There’s nothing like a neighborhood coffee shop. It’s so easy to make a Starbucks trip, but local coffee shops that connect with their community are better. This is a simple way to describe Vigilante Coffee, a coffee shop based in Maryland. It was founded by Christopher Vigilante, and the mission is to uplift others through coffee. Learn more about what a week at Vigilante Coffee is like here.
WHAT I ORDERED
I had heard so many good things about Vigilante Coffee. The one thing that I had my eye on was their affogato. I had never tried that dessert before, and this was a great opportunity to do so.
I visited Vigilante Coffee before restrictions started lifting. Soon, you’ll be able to fully experience this coffee shop (i.e. sitting inside). There was a small area to sit outside, and there was only enough space to order and wait. Thankfully, there wasn’t a line. I kept it simple and ordered a vanilla latte and an affogato.
Vanilla Latte
The vanilla latte is made with espresso , milk (steamed or iced), and house made vanilla syrup. I absolutely loved that the cups themselves are covered in art. Look at that detail! The vanilla latte was perfect. I loved that I could taste the coffee without the it or the vanilla flavor being overpowering.
Affogato
Vigilante Coffee’s affogato is made with three scoops of ice cream and topped with a 2 oz. shot of Tin Lizzie Espresso. Affogato is also known as “affogato al caffe,” which essentially means drowned with the coffee. You have the option to get the espresso on the side instead. The current ice cream options are vanilla, chocolate chip cookie dough, and salted caramel pretzel. I kept it simple and got the vanilla ice cream.
This affogato made my day. The ice cream was perfectly creamy and the espresso paired with it so well. There’s also something about the melted ice cream blending with the espresso. I definitely should’ve gotten another one. If you’re an ice cream or coffee person, this is the dessert for you.
Gifted Items
Not too long after posting this original blog post, Vigilante Coffee gifted me a gift card. This does not sway my opinion. I decided to try other items to share with you.
Cold Breezy Freezy
I’ve been wanting to try the seasonal (summer) Cold Breezy Freezy, a frozen cold brew drink with the option to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. When you order this, definitely get the ice cream. The drink was blended well and the coffee flavor stands out even as the ice cream blends into it. This drink is perfect for a hot, summer day.
Cappuccino
The cappuccino is made with 2 oz. of espresso and 4 oz. of frothed milk. I thought it was delightful and wished I had another one. If you prefer your coffee to not be too sweet, this is the drink for you.
Maple Spice Latte
Get a taste of fall with Vigilante Coffee’s Maple Spice Latte. It’s available in a 12 oz. and a 16 oz. and is made with espresso, Grade A maple syrup, and milk (steamed or iced). It’s topped with pumpkin pie spice and served with a Biscoff cookie. The cookie pairs beautifully with the latte. This was introduced in Fall 2021, and I hope it comes back next year. Get yours before it’s gone!
CONCLUSION
Vigilante Coffee was one of the best coffee shops I’ve ever tried. Everyone is so nice, and everything was made to perfection. If you love coffee shops with a chill neighborhood coffee shop vibe, Vigilante Coffee should be next on your list to try.
Address: 4327 Gallatin St, Hyattsville, MD 20781; one other Maryland location; and one location in Oceanside, California
Instagram: vigilantecoffee
Until next time.
Foodish Ways 