Killer ESP
| Address: | 1012 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA |
| Phone: | +1 703-200-3200 |
| Site: | killeresp.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 1
Reviews 9
AL
Alice Wang
Killer E.S.P. gets its name from three of the products the place serves and are known for: espresso, sorbet and pie. Their coffee is provided by Stumptown Coffee, an iconic Portland-based coffee shop and roaster. The sorbet and gelato are made in-house; the shop creates and serves unique flavors like mascarpone and kiwi sorbetto. The sweet and savory pies are provided by Dangerously Delicious Pies, a DC-based bakery known for its pie truck. This atmosphere and ambiance of Killer E.S.P is hip and modern, what I like to call rustic hipster. Its got the exposed red brick wall, artsy photographs and other artwork by local artists, and chalkboard with different illustrations. There is also an outdoors patio seating area for drinking and eating in the summertime. The shop offers a wide selection of coffee, teas, gelato and sorbet. They also serve affogato, which is a scoop of gelato in espresso. Other reviewers say that if the weathers hot, you should try their cold-brew coffee. The owner says the best way to enjoy hot coffee is by brewing it pour-over style. In addition, they have a number of savory and sweet snacks, including empanadas from Julias Empanadas in DC. Ive had both their white chocolate raspberry and Nutella latte, both of which I think are fantastic. This place is a great and artsy local coffee shop. Highly recommended if youre looking for something local and unique.
JO
John McPhail
Id love to give this 5 stars. Its a great place with a great environment. A couple things irked me about the service, though. I asked for a regular coffee and they didnt have any - they ran out of the brew. So they said that they could make me a pour-over brew and it would take a little more time. I said no problem. Then they charged me more for this. The truth is, when its not my fault that they dont have the coffee ready, why should I have to pay extra, especially if they DONT mention this? Then the barista took my cup and didnt say anything ... such as, "you can sit down and Ill take it to you", or "just wait a minute here". So I decided to find a seat in clear view of where they prepare the coffee. She then prepared the coffee and left it on the counter without telling me ... so now I have luke warm coffee. Not worth arguing over. The barista who served me wasnt as friendly as the others and should have taken the extra effort to let me know when the coffee was ready. Im slightly disappointed. Though I have to admit, all the other baristas were friendly and hard-working.
ME
Melinda Contreras
The staff here is extremely welcoming. They will learn (or try very hard to learn) your name, and always ask how your day is going. I primarily stick to the teas and pies (which are from Dangerously Delicious Pies). I have regretted my flavor decisions in the past, but not because they were bad, but because the staff brought samples of other flavors that I loved even more. The portions of the tea are huge and I often forget I still have tea in my cup, as I just assume that with the amount of tea Ive consumed, I must have finished it all, but Im usually wrong. They offer free wifi and Ive only had trouble connecting to the internet once or twice. The time I did have trouble connecting through Killer E.S.P.s connection, I was just able to log on to Comcast Xfinitys guest service for an hour.
BL
Blake Ourso
So this place is pretty damn sweet. First, it offers ME Swings Coffee. Its one of the ooollllddd roasters in downtown DC near the White House and one of my favorite coffees in the area. Seriously, either get here and try it, or for the step up hit up ME Swings over on G st NW. 2nd, this is like all of the crazy things in DC that people love, in one tiny building out in Old Town. Dangerously Delicious Pies, Julias Empanadas, and a few other things that slip my mind right now. 3rd, they have a small selection of Paleo snacks, which is awesome! I can get a snack AND coffee here, not one or the other like most coffee/snack shops. This is just an all around awesome joint. Totally worth stopping by if youre hungry or want a coffee :)
MA
Mark S
Best Ice Cofee Ive ever had, and Ive tried ice coffee from different coffee shops when I travel. They cold brew it so it taste refreshing and smooth. Atmosphere is awesome and laid back. They have Gelato flavors you wouldnt see in other places like their green matcha gelato and Ferrero Roche gelato. They also serve Nutella latte and when I asked if they can put Nutella at the bottom of the Machiatto cup they did it without hesitation. Not many coffee shop that serves Nutella in lattes and they also serve lattes with almond milk. Met the owner and hes really cool. All the batistas are friendly and willing to take request that isnt on the menu. Best coffee staff ever. So yes it deserves a five star.
JE
Jesse Nice
Disclaimer: Im a coffee snob from Seattle. This is the only decent coffee shop in Alexandria. Period. Espresso drinks are well-pulled, using Stumptown. Drip coffee is brewed by the cup when you order. Atmosphere is pleasant and intimate. Nice little outside seating area, staff is friendly, and the pies (savoury or sweet) are excellent. I always have a great time here. It can get a bit crowded on hot days in the summer, when all the tourists decide they need sorbet, but Im happy to see it so they stay in business during slower times. If you need a good cup of coffee and a quick bite, accept no substitutes.
DA
David Hutner
Have been a regular for a few years and have been ordering the same drink that cost a little under $5. Recent price increases caused the new price of that same drink to be $6.50 when I went in yesterday (the barista confirmed that the price was not a mistake). I told them to forget it and to tell the owner that I am crossing them off my list of coffee shops, and I am sure I am not the only one. Same drink at Baked & Wired in Georgetown (just as good coffee and just as high rent neighborhood) is $5.05. I am sure they will love to have my business.
DU
Duke de PallMall
Great alternative-undergroundish vibe you would not expect on King St. in schmoozy Alexandria, Virginia. A great place to hang out. More importantly, the coffee was wonderful, it made me feel at home in bringing back the flavors of my favorite third wave "watering" hole back in Germany. Not because it was identical, but because you felt you were amongst the true brother- and sisterhood of people dedicated to crafting and enjoying the finest cup from the beloved bean and doing it with aplomb. The sweets and the ice cream looked good, too.
PH
Philip Kopyscinski
One of the best coffee shops in the area. They serve Stumptown coffee which is a really clean, high-quality brand. Killer always has a good selection of Dangerously Delicious pies, both savory and sweet. They even have a good assortment of gluten-free items from a local G.F. bakery. I make a point of coming here for my coffee and cookie fix! If you are in old town and dont stop by this shop you are doing yourself a disservice. The only down side is its a very small shop and can get busy in the mornings. Very cool place.
