Warm your spirit this season in these 5 WV coffee shops

Coffee is a drink that keeps us connected in the Mountain State. Here in the hills, you will find several neighborhood coffee shops committed to brewing up a quality cup of joe or hand-crafted espresso. These cozy cafes offer more than great taste. They’re gathering spots for good company.

Next time you’re passing through, stop to get a fill up at these West Virginia coffee favorites:

1. The Joe, Fairmont

Fairmont’s The Joe, blends creative coffee concoctions with the creative arts. A coffee café/pottery studio hybrid, Joe N’ Throw roasts its own beans and serves drinks in hand-thrown mugs crafted in-house. (So if you’re particularly fond of your mug, odds are you can buy it.)

Ethiopian, Sumatran and Colombian roasts are ground fresh for pour overs, but espresso fans flock to the shop for the Hippy Honey Mocha, a silky-smooth drink spiced with a bit of cinnamon.

By night, the shop turns into a bar pouring 6 West Virginia draft beers, with live music on a monthly rotation.

2. The Chocolate Moose, Beckley

Named after the quirky stuffed moose adorning the wall, The Chocolate Moose is a homey coffee shop locals and visitors love for its warm environment, delicious espresso drinks and WV-themed coffee blends. Try the John Henry, a smooth, medium/dark roast named after the steel-driving folk hero who helped construct the Big Bend Tunnel in Summers County.

Expect the fireplace to be roaring and fresh roasts brewed on demand. Pour overs and cold brew coffee are 2 of the shop’s specialties, along with the signature Chocolate Moose: a mocha, vanilla and hazelnut latte topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

3. TipTop, Thomas

Coffee and community come together at TipTop in Thomas, a creative coffee shop that was originally planned as a gathering space in the tight-knit community. It has evolved into one of the state’s premier coffee spots, known for 40 Weight Coffee, house-made food, creative espresso drinks and high-caliber adult beverages.

Attention to detail and a strong community connection are the hallmarks of the shop, so expect a keen eye to detail and high-quality ingredients. The coffee is meticulously sourced– and thus meticulously prepared– by the shop’s baristas. You can pair with your handcrafted pick-me-up with more than 60 gourmet chocolates.

The chic shop has events, and is a “must-hit” spot for visitors hitting the slopes nearby.

4. The Grind, Morgantown

Sip a flat white in the window overlooking West Virginia University’s downtown campus at The Grind, a Morgantown stronghold that appeals to students and townies alike.

First opened in 1993, the shop has since changed hands but remained true to its roots: fresh coffee, simple sandwiches and top-notch latte art. The maple latte is sweetened with local West Virginia maple syrup and powered by 2 espresso shots. Dark Italian-roast beans are constantly on the lineup, along with a rotating lighter roast sourced from the coffee haven of Olympia, Washington.

5. Mea Cuppa, Charleston

Coffee is treated as a science at Mea Cuppa in West Virginia’s capital city. Mea Cuppa has two locations, one at the Capital Market on the East end and the other in Elk City, on the cusp of the West side.

From the second you step in the shop, you will feel inspired. The minimalistic, mid-century modern vibe and open concept of the Elk City shop fosters an environment of creativity. You’ll immediately know that you’re not in an ordinary coffee joint. The shop is a source of pride for locals.

At Mea Cuppa, quality reigns supreme, so they like to keep it simple.

Which coffee joint will you venture to first?

This post was last updated on September 18, 2022