The Connection

The faces of Alexandrians across the city display their query plainly: Will this snowy winter ever end? While waiting for warmer climes to make their appearance this spring, here are three venues to warm up with a hot cup of joe in the meantime.

Misha’s, 102 S. Patrick St.

A venerable coffee roaster for years, Misha’s hosts a dedicated clientele inside the shop. And upon setting foot across the threshold, it’s easy to see why. The aroma of roasted beans smacks you in the face immediately, followed quickly by a feast for the eyes — breads and sweets grace the counter, and friendly, knowledgeable baristas stand at the ready.

What seems to be an ultracool cafe from the exterior quickly gives way to a laid-back, living-room vibe on the inside. Bags of coffee beans wait their turn in the corners, and the bar is teeming with various flavors and styles of java. On any given day, you’re likely to see customers typing furiously on laptops, playing chess, venturing out on first dates, or just taking a breather from real life with a book. The relaxed, somewhat cluttered atmosphere feels like a place one could settle into for quite a while.

Be sure to peruse the selection before you order; there’s a coffee for everyone. Unsure what to choose? Consider the Route 66 blend, Misha’s house coffee that turns out to be a great sipping drink. Pick up a pastry to round out your order and sit down in one of several rooms to read the paper or chat with friends both new and old. It’s easy to make yourself right at home.

St. Elmo’s, 2300 Mount Vernon Ave.

Any coffee-swilling resident of Del Ray knows that St. Elmo’s, a vibrant longtime member of the neighborhood, has faced down quite a few changes over the past year. In mid-2015, the shop changed hands from longtime owner Nora Partlow to Café Pizzaiolo owners Larry and Christine Ponzi. And while the hotspot is undergoing some cosmetic changes as the months go by, the brews remain as strong as ever.

One of the great things about St. Elmo’s is the expanse of options greeting customers when they come into the shop each day. A variety of coffees await your order, as do the espresso drinks; but a fan favorite remains the chai tea latte, which is equal parts sweet and tangy, smooth and frothy. Do yourself a favor and order one up.

If you’re coming in hungry, you could do worse than the shop’s rotating selection, ranging from sandwiches and quiche to muffins and doughnuts. If you spy an apple cider doughnut in the display case, you’re in luck; order one at once and harken back to the flavors of autumn, any time of the year.

The Uptowner Cafe, 1609 King St.

Situated several blocks east of the King Street Metro station, the Uptowner Café is an unassuming neighbor to the residents of nearby Harvard Street. A far cry from some of the other more boisterous cafes around Old Town, the Uptowner brings with it a refined ambience, complete with classical music and quiet conversation. On nice days, sitting outside is a graduate study in people-watching, but on cold winter days, the café’s interior offers a great place to relax with a warm mug and a sandwich.

In the beverage department, give the Uptowner’s lattes a try for a morning (or afternoon) pick-me-up. The espresso-milk concoction is silky and rich, as a latte should be, and is one of Old Town’s best.

For a lunch stop, the café’s sandwiches are up to the task. A far cry from prepackaged, ready-to-eat meals, the Uptowner’s menu is a welcome sight to any hungry visitor. For simple comfort, consider the Union Street sandwich — provolone, Swiss, and cheddar cheeses grilled on two slices of hearty bread (add a tomato to round out the dish). Or venture further afield with the St. Asaph, which features turkey, artichoke hearts, and pesto mayonnaise on sourdough. You won’t be disappointed with the selection, the service, or the final product.

Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.