Cuppa Mocha Mud

Ranked #21,912 in Food & Cooking, #429,108 overall

For all the coffee fanatics everywhere... sometimes Starbucks gets a little too corporate feeling and you just wanna find a nice cafe somewhere to get a good cuppa joe and read the paper or visit with friends. This is an attempt to root out all of the hidden wonders in this rich area and share them with the world. My latest finds will be featured and feedback will be encouraged to rate these fine establishments. In addition, recommendations for coffee shops outside the Northern VA/ Washington DC area are welcomed. Great coffee websites and other java-friendly folks will be featured. Be sure and scroll to the bottom to take the current quick poll! Also, rate my lens before you leave - thanks!

And remember... check out all the cool Coffee gifts listed below for that caffeinated person in your life!

Java Joys to Explore

Looking for a new mocha haunt? As I love to travel both domestically and internationally, one of the first places I try to find is a local coffee shop - check my favorites out!
The Mudd Puddle, Frederick, MD
I had the opportunity to go to this unique coffee shop over the weekend while antique shopping in Frederick, MD. I was really looking forward to my experience here as I had looked them up online before going.

My only disappointment is that they took my order and money and then promptly forgot about me. Twenty minutes later, I wandered up again to find out how my order was coming along and it was as if they had never seen me. I almost had to pull my receipt out again!!! Come on, folks, I was just up at this same counter 20 minutes ago and there hasn't been anyone else in here since then! Anyway, they rectified the situation completely by giving me my order FREE! So, of course, it tasted even better! Now, if I had been on a tight schedule, I don't know that I would be as pleased.

As for the decor, it was extremely eclectic - every wall seemed to be made from a different material. One had exposed beams, others were plastered/painted (one had a mural of a sidewalk cafe on it)... it helped me pass the time waiting as I checked out an artist's work that was hanging everywhere. There was a hodge-podge of tables, couches and chairs too which made it fun! The building is old and that added a special aura to the experience.

I got a special coffee drink (I forget the name) that was supposed to taste like an Almond Joy. It had chocolate, almond and coconut syrups in it along with the espresso, milk and mandatory whipped cream. Deeeelish! It was a good imitation to be sure and one I would revel in again. It was served in a regular coffee mug so the $3.50 price tag seemed a big steep. Most of the specialty coffee drinks were around $4. Regular drinks were in the $2 range. Sandwiches were running $4-$7 - I decided to go with The Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwich. I was delighted to find out they made it with pesto! That added an extra zing - along with the Italian flatbread. It was a sandwich I could savor again and again!

I look forward to another visit at the Puddle - hopefully, my face is imprinted in their memories now and I won't be easily forgotten... however, if it got me another free meal, I might not be too offended.
The Bean Scene - Ashburn, VA
UPDATE: Sadly, this cafe is no longer in existence but another has taken its place. However, I have not had a chance to visit the new place and give a review.
The Bean Scene is located right off of Waxpool (I think it is still Waxpool at this point)near the Ashburn Ice House in the new plaza they just built. It is run by an Asian couple who are extremely friendly and helpful. The wooden chairs in their shop were personalized with the coffee cup "stamp" by the owners. The oversized comfy chairs are easily moved around to acccomodate larger groups (as we did the other night)and the assortment of books and magazines are an obvious invitation to stay and enjoy your cup of coffee down to the last drop. No rushing here. The soft lighting creates a nice touch that exudes warmth and welcome. Definitely a thumbs up establishment! More info on prices and menu features to come... stay tuned.

New Did you know? Random Facts

2nd Shot of Java Joy

Mello Out - Middleburg, VA
Their specialty is homemade marshmallows; however, a cup of coffee is a great reason to stop at this cellar shop too! A couple of patio style tables are located throughout the shop space but it is not an ideal sit-down coffee shop. It is a fascinating place to visit though as it is literally located in the cellar of a building - go down two sets of steps and see the original cellar walls as you go. The prices are comparable to other coffee places but the menu is not large. Definitely a place to visit at least once! Middleburg alone is worth visiting even if you don't stop for coffee.

Your Daily Grind: Coffee Beans

Coffee tastes best when the beans are freshly ground. Get yourself a grinder, a french press and you will be amazed at the delicious tasting coffee you can create in your own home!
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International Java Joys to Explore on Your Journey

coffee shops enjoyed around the world

Most likely there will not be many links for coffee shops overseas but I will attempt to list any I find out about or get a review on at this spot.
Butlers Chocolate Cafe - Dublin, Ireland
I discovered this delightful place on a recent trip to Dublin, Ireland. It appears you can order their chocolate online but not their ground coffee. Check out the menu though and you'll be on your way to idyllic Ireland before you know it!

Coffee on YouTube

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Tools of the Trade

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To Drink Iced or Hot Coffee Today, that is the question...

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Little Perks

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Here's what I think... Do you agree?

I will feature an occasional coffee review here

type=textSo, I know we are not really about Starbucks and corporate coffee on this lens but I must admit, they come up with he occasional amazing coffee creation. They really outdid themselves this last time with their Dark Cherry Mocha. I am a HUGE fan of chocolate covered cherries and dark chocolate... so when I read their advertising tag line: "admit it. you want one" I raised my hand! :-) My sister immediately wrinkled her nose when I excitedly told her about. Her disgust did not sway my enthusiasm though! I immediately indulged at the next opportunity and have indulged a *few* more times since then. It is literally like drinking a dark chocolate covered cherry. And in my book, that tastes divine!

Knowledge is a Money-Saver

Read up on these recipes and ways to make the best coffee and you'll be opening your own coffee shop before you know it!
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Coffee Goodness For You

Mocha Madness

Enjoy a good book while you sip your mocha... or find out more about the goodness of coffee.
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The Brewing News

Nothing makes a cup of coffee taste better than the accompanying morning news. Check out the latest in the world around you while you sip away...

Hunters Shoot Animal Rights Drone Out of the Sky
Federal judges slam GOP lawmakers over redistricting secrecy in WI

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Informational Coffee Links

Coffee Trivia
Did you know that one pound of ground coffee beans makes approx 50 cups of coffee? or that the first coffee house opened in Berlin in 1721? Read these and 27 other great coffee trivia.

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CXpressions

My name is Sarah Fluegge - owner of Cubicle Xpressions: an online boutique featuring decor for the discerning Cube Dweller. Visit www.cubicleexpressions.com... more »

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