Grit Coffee – UVA Corner Location

I am a coffee shop fanatics and a sucker for beautiful interior design — just so you have the background before reading my review.
Drink– I got a cold brew — my first cold brew too. It was quite good; cant tell if this is exceptionally good as it’s my first, but I am satisfied.
Interiors — mehhh! They’ve got plenty of space upstairs — perfect for working/​studying but I think they could have done a better job with the space. It looks bland, old, and dusty. The sofas are even torn, the tables are crooked (at least the one we sat). This space has a lotttt of potential to look significantly better with a few changes to the furniture (white tables, get rid of the sofas, maybe a few hanging lights). I understand there is a budget involved but something to consider.

What a beautiful and quiet space to grab a cup of coffee! I would definitely be here everyday if I lived in this area.

Pretty good coffee but the main reason I keep coming back is because the atmosphere upstairs is usually perfect to do some studying. They always have good music on and usually is pretty quiet and there’s plenty of outlets and seats. It just feels very warm and welcoming.

Great coffee and especially good chai. Pastries seem to vary by day, so don’t come expecting something in particular. But I’m loving the new rewards system– buy 10 get 1 free!
Para/​grit has a much chiller vibe than nearby Starbucks, with infinitely better music, and always interesting flyers on their large community board. Feels homey.
Hours seem to actually be 9 – 6 on weekdays, not 9 – 7!
Tip: there’s an unwritten rule that downstairs is for chatting and upstairs is for quiet studying. DONT BREAK THAT RULE.

Not much besides the menu has changed from Para but oh my gosh the breakfast tacos. Although a little small and a bit pricy (3.25 for one taco with tax) They are filled with egg, potato, cheese and choice of bean, bacon, or chorizo. I found them to be quite delicious!

The tacos (delivered from Bravos) were tasty but overpriced for the size. I feel like I’m paying for the extra markup between Brazos and Grits.
The espresso tasted very good — smooth and bold — but it took 20 minutes to get it! Hire another barista or have the other employee help out in busy times. Maybe their customers are mostly students who show up for the long haul and don’t care how long it takes, but it doesn’t work for me.

Breakfast tacos very small at a high price. $ 3.25 for two bites. Not worth it. I’ve been in 3 times in the last week to support local business. So far, have not heard «thank you» or gotten a smile from the barista.

Better than their downtown location, but still need to improve their mocha. The chocolate in it is not good.

This is a college coffee shop with a cozy vibe for studying, not a connoisseur-​level roastery. The people were really nice and the outdoor space is great, but it’s hard to get around the fact of my coffee’s subtle burntness. I’d even go back, but only if I’m having a relaxing stroll near campus, not for a fancy cup o Joe.

Formerly «Para Coffee». In my opinion, the best all around café in Cville, when considering location, coffee quality, hours, etc. Been coming here for years. Cold brew is a staple in the summers. Outdoor space on Elliewood is serene during fall and spring months. (This block gets a breeze that cause the trees to sing, such that it feels like you’re in a movie about an idyllic college town!) Speedy wifi. Dog friendly. Easy walking distance to the lawn. The new ownership of Grit Coffee hasn’t changed these elements; they kept the café the same but just changed the brand. Upstairs space is nice for long work sessions or meetings.

My favorite coffee spot in Charlottesville so far (I’m new). Cold brew, drip, and espresso have all been great. Same quality as Mudhouse, but better atmosphere and service.

Fantastic coffee! What sets them apart is their customer service. The people who work here are really nice and know their coffee! There are a number of coffee shops in Charlottesville, but this is certainly my go to.
Note: they have changed their name to Grit Coffee.

This is my new Sunday spot for the 3 months I’m in Charlottesville. They have pretty good iced coffee. It’s cold brewed for (I’m pretty sure) 18 hours. That usually makes for a decent cold brew.
The first time I came in, I asked for an «American style» Macchiato. The girl working said she wouldn’t make that. They only do macchiatos the «Traditional Style». Coming from California, we usually don’t get the traditional style and I’m not a fan of the foam. I prefer the steamed milk. Anyways, that dropped them down a star. The only other good coffee shop in Charlottesville makes the American style macchiatos, they just call it a Cortada or something similar.
I’m pretty picky with coffee as I own a 3^rd wave coffee shop in Northern California. Usually, when someone wants a drink that we have the ingredients for, we usually make it to satisfy the customers.
Other than that, the atmosphere is decent. Wifi is a semi-​fast. Iced coffee is great. I’ll try the pour over next time I’m here and write about it later.
Parking is awful around here, but it’s definitely not Para’s fault. This location was planned before cars existed, so I can’t fault them for that.
This is definitely the 2^nd best coffee shop in Charlottesville, and the only other place I’ll get coffee from other than the 1^st best. I am not promoting the other shop, so I won’t mention their name.
Lastly, service is average to slightly above average. Not great, but not bad at all.
Keep up the good cold brew, Para!

The coffee is pretty solid for a Corner joint. I’m pretty impressed with the consistently friendly service, delicious cold brew, and the chill atmosphere. Doesn’t hurt that this place is self-​professed dog friendly and that on occasion my dogs have been allowed inside as I wait in line.
As far as coffee goes, I’d recommend the cold brew or the the iced mocha which is a go-​to for hot humid Virginia days. Their espresso is generally well made, smooth and mixed well in your drink of choice.
If you’re wondering about the interior: I’d describe it as functionally trendy with wood floors, a chalk board menu, and plenty of mason jars to go around. It’s a mix between the perfect place to study or meet with friends. The first floor is rectangular with the serving counter running parallel with the seating which can make it crowded on high traffic days. However, if you’re looking for a bit more quiet, I’d advise going upstairs. The space above tends to be quieter with space to spread out.
All in all, this is one of my preferred go-​to spots for coffee, especially because it has a great outdoor patio for those mild Cville days. The people here are generally easy going and the coffee is refreshing.

Best tea and atmosphere on the corner. Good for getting work done or just visiting with friends!

Stumbled upon this place at a dead end after we parked the car — looks like they’ve rebranded to «Grit Coffee», which I quite enjoy.
Small coffee shop, but plenty of options. Their cold brew (with peppermint syrup) was delicious. We bought their medium Guatemalan whole bean coffee — I’ll be sure to update my review once we try that! Great pricing, only one guy working there, but he was very helpful. Wasn’t very crowded but I could see that it was nice and quiet, which allowed for people to get some work done. I’m assuming there was wifi!
Good place for a to-​go cup of coffee!

I go back because I can’t believe a place be be so consistently bad. I have stopped into Para once every few months since they opened years ago. I’m always struck by the same thing: rude/​disinterested staff who act like they are doing you a favor and a cramped, narrow space that feels dirty. I can’t wait to get out of and then I swear it off for another few months. I think by writing this, I’m done going back.
The espresso is fine, but not so good that I can overlook the lack of service and make this place a regular stop.
The food in their bakery case rarely looks appealing. The last time I was there, I did purchase a croissant and it seemed a bit stale.

I’ve been to Para a few times because it is very close to UVA. I have never been impressed, especially given their high prices.
I am a coffee drinker and my go-​to drink is a cappuccino. After I was disappointed with that, I tried a straight shot of espresso. It tasted burnt.
I will be finding a new coffee shop to study at this fall.

Wish I could have come here more often– was lucky to check it out with a friend when we went in the morning for drinks and a neat study space. Love the laidback, cool-​hipster café atmosphere and the table/​seats near the barista and upstairs as well with wall plugs for laptops and such!
A slightly hidden coffee store, down the street but worth the walk!
[Reliving my semester abroad at the University of Virginia]

Ah Para Coffee, my favorite study spot on grounds. I’m usually here ³⁄₇ days a week. My go to: 12 oz. of dark roast coffee posted up next to a bright window on the second floor looking out on blue skies, green trees, and the train tracks. I love it.
Para Coffee has a great ambience. It’s always warm and cozy, perfect for cold winter days, and I love the wooden décor. I brought my friend here, an average Joe, one afternoon and he described it as the «most hipster place» he’s been to during his time at UVA so there’s that. I love coffee shops that ask you «for here or to go?» and Para Coffee is certainly one of those places (hem hem Starbucks). They have a wide assortment of mugs, so it’s always a little exciting to see which mug I’ll end up with this time.
As for the coffee itself? I’m embarrassed to say I actually haven’t ventured that much through its coffee selection. I’ve had an Americano a few times but mostly opt for dark roast brewed coffee instead. The Americano was rather disappointing and not as deep or complex as I am used to. It tasted like a medium roast brewed coffee. The dark roast is great. A lot of depth and flavor with the perfect amount of acidity. I take my coffee black but I love that they have brown sugar as an option. I’ve also tried the iced earl grey tea which, of course, is served in a major jar. It’s very refreshing and crisp, but was lighter than I anticipated. Para Coffee also sells Sweet Haus cupcakes, which are delicious as well.
But above all, I keep on going back to Para Coffee for the perfect study environment it is. It feels much more relaxed than the library. However the internet is really shoddy and unpredictable.