I love my Nespresso machine but weekends are for discovering the best coffee shops in Arlington for my iced oat milk latte fix. My informal ranking system: latte creaminess, availability of my preferred 12 oz, and breakfast options.
My favorite latte is from The Italian Store. Yes, the place famous for its sub sandwiches and pizza, but the Westover location is home to an Illy coffee bar. Because I’m normally grabbing my latte with my other half, the Italian Store has a drink that beats his preferred drip coffee; a Nutella caldo which is espresso with fresh cold milk and Nutella, topped with a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder. The iced latte is flavorful and the creamiest of the one I’ve tried.
On Sundays, the Italian Store is a triple threat. Arrive early enough and you can grab the freshest vegetables AND piping hot apple cider donuts from Mama’s Donut Bites at the Westover Farmers Market all before the coffee line gets too long. If it’s close to lunch, grab a sub or a slice of pizza to take home.
Best Iced Oat Milk Lattes
- The Italian Store in Westover
- Sweet Science Coffee
- Mah-Ze-Dar Bakery
- Union Kitchen
- Sidekick Bakery
- RĀKO
- Commonwealth Joe
- Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen
- Kaldi’s Social House
Sweet Science Coffee wins out over Mah-Ze-Dar Bakery, but only by an eek. Both iced lattes are delicious and served quickly, but are only offered in a larger 16oz iced. I will say that Mah-Ze-Dar’s does have a slightly bitter taste to me, but it’s only the very slightest.
If you like a sweet breakfast, the baked goods at Mah-Ze-Dar are TO-DIE-FOR! Yes, I will take a dozen chocolate explosion cookies for breakfast thank you. Sweet Science Coffee has more traditional breakfast items like bagels and biscuits, but also items I’ve not seen offered elsewhere like a meg-roll, a hard-boiled egg inside of a muffin.
Sidekick Bakery and Union Kitchen are close neighbors, mere yards between the two. As I prefer savory breakfast options, my preference is with Union Kitchen for their sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich on a brioche bun. Paired with my iced latte, they make a delightful pair. Sidekick Bakery is attached to Ted’s Bulletin, infamous for their handmade Ted’s tarts. It is hard to say no to their brown sugar and cinnamon tart, but they keep well as a later snack. 😉
I’m evenly split between the iced lattes at RĀKO and Commonwealth Joe. Both coffee houses have delightfully creamy lattes in my preferred 12oz size, but I defer to RĀKO for ambiance. The inside is quiet with a very chill vibe while Commonwealth Joe is loud and bustling.
Iced Lattes with a Hearty Breakfast
Sometimes I like to linger and enjoy breakfast with my latte. These two coffee shops have breakfast options that are beyond the standard pastries. At Kaldi’s, I enjoyed my quinoa porridge with toasted coconut and cinnamon-spiced apples. It was delicious! Origin Coffee Lab has a full breakfast menu with items such as blueberry pancakes, tacos, and several avocado toast options. While I prefer the food at Kaldi’s Social House over Origin Coffee Lab, the latte at Origin Coffee wins.
If you live in Arlington, VA, tell me your favorite coffee shop to grab an iced oat milk latte. I’m always in search of another coffee shop.
