29th Parallel Coffee

29th Parallel is an interesting coffee shop tucked away in an unassuming shopping center off of Ox Road.

Walking in, the atmosphere is pretty cool. There's lots of wood. Wood paneling around the counter, wood floors, wood tables and chair, wood picture frames...you get the point. They're really trying to grasp that hipster, earthy environment and, honestly, they capture it pretty well.

There was music, but it wasn't loud or intrusive making this a good place to get some work done...if you're able to find a place to sit.

I wasn't super impressed with the seating area. By my count, there were 5 tables, two comfortable arm chairs and a couple of stools at the bar. When I went, every table was filled and there aren't a whole lot of options outside of the shop (no outdoor seating). So if you don't find a seat, you're just out of luck.

The service was okay. You typically come to expect young, knowledgable folks to work behind the counter and the gentleman who helped me certainly checked both of those boxes. I asked him his recommendations for a pour over and he gave me some good information on the cup that he liked, then I asked him where they sourced their beans and he gave me some great details about the roasters they buy everything from. So that was nice. That said, he wasn't particularly friendly. Not rude, but I sort of got the vibe that he didn't really want to talk to me and, when I would ask him questions, he would respond very standoffish, as if I was grilling him or something.

I'll also say that he had a friend sitting at the counter with him and he spent far more time speaking and joking around with him than he did actually dealing with customers.

Not a huge deal, but just something I noticed.

The coffee itself was great. I ordered the Ecuadorian pour over and paid about $5 for a plentiful cup. It had a light, almost sweet flavor that was pretty enjoyable. However, the cup I received had just been cleaned and I swear it smelled like Clorox or bleach. It didn't seem to affect the taste of the coffee, but I'll update this review if I have to get my stomach pumped at the hospital.

Overall, this is a pretty neat find. Not sure I'd go out of my way to grab a cup of coffee here and I almost certainly wouldn't go again if I wanted to get some work done, but if you're in the area, it's a good spot.

We love it here. Amir and the staff are wonderful, like an extended family. Nice atmosphere, chill music, and good WiFi. And of course, the coffee is incredible: hand selected from particular roasters. Just so good.

Update: this has been our go-to coffee place for five years. The pour overs are worth the wait and the Atlas (coffee topped with house-made orange infused sweet cream) is unlike anything available anywhere else. The staff and regulars have become a sort of extended family to us. It’s true what they say: come for the coffee, stay for the community.

I really like the atmosphere in this place--it's very cozy and comfortable. I also really like their variety of coffee drinks, though I think I prefer the espresso drinks of other places. But, I love supporting local businesses, so I frequent this place from time to time!

Lovely little somewhat hidden coffee shop, 10/10 dirty chai, will be coming back next time I'm in the area!

Very friendly service here. The coffee and espresso is great. Amir recommended the cardamom latte and it’s my go to fall drink now. Jaime is also very nice and creates delicious concoctions.

Smoothest mocha I've ever had. Cool to see a brick and mortar that does pour over coffee too!

Staff was very friendly

Amir knows his coffee better than any in the NoVa area. Laid back atmosphere with a great shot of espresso. The nitro cold brew is excellent in the summer time, and the service is always friendly. Highest recommend

I came in and was immediately seen. I bought a peppermint mocha hot latte. It was beautifully presented on a small serving plate, with the art in the foam you so often see in photos. It was well balanced... mildly sweet, without losing the coffee taste that you want. I got a bagel with cream cheese as well. It was a lightly toasted bagel with a little kick to it. I'm not sure what the spice was, but it tasted great. The staff were kind and hardworking. The is ample seating and great light. Stop on in with your laptop or a book for a good time.

Came here today to get a cup of tea. Asked for herbal (zero caffeine) and was told there was a coconut rooibos. Nope. Coconut oolong (fully caffeinated).

Really, really good coffee! Owner is very friendly and knows his coffee.