Stafford Sipping Guide: Coffee, Tea, Cocktails & Everything In Between  

Need a caffeine boost before tackling your to-do list? We’ve got you. Looking for a sweet treat that comes with a giant straw? Also covered. Planning a night out and searching for the perfect cocktail? We’ve got a few favorites. From your morning coffee to your evening cocktail, these are the places we keep coming back to. 

Coffee Stops for Your Morning (or Midday Rescue) 

Some people wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. Others need a little help getting there, preferably in a cup, with a little caffeine, and maybe a few quiet minutes before anyone asks them to make a decision. We get it. 

For a local coffeehouse feel, stop by The Grounds Coffeehouse, The Grounds Bistro & Cafe, Coffee Bar 1010, or the newly opened River & Roots. Whether you’re meeting a friend, grabbing breakfast, catching up on emails, or simply enjoying a moment to yourself, these spots make it easy to slow down and savor your coffee instead of just treating it like fuel. 

Need something quick while you’re out and about? Black Rifle Coffee Company and Peet’s Coffee offer familiar favorites when you’re looking for a reliable cup to keep your day moving. Because sometimes you need a carefully crafted latte, and sometimes you just need coffee in your hand before the next errand begins. 

Tea, Boba & Drinks That Deserve a Fun Straw  

Tea can be a quiet moment, a catch-up with friends, or a full-on treat run, and Stafford has plenty of ways to enjoy it. Whether you prefer a classic brewed tea, a fruity refresher, or a drink packed with boba pearls, there’s a local spot ready to pour something you’ll love. 

For boba fans, Stafford has no shortage of options to explore. Koi Tea, one of Stafford’s original boba spots, serves up creative bubble tea combinations alongside sweet treats, while Tea’Go Cafe and Ku-Tea Coffee & Tea Town round out the lineup with boba favorites, coffee, and plenty of customizable drink options. 

Beyond boba, there are even more ways to sip something delicious. SAK Coffee & Cone pairs bubble tea with gelato and other desserts, while Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe, which opened in July, brings fruit teas, refreshers, specialty lattes, smoothies, açaí and matcha bowls, and other tropical-inspired favorites to Stafford. And for anyone who loves pairing a fun drink with an equally indulgent dessert, Chunky Cup serves up creative beverages alongside sweet treats that are just as tempting. 

Beer Lovers, We’ve Got You Covered  

Stafford’s brewery scene has something for everyone, even the friend who insists, “I don’t like beer,” then immediately reaches over for someone else’s to “just try it.” From crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and seasonal releases, Adventure Brewing Company, Barley Naked Brewing Co., Full Distance Brewing, Highmark Brewery, Laudenbach Brewing Company, 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company, and Wild Run Brewing Company each bring something different to the table. Order a flight (because choosing just one is a big decision, and we’re not here to rush you), pull up a chair, and settle in. 

No two breweries are quite the same, and that’s what makes trying them all so fun. Some are perfect for lingering over a pint with friends, others host live music, trivia, food trucks, or special releases that keep locals coming back. Make an afternoon of visiting a few, find a favorite, or keep working your way through the list. Just don’t be surprised if the self-proclaimed “I don’t like beer” person asks for another sip. 

Wine Country Without Leaving Stafford 

For anyone who believes a great wine outing should include a beautiful view (and maybe a few cute pics for the camera roll), Potomac Point Winery checks all the boxes. Settle in with a glass of one of their award-winning wines, enjoy a meal from their full-service kitchen, and take in the Tuscan-inspired setting that makes it easy to lose track of time. It’s just as well suited for a leisurely lunch as it is for a date night, girls’ day out, or celebrating a special occasion. 

Life’s Too Short for Boring Cocktails 

Cocktail (and mocktail) lovers, you’re in luck. Stafford is home to plenty of spots mixing up creative, classic, and downright memorable drinks, and there are far too many to fit into one list. Consider this a starting point for your next happy hour, date night, or mocktail outing. 

For something a little unexpected, My Home Thai Bistro serves up eye-catching zodiac-inspired cocktails that are just as fun to order as they are to sip. If a refreshing margarita or mojito is calling your name, Olla Cafe and Bar has you covered with flavorful favorites that pair perfectly with a meal or a night out. And for those who appreciate a well-crafted classic, Zibibbo 73 – Authentic Italian Trattoria is a hidden gem where you’ll find an Old Fashioned worth coming back for. Prefer something alcohol-free? Many local spots are also mixing up creative mocktails that bring all the flavor and fun without the spirits. 

Of course, these are just a few highlights. Stafford’s drink scene has plenty more to discover, from cocktails and mocktails to other local favorites, so visit our website to explore even more restaurants, bars, and hidden gems serving up your next favorite sip. 

Your Next Stafford Drink Stop Is Waiting 

Not everyone’s looking for the same thing when they sit down for a drink, and that’s part of the fun. Maybe it’s a classic cocktail, a creative mocktail, a refreshing iced tea, or something completely new. Stafford’s restaurants make it easy to find a drink that fits your mood. Browse our sip spots and find your next favorite drink destination.