Becoming known at a local coffee shop, restaurant or wine bar, is perhaps one of the sweetest perks of life. You feel like you own the world, right? Or that the world is acknowledging your existence every time the barista starts making your coffee beverage before you even order it. Ahhhh. But, being known at Misha's has a sort of quaint anonymity, a “wink and a nod” if you will, that you just don't seem to find anywhere these days.
So, why Misha's? Well, it is everything that I look for in a place like this: excellent coffee, excellent tea, delicious baked goods, friendly staff and no one hassles you should you chose to stay there all day with a laptop or the New York Times (I have never done that....). But here's the thing: I think that the owner of Misha's has designed the place to suck you in, only to release you when you feel good and ready.
Walking into Misha's is complicated enough. For a small place the three doors (all easily opened) almost serve as a warning to passersby that should they step foot inside they might not leave for a while. Once inside you are greeted at the counter with biscotti, muffins, pastries and the blackboard of coffee and tea options. Once ordered you have a choice of sitting at the communal table where the coffee roaster stands or sitting at small two chair tables scattered around. For the mean time patrons have the ability to smoke in the community room (most bars in Alexandria, VA have that option for the mean time), but the room is well ventilated and the smoke does not seep into the rest of the coffeehouse. If, like me, you are an internet/laptop/coffee junkie I offer you fair warning, there are only three tables that offer access to power outlets, and there is no wifi provided. That said, however, the city of Alexandria does have wireless service that can be accessed in the place.
So, come to Misha's, buy a coffee, sit at a table and listen to the excellent assortment of jazz/world/vocal/bizarre music that fills this outstanding haunt of mine. Who knows, perhaps I will even see you there.
Misha's Coffee Roasters
102 S Patrick St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-4089
Price: $2-$4 for coffee
Accepted: Cash/Amex/Visa/Mastercard
Not Accepted: Discover
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