I’ve worked in and out of the Westover area for about 10 years. I’ve driven and walked past where this shop is so many times. It was once a record store, then a “trade roots” shop, but I never bothered to go in because I was always pre-occupied with work. But within the past year or so, I gave myself a break and treated myself to a visit, only to be pleasantly surprised that it included a coffee shop! Browsing the store was my therapy for the day and the atmosphere was so awesome. I was really into everything and felt an excitement about the whole concept of helping others and helping myself to this treat! I remember walking out of there with a new lease on life. I knew I had to go back because it was totally up my alley and I was curious to meet the person who owned such a cool place. Anyway, I finally went back because I hadn’t yet tried there coffee. Turns out, they have the BEST coffee in the entire VA/DC/MD area! Who knew? I knew at that moment. Because I’ve tried it all, and Illy used to be my favorite coffee (the Italian Store is literally across the street) but after I tried the espresso at Trade Roots, I was instantly hooked and have never looked back. Trust me. Try the espresso. Get a latte, an americano, you name it. I don’t know what it is with theirs, I’ve even tried the $80 a pound Kopi Luwak coffee before and it doesn’t compare. (Please Google it lol) So, long story not so short, I make it my duty to go back there each week to not only take a break for myself, but to really make a difference in other people’s lives, which I believe life is all about. And, if I’m going to drink coffee anyway, I would much rather be in an inviting atmosphere that makes me feel good, slow me down, and know that literally everything in the store is fair trade. Oh, and did I mention the espresso is the best I’ve ever tasted? They have it all, unusual teas, real matcha, Vietnamese coffee, Turkish coffee...