18 Grams Coffee Lab

Pursuing the perfect cortado is a hobby I’ve earnestly committed to over the last two years. The adventure has taken me to 326 coffee shops since January 17, 2022. I can honestly declare 18 Grams Coffee Lab to be the best cortado I’ve tasted.

My first visit to 18 Grams Coffee Lab was last summer. I knew they created a good cortado then, but I wanted to make sure. This afternoon my husband and I made the hour and half trip back to Culpeper, VA to revisit 18 Grams Coffee Lab. Thank heavens we did! Today’s experience was even better than the last one.

We met Joe, the owner, and listening to him talk about cortados made me understand why 18 Gram Coffee Lab creates the perfect cortado. Joe is extremely knowledgeable and. passionate about cortados and coffee in general. He wants his customers to experience the flavor of well made coffee. He uses local organic milk. He makes homemade ganache utilizing chocolate from France. He also carefully selects his coffee beans. Most importantly, he takes the time to measure his coffee, steams milk to the perfect temperature and even balances out milk and espresso to get the perfect drink.

My husband ordered the Campfire S’More Experience. We eagerly watched Joe measure the beans for the espresso, steam the milk to a perfect temperature, expertly smoke the latte, toast the marshmallow, drizzle chocolate ganache, and finally carefully plate the latte. My husband enjoyed the latte just as much as I enjoyed my cortado.

I typically don’t like “fancy” lattes because they are too sweet and you can’t taste the espresso. But Joe created such an eye appealing latte that I had to steal a few sips. It was delicious! If I lived closer to 18 Grams Coffee Lab I would consider changing my “go to coffee drink” from a cortado to a Campfire S’More Experience Latte. Well…maybe. 😊

Thank you Joe for creating delectable specialty espresso drinks. I truly appreciate you taking the time to talk to my husband and I. Your expertise, passion for coffee and your positive customer service was greatly appreciated. I will definitely be adding 18 Grams Coffee Lab to the top of coffee adventure list!

Enjoy life one cortado at a time.

This place has a unique theme, and I loved it! It's a coffee shop within a bike store, which is different but really cool. After spending about 3 hours here working and eating, I believe I can give a thorough review.

Service:
Shout out to Karen (I hope I got your name right)!!! When I arrived, she greeted me with a friendly smile. After finding out it was my first time here, she explained the menu to me from drinks to food. This was greatly appreciated since I didn't know what I wanted. She brought my scone to the table warmed up, which was so good and paired perfectly with my Mexican latte. Once I was finished, she immediately picked up my dishes and offered me a glass of water. Since business was kind of slow, I got to talk to her and if you happen to read this Karen it was really nice meeting you. I appreciate the recommendations, and I applaud you for such excellent service!

Food & Pricing:
Now, to be honest, this establishment isn't cheap, but it's not so expensive that you'll break the bank. Plus in my opinion it's totally worth it. That sandwich I had was soooo good, the cheese was so melty and the bread was just perfection (Croque Monsieur). The latte and pastries were delicious as well, but I'll never forget that amazing sandwich.

Overall, no place has perfect reviews, but I recommend giving this place a taste. You won't regret it and depending on the time you go they may be busy, but patience is key people.

This is our first time here and our expectations have been far exceeded! Relaxing atmosphere, excellent quality coffee and incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff. Can’t wait to come back again! Highly recommend!

Came in for a s’mores latte and boy the presentation didn’t disappoint. The flavor profile of the coffee was also delicious. As stated many times the cafe also doubles as a bike shop. I wasn’t sure how I would feel but the whole area had a very calming vibe with the overhead music. I could easily see myself setting up to work from here some days, surprisingly. The barista was also very polite and generous. I ordered the wrong latte for a friend and she made me the right one on the house. They offer pour over, which is my favorite way to have my coffee brewed. Looking forward to trying that. I definitely plan to be back!

My only caution, Expect to spend $9-$12 for a latte.

Stopped by 18 Grams today and had the bacon, egg croissant. Both my husband and I were impressed with the sandwich. Made from scratch in house. The flavors were spot on. I got a vanilla latte, he got a raspberry latte. Both were delicious and smooth. Yes a little pricey but well worth it. Worked out to about $10 for each item. Will go back again when we are in town.

Went here for brunch with my fiancé, we each ordered food and I ordered a dessert latte. The food was very good, and I appreciated that they had some relatively novel ingredients and flavor combinations. The coffee was robust. Being a dessert latte, it was also very sweet. The café is also joined with a bike shop. My fiancé is a bike enthusiast, and was impressed by some of the brands they offered for bike accessories. The overall atmosphere was relaxed, and quiet. I think this would be a great place to meet up with a friend, or spend some time reading or studying.

How is this place not a 5 star?

One word...wow!

Karen (barista, manager) is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about coffee!

This is my new Culpeper coffee spot for sure.

This cafe offers excellent espresso drinks, hot or iced. Carefully prepared with nice coffee beans and top-quality milk. I keep it simple with whole milk lattes, the milk is always nicely foamed and velvety. Delicious! Some of the best coffee I've had in Virginia and certainly the best in Culpeper. The cafe staff are friendly, helpful and they do an excellent job.

The shared setting with Velo Concepts, a space-aged bike shop with carbon frames, is probably not for everyone. I've been in many times over the past several years and have not been warmly received, the white guy at the bicycle counter has never once said hello to me or even looked up. Despite not feeling welcomed by the bicycle counter the coffee is good enough to make it worthwhile.

My husband and I have been to 18 grams 3 times. We are from Richmond where the coffee scene is incredible. Let me tell you, 18 grams consistently gives knowledgeable service, always catering to our specific needs/tastes and tastes incredible. Culpepper has an absolute gem of a coffee establishment here. They always have Single Origin espresso available. I swear it is always pulled consistently. We order a cappuccino and a shot after and not only is the cappuccino’s foam identical every time, but the shot has little to no bitterness and is always balanced to perfection. I’m honestly baffled at this point. When 3/3 experiences are consistent, service is great, I have to give 5/5 stars. Thank you for continuing to deliver 18 grams!

Very interesting concept. Coffee shop inside a bike shop. Welcoming vibe, friendly cashier. The double espresso shot with latte art and the blueberry muffin were delectable. The muffin actually tasted really delicious. I like the presentation as well. It’s a hidden gem.

The best coffee I've had so far in the US. The owners attention to detail is on point. My partner had the maple cinnamon latte which was a really nice compliment to a traditional espresso based drink, not too sweet.

Everything is made with high quality ingredients. We ordered a toastie with guerre and blackberry jam (grilled cheese) without the ham. The sourdough was delicious.

Definitely a must visit spot. Also appreciate the 18 gram reference in the name.

Love the concept of a coffee shop with a bike shop attached! The staff was really attentive and helpful. The Monte Cristo was one of the best sandwiches I’ve had from a coffee shop. The black cardamom and orange blossom latte was incredible and not too sweet! Such a pleasant surprise to see such an upscale coffee shop in town.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

18 grams in Culpepper, Virginia, is a coffee gem! Their espresso stands out with remarkable quality that's hard to find elsewhere. The staff is genuinely kind, making the experience even better. And to top it off, their desserts are simply wonderful. Highly recommended for coffee enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike! ☕🍰

Stopped here for a coffee.. the coffee amazing. I have never had coffee without Sweetener except for here. The coffee is super flavorful. We will be back.

Great place if you want great coffee. The barista is knowledgeable and it is clear that 18 Grams takes care with their beans and brewing their coffee. Not the place to go if you are just looking for some caffeine.

18 Grams was such an unexpected find! At little of the beaten path but well worth the extra couple blocks. The sandwiches were made fresh and soo delicious. The Belgium one was excellent. Highly recommend!

Stopped in here for the first time last weekend and enjoyed a King's Cake latte during the Mardi Gras event downtown. The latte was exceptional and even though i got the order to go, the atmosphere inside seemed really chill. The service was great in the brief interaction that I had and I really like the bike shop that is attached and intended to check it out soon. Looking forward to coming back here.

Great business! Arrived 5min before opening and the drink manager opened early for us. Coffee and food was amazing! Paper lids for the coffee to be environmentally friendly! Highly recommended the avocado roast and bacon egg and cheese crossiant.

Food and coffee is worth it. Follow your senses smell, taste, and enjoy! Below is the Belgian Monte Cristo! I eat vegan six days a week for health. They have vegan, vegi friendly options.

Great find in Culpeper, whether your passion is cycling or coffee. I chose this place completely at random coming from DC to meet a friend coming from Charlottesville. Great place to hang out for the morning. I got a coffee, a breakfast sandwich and a fantastic pair of bib shorts!!