Our Story

Where Coffee Meets Community

At 29th Parallel Coffee, we believe coffee is more than a beverage—it's a bridge connecting neighbors, cultures, and the extraordinary farmers who cultivate exceptional beans at the very edges of where coffee can grow.

Founded by Amir Khalil, our journey began with a simple yet profound vision: to create a counterculture to chain coffee, where artisan craft takes precedence over convenience, and where every cup tells a story of passion, precision, and community.

The Meaning Behind Our Name

The 29th parallel north represents the extreme frontier where exceptional coffee can still be cultivated—regions like Nepal that produce some of the world's most unique specialty coffees beyond the traditional coffee belt. It's a latitude where coffee grows under extraordinary conditions, requiring exceptional terroir and unwavering dedication from farmers working in challenging environments.

Coincidentally, our original location sat along Route 29, creating a serendipitous connection between global coffee geography and our Virginia roots. Just as farmers at the 29th parallel push the boundaries of what's possible in coffee cultivation, we push the boundaries of what a neighborhood coffee shop can be.

Our Coffee Philosophy

Coffee preparation at 29th Parallel reaches what we call "near-religious levels of obsession." Every cup reflects scientific precision that few can match:

• Brewing temperatures maintained at exactly 188-205 degrees

• Pour-over methods using Chemex and Hario V60 systems

• A steadfast "one cup at a time approach" that prioritizes quality over speed

We source direct-trade, organic coffees from Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica, with each bag identifying the individual farmer who grew the beans. Through carefully selected partnerships with roasters like Brandywine Coffee Roasters, Black & White Coffee Roasters, and Ceremony Coffee Roasters, we ensure every bean meets our exacting standards.

Rooted in Community

"We are a neighborhood coffee shop where neighbors are central to what we do." Whether you're here for relaxing, working, studying, or catching up with friends, you're part of a community brought together by a shared appreciation of quality and care.

This philosophy drives our commitment to local partnerships:

• All sandwiches from local Dutch-inspired company Broodjes & Bier

• Milk sourced from Amish farmers in Pennsylvania

• Deliberate choices to support community-based, independent businesses

As Amir explains: "It's how the economy and money stays within the community. Locals supporting local coffee shops, and we support local distributors. It's all connected."

One Mission

Fairfax Station

Our flagship location at 5616 Ox Road in Fairfax Station Square offers a cozy, warehouse-inspired atmosphere where regulars have become family. After overcoming early challenges and reopening in 2017, this location has become the heart of our community, serving both established residents and daily commuters.

Our location welcome Northern Virginia's significant remote workforce with free WiFi, power outlets, and laptop-friendly environments designed for productivity and connection.

What Makes Us Different

Education and Connection: Our doors are always open for sharing brewing techniques, discussing great beans, and exploring new ideas. Our staff don't just take orders—we engage in conversations about flavor profiles, origins, and brewing methods, treating each interaction as an opportunity to deepen coffee appreciation.

Signature Experiences: From our beloved Rose Latte with its unique flavor profile to expertly crafted Cortados and seasonal specialties, every drink reflects our commitment to offering something truly special.

Authentic Craft: While others prioritize speed and convenience, we've built our reputation on taking the time to do things right, one cup at a time.

Our Commitment

We're more than a coffee shop—we're a gathering place where coffee excellence meets authentic community connection. In a world of chains and shortcuts, we remain committed to:

• Quality over quantity in every cup we serve

• Community over convenience in every partnership we choose

• Connection over transaction in every customer interaction

• Craft over compromise in every method we employ

Every morning, we open our doors not just to serve coffee, but to serve our community. Because at 29th Parallel Coffee, we understand that the best things in life—exceptional coffee, genuine connections, and thriving communities—happen when we take the time to do them right.

Welcome to our story. We're honored to be part of yours.

Visit Us:

• Fairfax Station: 5616 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA

Follow us for updates on new roasters, seasonal drinks, and community events.