More and more, a movement away from corporate organizations and boycotts of companies like Starbucks is gaining momentum, especially among members of Gen Z. It’s even gone so far to become an organized blackout starting Feb. 28.

While I can’t say I never buy an iced latte from Starbucks (they’re so good, I hate to admit it), I focus on supporting our local coffee shops – partly to support small businesses, but also because corporate coffee shops have trended towards uninviting spaces, prioritizing implementation of drive-thrus rather than creating a warm in-store space.

This couldn’t be more different among local coffee shops, who don’t have drive-thrus, likely have similar pricing to Starbucks, tend to have friendlier baristas and most importantly, actually have an in-store environment that feels like they want you to be there. I am no stranger to buying coffee and ending up hanging out at one of my local coffee shops for four or five hours, studying, reading or simply enjoying the environment.

But, I know that these local coffee shops can often be tucked away and hard to find, so I’m here to tell you five of my favorite local gems.

5. Weird Brothers Coffee, Villages of Leesburg

My love for this coffee shop doesn’t make a lot of sense because it’s so outside of my normal vibe – the walls are filled with Star Wars memorabilia, with a bookshelf full of various sci-fi and fantasy books. The employees all adopt a quirky, video game lover feel, which provides for a comforting experience.

Weird Brothers probably takes the cake for my favorite actual coffee on the list – seriously, the drinks are so good. Additionally, they have their environment down. They’ve curated a leathery, dark brown and maroon, old-timey feel that works as an optimal study spot.

My only reservation with this place is that the seating is limited – not in the sense that there’s not enough seating, but that there’s only a select few spots that are comfortable and appropriate for spreading out all my study materials. But, if I can secure one of the coveted booths in the back of the shop, I’m set.

Unfortunately, I have a bit of trauma from getting my AirPods stolen while on a coffee run at Weird Brothers, but it’s not their fault that people are awful.

4. Second Nature, Downtown Leesburg

To be fully transparent, I’ve only been here once – it’s a pretty tiny shop, tucked away on one of the side streets in Downtown Leesburg. But it was so cute. I had a delicious hot chocolate that will definitely make me come back.

I’m happy it seems to be rather undiscovered, because it’s so small, I don’t think it could handle any significant traffic – “exposing” it in this article may defeat that purpose, but I’m not here to gatekeep.

They had an extensive menu with all kinds of coffee, teas, hot chocolates and anything else you could think of, on top of a wide selection of pastries. Additionally, I’ve never seen a small business with merch that I would be delighted to wear. But, Second Nature’s array of t-shirts certainly tempts me to buy an overpriced piece of cotton I would normally turn my head from.

3. Cowbell Kitchen, Downtown Leesburg

This one is the most unique of the list, with winding hallways and multiple stories and rooms. It doubles as a bookstore and hosts local sellers through the King Street Collective, rotating through different vendors and products. So, if you’re looking to support local businesses, this is the ideal place to go. It offers a cozy, eclectic array of seating options, and an upstairs with a variety of products from cookbooks to candles.

Cowbell Kitchen also features my favorite bakery of the list – it has an incredibly extensive menu of pastries, cakes, cookies and breakfast and lunch foods such as bowls and sandwiches. While definitely on the pricey side, the food really is that good.

The only downside for Cowbell Kitchen is its limited hours, closing at 2 p.m. everyday. It’s still a great brunch spot, but it’s not my top choice to study at, because I’m not an early riser. It also makes it so that I can only visit on the weekends, due to not being open after school.

2. Doppio Bunny, Purcellville

If a place could be any different from the dreary, corporate Starbucks atmosphere, this would be it. I enjoy their coffee and food, but it’s certainly not my favorite on the list. What puts Doppio towards the front of the pack is their warm, welcoming atmosphere. The employees I’ve met there are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Generally, the people that patronize the shop are also very sweet. 

I’m no stranger to spending hours upon hours at Doppio, and have never felt any pressure to leave once I’m done with my drink. Unlike Cowbell Kitchen, it really is the optimal study spot. They have couches, leather chairs and even a lovely outdoor porch area that I remember studying for AP exams last year on.

Also, similar to Cowbell Kitchen, the shop is full of nods to local businesses and sellers. They have a counter full of little trinkets like homemade jewelry and pottery. Additionally, throughout the shop’s walls hang tons of paintings and prints done by local artists.

1. Goosecup, Downtown Leesburg

It didn’t take much deliberating for me to give Goosecup the top spot. It has it all: good food, good coffee, comfortable seating, nice workers and a great spot for studying. I do have to admit, Goosecup is bafflingly expensive, especially for food. But, it’s just so good, I have to look past the insane prices. Getting brunch here on a Sunday is one of my favorite pastimes. Their yogurt and granola bowl is one of my favorites. 

And I can’t ignore the amazing drinks. It took a little getting used to, because their drinks are somewhat bitter compared to the sugary coffee drinks Americans have become so accustomed to. But, now I’m obsessed with their coffee, especially their iced lattes. They also serve coffee in glass mugs and cups, which is always a huge plus for me, not only because they’re more enjoyable to drink from, but because they are beneficial for the environment.

My only reservation with Goosecup (if you’ve been even once, you know my pain) is parking. Parking in Downtown Leesburg is already difficult, but Goosecup is so crowded at all times that it’s impossible to get parking without having to walk a few blocks. And that’s fine, but it becomes a little more treacherous in the winter. The days that I secure one of their actual store spots make me so excited.

Out of all the shops on the list, Goosecup also has the most flexible hours, my favorite being that they close at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. I’m a bit of a night owl when studying, and it’s hard to come across another shop open so late.

Well, there you have it: my favorite local coffee shops. I’m not against picking up a coffee at Starbucks, but it’s always amazing to support local businesses, and hint: the coffee is usually better, the same price and the workers actually seem to want you there.