaotic as most chain coffee places. You don’t have to jockey for a table. The staff is Korean.
Cheng X.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Charlottesville, VA
Came in last weekend to do some studying with my boyfriend. I was excited to check out this place because a lot of the reviews talked about how there were iPads here so I was a little disappointed to find that they don’t have them anymore. Still, the set up is pretty nice — very spacious, not too loud and big tables in the back to work. I got the green tea latte and he got a regular latte. I was pretty happy with my drink but he said his had a little too much milk in it(seems like their flavored drinks are more popular since other reviewers said that their coffee is just okay too). Other than that, no complaints. Definitely interested in coming back to try the espressoda on a warmer day and exploring the menu more!
Justine S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Annandale, VA
Hands down my favorite coffee shop in Northern VA!(Located in the Metrotech Shopping Center). Everything I’ve ever gotten was a hit. My go-to drinks are the nonfat iced caramel macchiato and iced green tea latte. I’ve also had their espressoda(Italian soda with a shot of espresso), iced coffee– which they use frozen coffee instead of ice to keep it cool, pumpkin spice latte, americano, etc. You can customize your drinks PLUS they have soy and almond milk, love! They also offer smoothies, breakfast, pastries, and random treats to munch on. Perfect place to study, sit with a friend, get some work done, etc. They have free wi-fi, friendly staff, and the place is spacious and tidy.
Karisa G.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Arlington, VA
In my never ending quest for coffee and delicious treats, I was led to Coffeesmith on a recent trip out to Chantilly. Yes, I realize Chantilly is not that far away(about 30ish minutes from me), but I don’t always go to Chantilly. In a strip mall is Coffeesmith. On the outside, Coffeesmith looks simple and unassuming. Inside, I found that Coffeesmith is a clean, bright, and spacious coffee shop. The staff was friendly and was patient with us as we decided on our drinks. The menu is handwritten by the staff. My fiancé and decided to order iced drinks, which was perfect for the warm fall weather. He ordered the iced Mocha and I ordered the iced Green Tea latte. Our drinks came out quickly, though I’m sure it helped that it wasn’t too busy. I enjoyed my Green Tea latte. I’m not a green tea expert, but I liked that my drink balanced the flavors. Drinking a green tea latte with either too little or too much green tea is something I do not recommend. But Coffeesmith hit the mark. Plenty of seating inside with space to study and or people watch. Now I know that Coffeesmith exists, I’ll make it a point to stop in when I’m in the neighborhood.
Lisa H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Richmond, VA
Forewarning: The place was a little hard to find, because Chantilly is full of strip malls that look alike, so we drove around in circles for awhile. It’s across the way from Lotte, I believe. Our experience: We were greeted immediately, and there were two guys working. I ordered a green tea latte(hot, $ 3.50 tall) and the boyfriend got a hazelnut mocha frap(cold, $ 4.75/$ 5 large). We took a seat in the front area(the place is sooo spacious! I noticed there is a back too… See photos another Unilocaler posted). The drinks took no more than 5 minutes. Fast service! I was very pleasantly surprised that my green tea latte, although in a paper cup, had a heart latte-art design on top. It was super cute. My boyfriend joked«don’t mess it up», since everyone knows ya gotta take a pic for Unilocal first. The actual drink was delicious! Great matcha green tea taste. Even my bf’s hazelnut frap was super yummy, I was surprised. It’s different from Starbucks fraps, but in a good way. Although today was my first visit at Coffeesmith, I already know I’d like to come back! If only it weren’t so far… But I think it’d be worth the drive to do some work at, and support, this little shop.
Tina T.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Fairfax, VA
Interesting coffee shop tucked away near a super kmart in front of the Lotte in Chantilly. I’m pretty pissed that I keep going around that area and didn’t know there was a neat coffee shop until my friends had their infamous«Espressoda». Since my friend and I were in the area, we thought we would give Coffeesmith a try ourselves and see if it’s any good. I ordered the Espressoda(only comes in a tall which is their largest size). It’s a shot of espresso and a carbonated type of drink/soda(obviously the name Espressoda), To my surprise, this drink was pretty good! It was definitely different, but if you need a kick of caffeine I don’t think this gives much to any. My friend got the Green tea latte and a pistachio cheese cake. The green tea latte was perfectly sweeten but not too sweet and not too bland. The pistachio cheese cake on the other hand, did NOT taste like pistachio. Tasted more like a tangy key lime pie or something else.
Lauren M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Denver, CO
Coffeesmith, where have you been all my life? I’m so glad I’ve finally found you! I was so sad when a couple of my favorite local coffeehouses closed down in herndon, and I was only left with a Starbucks. But now I found Coffeesmith in Chantilly! It’s worth a drive over to check out. A wayyy cooler place to hang out than the large coffee chains in our area. I’ve only tried their spiced chai tea latte and the iced white mocha, but both really hit the spot. The staff(especially Min) is very friendly, knowledgable, and efficient at crafting each cup. Min was able to tell us about the coffee bean source, and mentioned that they had done open mic night, but there didn’t seem to be much interest. He was very open to the idea of scheduling events at the location, so if you’re a musician, I’d recommend swinging by and talking to Min. I think this would be a really fun, hip place to do a poetry slam too. Let’s get the word out!
Cat P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Sterling, VA
Coffeesmith is a cute and trendy spot to grab a cup of jo or tea. Not being a coffee drinker, I sampled their spice chai latte on my first visit and was pretty happy with my order. It was comforting and not overly sweet. The spice was assertive in the best way. Besides the delicious drink that I enjoyed, I also liked how the staff are so friendly and helpful. Another plus is that this place has more personality than some other nearby coffee shops. They didn’t overload the business with decorations, but the tables and lighting fixtures are stylish, modern, yet warm. While this business is Korean-owned, they don’t follow the typical format of opening early and closing really late. On Saturdays, I think Coffeesmith closes at eight. Coffeesmith would make a great spot for catching up with a friend, dropping in to read the paper or study, or hanging out on a casual date. Seeing that the coffee received honorable mention in The Washington Post, I will have to sample one of their brews next time just to see what it’s all about.