Cortados in contrast: Fredericksburg’s best coffee

by SIENNA SABIA

Staff Writer

Quality coffee is hard to come by. As an avid coffee connoisseur and barista of six years, finding a coffee shop I genuinely liked was a top priority after my recent move to Fredericksburg.

Exploring all the coffee shops in the area can be a fun pastime, but for cash-strapped college students, the trial-and-error method might not be ideal. That’s why I’ve created my personal ranking of the top four coffee shops in downtown Fredericksburg that are all just a 20 minute walk from campus, offering a shortcut to discovering the best local coffee. 

To compile this ranking, I ordered a cortado from each shop—a drink that allows for a fair assessment of drink quality. By choosing a cortado, which balances the richness of espresso with the creaminess of milk, I aimed to judge the core quality of the coffee. 

For those unfamiliar, a cortado is made with two ounces—or a double shot—of espresso and two ounces of steamed milk. Even if you’re a fan of sugary drinks, don’t worry, this guide will still help you find the best coffee experience.

Coffee Shops

No. 4: Original Grinds 

Price: $6.62 (including 20% tip)

One of the pros of Original Grinds is that the espresso is undeniably good. It’s flavorful, rich and perfectly acidic. For those looking for vegan-friendly options, this shop also stands out. From vegan baked goods and avocado toast to a tofu smash, Original Grinds has you covered. It’s refreshing to see a coffee spot fully embrace plant-based offerings without treating them as an afterthought.

Some cons were that it was the only shop that missed the mark on making a proper cortado. To be fair, they only offer plant-based kinds of milk, so I went with almond milk here. Unfortunately, the drink tasted like straight espresso with a splash of almond milk—not the smooth, balanced cortado I had hoped for.

No. 3: 25 30 Espresso

Price: $6.29 (including 20% tip)

The pros of 25 30 Espresso were that the espresso has a bright, acidic flavor that adds a unique complexity to the drink, setting it apart from many other shops in the area. The milk was steamed well and was overall a solid cortado.

But the shop suffers from inconsistency. While I had a good experience this time, it’s a gamble—some days the drinks are excellent, and other times they miss the mark entirely. If you’re willing to roll the dice, this shop has potential, but consistency is key in a competitive coffee scene.

No. 2: Agora Downtown Coffee Shop and Roastery

Price: $6.07 (including 20% tip)

My drink from Agora Downtown Coffee Shop and Roastery had a good balance between espresso and milk, creating a smooth and harmonious flavor. The espresso itself was enjoyable, though it leaned a bit less lively compared to other options. That said, this place is a great safe option for anyone wanting a good quality drink. 

However, the presentation was lacking, which was surprising since Agora typically excels in this area. It might have just been an off day, but the visual appeal didn’t match their usual standard. They also took the longest to make my drink, so if you’re in a hurry, this might not be the best choice. If you’ve got time to spare, the coffee and atmosphere could still make it worth the wait.

No. 1: Curitiba Art Cafe 

Price: $5.12  (including 20% tip)

For Curitiba Art Cafe, this shop really surprised me—in the best way. The cortado was hands-down the best I’ve had out of all four places I visited. The espresso was amazing, and the milk was steamed well. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, which makes it even more surprising that this place isn’t busier. Not to mention it was the cheapest shop by far. 

With coffee this good, I was hoping for a bit of latte art to elevate the presentation but was unfortunately disappointed. Overall, this spot is an underrated gem that deserves more attention, offering both amazing coffee and a great atmosphere.

As far as bang for your buck, the cost of a cortado at each coffee shop was fairly consistent, hovering around the same price point. That said, I personally find anything over $6.00 to be on the pricier side for a drink that is only 4 ounces. However, none of these shops were outrageous with their prices, so if anything, I wouldn’t let price be a factor in your choosing. 

All in all, coffee has a unique way of bringing people together, whether it’s over deep conversations, shared laughter, or just a quiet moment of connection. So grab your friends, step off campus, and explore one of these coffee shops—it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy good coffee and even better company.

Hopefully, these reviews help narrow your search and encourage you to explore Fredericksburg’s coffee culture.