Vigilante Coffee — Restaurant in Hyattsville

I went to Vigilante Coffee with a group of students and advisers from a college in Pennsylvania for a latte art class. We traveled to the D.C. Area to train our new members of a student organization on how to lead and book various trips and activities. First, throughout the entire booking and planning process, the owner, Chris, was very responsive and helpful. On top of this, he was super flexible through multiple changes in dates and group size, and offered us a generous group discount. Second, from reading some of the previous reviews about the location and parking being difficult, I would have to say that this is not completely accurate. We did not have any problem finding the near by parking lot, and after parking, we did not have any issues finding Vigilante. If you use a GPS for this, you will be totally fine. Third, as soon as we approached the shop, you could feel the good vibes permeating from the building. The shop is very picturesque from the outside, and the environment as soon as you walk in is very chill and fun. From this, I totally understand some people's negative experience in relation to the wait time; although I do not find it to be valid. Of course people are going to want to come to a place and spend time at a coffee shop that has the qualities listed above, AND GOOD COFFEE! If you are going to a place that has distinguished itself like this business has, you should expect to wait a little bit of time for the quality of coffee and experience that you are receiving. It did not take longer than a minute for us to be greeted as soon as we walked into the shop to be provided instructions on where to wait for our latte art class. Fourth, our latte art class began promptly, and was a true highlight of our group's time in the DMV. Chris lead our class and shared a lot about coffee, the sourcing and roasting processes and how Vigilante distinguishes themselves as a roaster and a business. It was special to hear about Chris's travels and how he takes the time to meet personally with the farmers that he buys from, and how he ensures they are highlighted through the product that Vigilante roasts and sells. This offers an additional sense of authenticity and helps me be sure that I am an ethical consumer of the products that I am choosing to purchase. The class was truly phenomenal and concluded with Chris allowing our group to learn how to make lattes, carry our the process and enjoy our creations. This class is well worth the price that is being offered, and I STRONGLY recommend it to anyone that has taken the time to read this! Chris was willing to answer any questions that our group had, and was really down-to-earth and easy to talk to. If I lived in the Hyattsville area, I would be at Vigilante on a daily basis! Skip the Starbucks or the Keurig home brew and take your money right to the team at Vigilante. You...

If you've read any of my other coffee shop reviews, you'll know that I am a big proponent of independent coffee roasters. I have long desired to drop by the actual Vigilante Coffee shop, despite having tried their coffee at Eastern Market, Maketto, and other small retailers in the area.

The chance finally came a couple of weekends ago. Parking was surprisingly a bit of a challenge (or at least, free parking), but we found a residential parking spot and walked over. There are some tables outside and despite the cooling temps, there were a couple of folks mingling with their hot cups of Joe. I love the mural on the side of the building, which is done by a local artist. It really invigorates the exterior and brings forth a sense of community. The place blends well with the area's small town atmosphere.

Once inside, I instantly felt rejuvenated. The space is quite large and airy. Parts of the space are decorated with plants, but the general vibe is industrial. There's a mix of high-top bar stools to long communal tables to plush chairs. While there were some folks chilling on their laptops, the firm rule here is no WiFi on the weekends (free for weekdays though). But I didn't care. I simply admired the space for a good 30 minutes.

Let's get to their coffee. They source a pretty wide range of coffee from all the world - Central and South America, Hawaii, Africa, and even Indonesia. I absolutely adored the coffee by Gloria Carrizosa (the "Gloria"). If you have a chance to read the story, be sure to! The flavor was very delicate and well-balanced. Vigilante is actually the only company to feature Gloria's coffee, having competed with roasters around the world to purchase it. I love that they bring the coffee to you with an index card of the region, varietals, and processing method.

In addition to pourovers, they also have cold brew, Japanese iced pourover, French press, espresso drinks, chai, hot chocolate, matcha latte, iced tea, loose leaf teas, and seasonal drinks like maple spiced latte and chai nog. You can also purchase baked goods that they source from a local Hyattsville bakery.

Excellent coffee, beautiful space, and friendly and knowledgeable staff. I will undoubtedly be...

Vigilante Coffee: A Must-Visit for Coffee Lovers and Artisans

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Vigilante Coffee is a true gem in Hyattsville, Maryland. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an eclectic and artistic ambiance that instantly puts you at ease. The décor is a delightful blend of modern industrial elements and rustic charm, featuring a captivating plant wall that adds a touch of nature to the space.

The staff at Vigilante Coffee is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about coffee. They took the time to explain the different brewing methods and roast levels, ensuring that I got the perfect cup to my liking. Their passion for coffee is evident in their recommendations and the meticulous preparation of each beverage.

The oatmilk latte I ordered was absolutely delicious. The oatmilk was perfectly frothed, and the espresso was smooth and rich, with a hint of chocolatey notes. The latte was not only a treat for my taste buds but also a work of art, with a beautiful latte art design adorning the top.

In addition to their exceptional coffee, Vigilante Coffee also serves a variety of delectable treats, including their signature Açaí bowls. These colorful and nutritious bowls are packed with fresh fruits, granola, and a creamy Açaí base, making them a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying snack.

What truly sets Vigilante Coffee apart is its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. The owner, Franklin Ventura, has personally visited the coffee farms they source their beans from, ensuring that they maintain fair and sustainable practices. This dedication to ethical sourcing is reflected in the high quality and exceptional flavor of their coffee.

Overall, Vigilante Coffee is an exceptional coffee shop that offers a unique and memorable experience. The combination of excellent coffee, friendly service, a vibrant atmosphere, and a commitment to sustainability makes it a must-visit for anyone in the area. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or simply looking for a cozy place to relax and enjoy a delicious beverage, Vigilante Coffee is the perfect...