ESP Tea & Coffee — Restaurant in Alexandria

The vibes here r amazing and I love the music and have loved the drinks for many times in the past. This has been a favorite cafe since 2023 and I have been getting the iced ceremonial matcha with lavender syrup & either oat or almond milk. This next part will only be important if you have a stick up ur butt when it comes to making drinks. Today I came in after a few months away and ordered the same thing, but it honestly just tasted like milk. I try to ask for extra ice so that’s on me but regardless, I usually taste the matcha or sweetener and neither were present. I felt bad but asked for a new one, requesting for a new matcha shot. The barista poured the shot right on top of the drink, melting the ice. The drink then just tasted less sweet and watery but a bit more earthy. What I would have done is; put a bit of the current drink into a separate cup; add the boiling hot matcha shot to the separate cup; add more ice into the og cup; strain out a little bit of the current drink to account for the added substance; then add the separate cup mixture. That way it holds the most amount of flavor and if it were espresso, it would not become shocked and bitter from being poured directly over ice. Additionally; there is a slight grainy texture to the matcha that should be looked into when whisking. Likely using less water & more rigorous whisking with a fine bristle whisk would do the job well. Using more ice would also make the drink taste stronger (building a better rep) and save $ by using less milk. I love love love the vibes here and the menu is awesome but I must be honest as a cafe manager myself, this drink was not up to the usual standard they’ve provided me. Their matcha, teas, and coffee are genuinely quality & the philosophies of this cafe are worth the visit regardless of my nit-picky perspective. Staff was also...

I wanted to visit this spot after visiting the location in Chinatown. The first few times I tried to visit, I couldn't find parking. This time, I went on a weekday just before 11:00 and found parking in a lot down the block where you can use your Parkmobile app to pay. The staff was very friendly when we arrived. We found two seats at the bar. They have that low lighting that makes for intimate conversation, which I found nice. I also like the boho vibe with the creative decor and abundant plants throughout the shop. I tried the spicy chicken empanada, and I also had a cortado. Both were prepared just right. While I sat there, a local came in from an exercise class, and I thought it was very cool that the barista knew what she wanted even before she ordered. It's nice when you can visit a local coffee shop where people know who you are and what you like. Looking at the previously posted pics, I will definitely go back to try some of the pies (probably the cherry or pecan) next time I'm visiting Old Town and want some good coffee and have some time to...

ESP Tea & Coffee! Mmm-mmm-mmm! And that is all!

Jk! My Mom and I visited them this summer, and ended up meeting the couple who run it! The husband took us on a tour around the Cafe. There's a really cool mural and outdoor space in the back. He took our pictures! ART IS EVERYWHERE! Super cool, chill, down to earth, humanist, colorful, positive vibe! Great music! If I lived in Alexandria, ESP would be my hang out!

I brought home a bag of their "Dream Chaser" Whole Bean Decaf. One of the most beautiful coffees I've ever had in my life! I mean, color, texture, the creme, ooohh the taste! I can't believe it's Decaf! It's a miracle roast and no jitters!

The Cafe has a great story, and the staff are super friendly and knowledgeable! My only negatives: the price points on their teas and beans are very high. Ask the staff what the prices are so you don't overspend. Double check your receipt. I had to have them remove some accidental charges, yet they were super kind and resolved the matter.

Enjoy ESP! If I'm ever in Alexandria Old Town, I will...