Detour Coffee

Best coffee shop in Arlington and one of the best in the entire DC Metro. It's comfortable, has great food options, and an excellent staff.

It's a little inconspicuous but don't be deterred. If a nearby spot is swamped with people, swing by Detour.

Ran past this spot on a daily basis without noticing that it had become a coffee/breakfast & lunch casual menu entry, so I stopped off: so glad I did, thanks to top-notch baristas using excellent locally roasted coffee blends, as well as delicious baked goods, alongside some healthy options among the sandwich listings. Now I just bend my regular route to include a drop-in on a more regular basis. Nice vibe, thoughtful staff, and quality fare on offer add up to a place worthy of any detour -- take one today, you won't regret it, I promise.

We decided to visit this popular place for brunch. When we arrived it was packed and had to wait for a table (which it did not take more than 10 minutes). As soon as the staff cleared the table the called us but they did not wipe the table to clean it properly. Then, after ordering it took like 25-30 for the food to be ready. It was very slow, and the lack of staff and service brought my experience down. I had to walk to the bar to ask for napkins and silverware. The Mocha coffee was good and Cvivito al Plato was nice but they need to make sure the food is hot, fries were cold. They need more servers and the manager was missing in action. Service need improvement.

Cute coffee shop! Sadly we went there on a Saturday afternoon around 1:30ish and my husband's coffee was lukewarm but they did reheat it for him. The people were nice and the vibe was nice in there. I loved my iced coffee! Would definitely recommend a visit. We found parking on the road because it was a Saturday so it was easy and close by.

Coffee, food and service is excellent. It's big, yet cozy inside with different places to sit and work or chat. They have an eclectic variety of food and drinks that makes me want to come back and try more than just the good coffee. Friendly and helpful Baristas to boot!

If you want a side of funky with your latte, Detour Coffee is your spot! It's through an inconspicuous wooden door between a Jiffy Lube and a restaurant in a random part of Virginia Square in Arlington. You walk in and are greeted by burning fire art to your right and a hilarious "break the glass" art of a coffee cup (just visit and you'll understand).

It's one big room with booths, window seats, a long table, and couches. There are outlets at almost every table with strong, free wifi. Little lights decorate the space along with bikes on the wall and hanging white coffee mugs (yep!).

They have a full coffee menu with good coffee (my latte was good!). They also serve wine, cheese, and a few other dinner options since they stay open late (love when coffee shops stay open late!).

The service is friendly and on point.

It's funky, but worth a visit!

These guys do a GREAT job! The coffee is always on point and they have great locally made pastries brought in fresh daily. Their lunch menu is pretty amazing too! Definitely recommend!

Quality espresso drinks, sweet and savory pastries, and a menu of hot sandwiches. Compared to the nearby Northside Social, Detour is by far a better cafe for working. Outlets are easily accessible at all the perimeter seats. There is a mix of booths, shared tables, private tables, and overstuffed chairs for seating options. Standard coffee prices (about $3.50-$4 for most espresso-based drinks), friendly service if sometimes slow. The music could be quieter. Small free parking lot, or metered street parking nearby.

Biked over for a late breakfast and was very pleased. The food and coffee were delicious and nicely presented (just what we needed!), and portion sizes were large for the price. Will be back!

I liked their coffee and their lentil burger was amazing - their service is not so great. Was there on a Sunday afternoon, the place wasn't even at full capacity and the staff didn't look like they could keep up. I was served a $3 cup of coffee without being asked whether I wanted cream or sugar. The food (lentil burger) took over 30 minutes to get to us.