National Coffee Day: Deals, Best Cafes In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Whether you're grabbing a cup o' joe on your way to work or relaxing in your favorite neighborhood cafe, coffee is a prevalent part of our lives. If you needed a reason to order your favorite beverage, National Coffee is approaching on Sunday, Sept. 29. It's a day to support your local coffee shop or cash in on deals offered by various businesses.

It's a mystery exactly how or when coffee was discovered, however the most popular legend traces its origin back to a goat farmer in Ethiopia. Coffee then eventually made its way to the Arabian Peninsula in the 15th century, before travelers brought it to Europe two hundred years later, according to the National Coffee Association.

A young naval officer named Gabriel de Clieu was the first to bring it to the Americas in the middle part of the 17th century, and it eventually made it to the United States in the decades following, according to the NCA.

According to a survey of 1,000 Americans from Offers.com, nearly one-third prefer coffee from a local business, followed by Starbucks, Dunkin' and McDonald's. A good portion like coffee in its simplest form:

• Regular coffee: 46 percent
• Iced coffee: 15 percent
• Latte/Cafe au lait: 12 percent
• Cappuccino: 7 percent
• Cold brew: 7 percent
• Espresso: 6 percent
• Other: 7 percent

Below are Patch recommendations for local coffee shops and deals for National Coffee Day.

Coffee Shops: Our Picks

• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub: Located in the heart of Del Ray, this is a popular gathering spot for clubs and families alike and hosts performances. Try a beverage with a seasonal flavor. 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue
• Swing's Coffee: This coffee bar is located next to the roasting facility. Try the nitro coffee on tap. 501 East Monroe Avenue #1626
• Sugar Shack Donuts: The coffee can match the quality of donuts at this Virginia-based franchise. 804 North Henry Street
• Killer ESP: This shop is a perfect pit stop for those shopping on King Street. 1012 King Street
• Misha's Coffee House: Get coffee roasted in-house at Misha's new location on King Street. 917 King Street
• Nectar Coffee and Wine Bistro: Two sisters from Ireland introduced the Irish hamlet coffee and bistro concept to Del Ray. 106 Hume Avenue
• GRAPE + BEAN: This business emphasizes products from independent producers along with classes and tastings. 2 East Walnut Street

Caffeinated Deals for You

• Dunkin Donuts: On Sept. 29, buy one hot coffee and get one for free. The offer applies to an item of equal or lesser value. Various locations
• Krispy Kreme: Get a free cup of coffee and a free Original Glazed Doughnut on Sept. 29 at participating locations. Not valid with any other coupon. See participating locations. 6332 Richmond Highway (Fairfax County)
• 7-Eleven: Get any size coffee for $1 on Sept. 29. You must be a Rewards Member to claim this deal. Various locations

Includes reporting from Patch editor Kim Johnson