We decided to explore Downtown Charlottesville this past Saturday afternoon while we were on a quick weekend getaway. As usual, I'm looking for the best coffee roaster to go to, and Lone Light Coffee was on the top of my list in this area. The coffee shop is on the smaller side, but it was warm and comfortable. The baristas were nice and three of them gave me their input on which single origin I should choose for my pour-over. POUR-OVER - MKT Price +6.50 for Mohammed Aba Nura - Ethiopia (tasting notes: Strawberry, white chocolate, hazelnut) I wanted the craziest tasting option they had, and they recommended this one since it's pretty popular and well-liked among customers. However, one of the barista said he didn't really like it himself. I figured I should still try it. The sips I had while it was still warm was pretty juicy and sweet, but I really didn't like the notes once it cooled down (about 20 minutes later), which tasted sour and off-putting. I should have listened to that one barista and went with a different single origin option. Overall, good roaster -- just unfortunate that I tried something that wasn't for me. The baristas seem knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. I would love to come back next time and try another single origin offering. read more

Excellent coffee and tea in downtown Charlottesville. The quality of the coffee beans paired with artfully crafted espresso drinks is probably the best in the city. The baristas are excellent at making coffee, friendly, and the seasonal drinks are creative. They have a cardamom syrup that's delicious in lattes. The shop itself is very cute, with a handful of tables and stools at the counter. There's a couple of tables outside too. I wouldn't recommend trying to get work done here during a busy time since it's not a huge space. read more

Lone Light Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Good service and good coffee!! I got an iced americano and it was good. My friend got an iced matcha and she also complimented it as well. There is limited seating inside. The coffee shop tends to be on the quieter end as most people come here to study. read more

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I'm going to call this the best coffee in the area. Granted, I always get the same cardamom honey latte, but I'll stand on this declaration. A lot of the nearby coffee is too acidic for my taste and everyone I've taken here has liked it - and they didn't even get the cardamom honey latte. It is a bit loud in there, seating is on the small side, and you are not going to get a Starbucks-speed turnaround on your order. But, if you want good coffee, some tasty MarieBette Bakery baked goods, and a lively place to chat with a friend, this is it. It's in the most walkable part of Charlottesville, so you can also opt to get your things to go and window shop. Two cardamom honey lattes and you might end up at the tattoo place across the street - fair warning. read more

I spent the week in Charlottesville visiting my daughter with my wife. Every morning we started our day with the best latte in Charlottesville. I do a quad shot when I latte and the Lone Light is my favorite bar none. Simon is their barista and his skill in the fine art of making espresso is the best. He is a pleasure to visit with and I can't say enough good things about him. When in Charlottesville stop in for a great cup of coffee and an everything croissant. It will start your day with a smile. read more

This is such a cute cafe tucked in such a walkable area of Charlottesville! The area makes for a workable location for remote or school work with little to no distractions and plenty of space to spread out! read more

Lone Light Coffee - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Stopping in to try this cafe, I am reminded of the fantastic pie shop that used to be in this location. The cafe that replaced it offers beverages and apparently food, though when I stopped in they had only a single croissant on display. I sampled a hojicha; they seemed to think they knew the pronunciation of this word better than me but I'm a tad skeptical. The resulting beverage had some roasted tea flavor, but this wore off rather quickly and I was surprised that it wasn't a stronger flavor. Hojicha is not a subtle drink. This is a sit-in cafe but it was cramped and full and not the most welcoming so I continued on this my day. I liked the old pie place better. read more

Lone Light Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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The best iced mocha in the state, iced earl grey!!! Holly shnikes Batman it blows one's socks clean off!!! If ya never tried, ya better try!! Even better with the right company of the white girl read more

They serve up a good latte, friendly staff, about six tables and some bars and window seats. Music is reasonable

One of the best cappuccino drinks in town. Beautiful interior, nice coffee table book library, small size adds to intimacy. Baristas are friendly and serious about their craft. Great coffee date destination with people watching on the mall to/from. read more

I frequent coffee shops 360~ days a year. This is hands down the best coffee in Charlottesville. The best coffee shops are a blend of science, skill, and artistry, with thought and intentionality built into everything by design. From Lone Light's choice of beans to the shop aesthetic, they do it so well. Shout out to Jacob and Ashton, who slay espresso while being awesome to chat with. Honestly, if modern third wave coffee is your jam, this is where you should go. read more

Great latte and cappuccino! Well done! Hits the spot after a day at Monticello and visiting the area

super cute spot, a little more of a quiet, work vibe but maybe that's just because I was there on a Monday afternoon. I got a cardamum honey latte and it was amazing. read more

Amazing Coffee!! We both got vanilla lattes! Wonderful and talented baristas! Great vibe! Relaxing atmosphere and very clean. Will definitely go back. read more

Lone Light Coffee - Vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

This isn't the place to come if you are looking for a pour over or single origin syphon... when I came they just offered one blended drip coffee and a bunch of lattes... However, if you are looking for a place that serves the single best vanilla ice cream... this is the place! It is absolutely amazing! The desserts and even savory pies here are the reasons why you come to this cafe. The coffee and lattes complement the main course and that is the desserts and savory pies. It's a beautiful shop and the owners and workers are friendly and welcoming! read more

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This is my favorite coffee shop in town. It helps that it's super close to my office and the prices aren't bad compared to some other places, but the coffee is genuinely excellent. The staff is very friendly and efficient too! read more

So I've only been here twice so far and it's only been to get coffee beans so keep that in mind. Both times I've been to Lone Light the staff has been friendly and it's been quiet. They have various coffee beans to pick from along with other goodies, and even pie! I've gotten Sombra and the Aponte Honey beans and so far the Sombra has been our favorite. It's a darker roast while the Aponte is good but it's really light. Overall, I definitely would come back here for more beans to try and maybe a pie one day haha read more

Great staff location great coffee reasonable price and good baked goods and good ambience plus outside seating

Great small, cozy coffee shop in downtown Charlottesville! The decaf iced coffee was great. read more

Lone Light Coffee - Iced decaf vanilla latte! Very yummy. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Phenomenal sweet and savory pies, excellent coffee, friendly service! Also deeply appreciate requiring all customers to wear masks inside, protecting us all... I'll be back more often! PS: even the chocolate chip cookie is excellent~ read more

Best coffee in town, hands down. These folks love what they do & it shows. Their selection of pastries from Marie Bette makes them the only stop you need to make in the morning! read more

I enjoyed my experience here. Coffee was good and staff was nice. Support local coffee shops

Espresso was perfect. Not sure what the whole pie thing is but the coffee was exceptional. read more

Wes makes a great cup of coffee! Coffee is roasted in the store and tastes great. Got a drip coffee with pour-over quality taste; my wife got a mocha and loved it. We were on our way to the "big-green" coffee place, but I'm glad we gave Lone Light a try instead. Thanks guys! PS The pies looked great, too, but I'm getting fat and passed. read more

Super cute pie shop but I don't recommend the coffee, my chai latte was below average but the rest of the store and the employees were all lovely read more

This was the cutest little coffee shop / pie store, that smelled amazing and had the coziest feel. I just got a drip coffee to go, but it was an excellent cup of coffee. While I was in there, I saw all of the different sweet and savory pies they had to offer, and judging by the looks and smells, I'm sure they were delicious. The staff was super friendly as well. Next time I'm in town I'll definitely be going back to enjoy more coffee and have a piece of pie! read more

Lone Light Coffee - Drip coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Amazing fresh coffee with homemade syrups! Their pies also smelled amazing but I was in a hurry so didn't have a chance to grab.

Lone Light is absolutely the best coffee in Charlottesville, which says a lot because we have amazing coffee options. Their staff is so well trained, that no matter who's serving you, you are receiving the same quality beverage each time. The flavors in each roast are unique and balanced. Our favorite is the Sombra, but we can't stop buying new roasts to try because they're always amazing. It also doesn't hurt that they share their shop with The Pie Chest, so when you stop by, you're getting top notch quality all around. read more

This was our first time to Charlottesville and we spent a lot of time looking up reviews of coffee shops. There are quite a few in the downtown area! We tried a couple of spots before making our way to Lone Light. We were not disappointed! Not only is this the best coffee we had in Charlottesville, it's some of the best coffee we've had in DC (where we are from) too. The place is small, the vibe is chill, the decor is no frills, and it's clear they are all about the coffee and pies. On top of all that, I appreciate how clean they keep their machines. Make sure you get the cappuccino and sausage, egg, cheese, and honey hand pie for breakfast! We went back multiple times on our stay. read more

I've twice visited this little coffee shop. It's a little tricky to find - look for the sign for pie on the side street as it is colocated with the Pie Chest. If you want a coffee while out on the Downtown Mall then this is your place. They have all your favorite coffee beverages. I got a macchiato both times and it was very good. Can't speak as to the pie just yet. I'll be back. read more

Having tried every roaster I can find in C'ville, buying multiple whole beans, grinding at home and making pour overs, my favorite (consistently) is Lonelight. And do yourself a favor. Grab some pie while you're there (sweet or savory) in the shared space with Pie Chest. read more

My favorite coffee place downtown. The coffee combine with sweet and savory pie from pie chest completed my afternoon get away. Friendly staffs and great place. read more

Lone Light Coffee - a pie and a cup of coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Love love this place. It's combined with The Pie Chest which sells a mean pie. I went last weekend and enjoyed a macchiato and slice of pear pie...yummmm!!! Perfect way to spend my Sunday self-care time. Highly recommend coming by for a cup of joe and pie read more

Excellent local coffee shop. My wife and I got iced lattes (she added house-made vanilla to hers) and both were outstanding. The espresso is very smooth and the milk adds an excellent creaminess. The shop also serves pies (whole and by the slice) of both sweet and savory varieties so you can grab a light breakfast or lunch, or simply stop in for dessert with your coffee. We didn't try these food items, but if they're anything like the coffee I'm sure they're great. The store chalkboard claims local sources for their ingredients which is likely what gave us that flavor of excellence and freshness. Wish we were local to make this a regular stop! read more

Lone Light Coffee - people sitting at tables in a coffee shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

The macchiato was perfect, the atmosphere cozy. They know what they were doing, and I'll stop back when in town again. Also the pies looked scrumptious. read more

Lone Light Coffee - a cup of coffee on a saucer - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Dropped in just for the coffee. Took all my strength to not get the pie, they looked amazing! In the end just went with iced latte. Was great on its own, but when I asked for sugar they gave me a free vanilla syrup upgrade instead SO GOOD. This was not some over sugary out of the bottle goo, it was flavorful and balanced. Definitely will be back read more

The best bourbon pecan pie that I ever had! The pie with a black coffee was a perfect combo. Also, the staff was great and the environment very cozy. Definitely a must go. read more

This location is both the Pie Chest and Lone Light Coffee. Came here for coffee on a short stay in c-ville, but both the pies and the coffee are amazing. Service is excellent, and it's a cute little place of the downtown are. read more

Got an iced latte with almond milk. Normally these aren't that good but this was creamy and delicious. Probably one of the best I've had. Also need to go back for the bc it looked and smelled delicious. read more

Good coffee but pies not very good. Prices are ok and service was fine. Good location just off main mall area.