Riverside Coffee Shop

Terrible service and ice cream. We went to get a scoop of ice cream on a cone… basic request. The girl working was no stranger to ice cream. She placed a huge heap of ice cream on top of the cone. When I went to take my first bite of ice cream, directly in front of her, the entire ice cream scoop fell off of the cone. She had not pressed any ice cream into the actual cone to keep it from falling off. Then, she just stared at me blankly as I asked for another… which I was CHARGED for. I overpaid twice for ice cream that was clearly freezer burned. Don’t waste the money or calories and go somewhere else.

We got coffee here and it was mediocre at best. The mint cappuccino basically just had a squirt of red peppermint syrup. Not really at all what I expected. Hubby’s cup had an ant on the lid. When I pointed it out, all they did was change the lid. The only reason it’s 2 stars instead of 1 is because the guy behind the counter was friendly.

I usually save reviewing for my blog but I thought I’d address this cute little coffee/​ice-​cream shop since I’ve had 3 different encounters in the past two weeks. Encounter número uno, was nothing short of fab. I walked in, expected a mediocre latte but was offered the baristas favorite and bless her little pregnant hands because it was awesome. Second one, not so good (which is unfortunate because I brought my whole family on this occasion) let me explain… The kids ordered ice-​cream and were served my parents on the other hand were rushed to decide. The lady repeatedly said, «who’s next?» I’m not sure If she realized she was being rude or if she just had limited English. My inquisitive father started to ask about several things and the owner came out and said hello which I found pleasant until he told us soon they’d make the other half into a convenient store selling wine and beer. Confusing right? Maybe some history should be done this place has been an ice-​cream shop for years and survived well. I ordered a mocha with soy and still folks I can’t tell you what I received. Something no where close to a mocha with 2% milk not only could I taste it but I watched her pour it. So why did I give them three stars you ask? Well, I went to pick up my dress I was having altered and peeked in the window and saw the young lady I met on the first encounter. I figured I’d give it another try, walked in, was recognized immediately, and this time she made another drink equally as tasty and built to espresso perfection. If I could rate just one barista I’d definitely give the sweet pregnant lady 5 stars but unfortunately I’m only allowed to rate the business as a whole. I wouldn’t advise anyone to skip this cute little place, i just wish the coffee wasn’t so luck of the draw bc it is extremely tasty !

When I was a lot younger, and lived in Woodbridge, my parents and I would go to Occoquan every few weeks. From what I remember, while we were there, we would get ice cream at a little shop that seemed a bit secluded from other main road, and had tables with attached seats and umbrellas to the side of the shop. It is definitely one of my favorite childhood memories.
Fastforward to 2015:
I now live in Fairfax, and it is very seldom that I go to Occoquan. When I did manage to make a trip out there, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the shop was still up and running, serving ice cream, with the tables still to the side of the shop. When I walked in, my childhood memories seemed to rush back into my head. I was, without a doubt, excited to have some ice cream!
The cashier was very helpful, and all of the ice cream looked delectable. I ended up getting a scoop of Party Cake (which I guess is their name for Birthday Cake) and a scoop of Cookies n Cream (my two favorite flavors) on an M&M cone.
It was quite possibly the best ice cream I’ve ever had.
I’m not quite sure if the shop is still run by the same owner, or if it even goes by the same name it was over 10 years ago, but I am so glad this place still exists after all these years. Occoquan has seemed to have had major renovations done to it over the years, but having this shop still serving ice cream is a real treat in itself.

This coffee shop is really cute and quaint. I’ve been here a few times and have never been disappointed. I usually get a hazelnut latte and it’s honestly prob one of the best I’ve ever had. The owner is really sweet and always offers a home made fresh baked cookie which is also really good. I’ve enjoyed sitting in the sunny sitting area and enjoying the view of the adorable town of Occoquan– very charming!

I am disappointed to say that, yes, I have experienced better. My husband and I were in the area and love to hunt out the independent coffee shops. We consulted Unilocal and headed to the Riverside. First thing, it is not on the river, so sipping our lattes looking over the water was only going to happen in our imagination… The coffee was only Ok. The shop itself is a little without atmosphere with the seating area separate from the retail side. I was hoping for a tempting selection of cakes and pastries, and comfy chairs… not so. Despite the Riverside not living up to my expectations, the baklava was delicious, and the lady who served (I think the owner) were both lovely. Sorry I won’t be back; I was hoping for more.

This hidden gem of a coffee shop has some of the best milkshakes I’ve ever tasted. I routinely order their cookies and cream milkshake (served with a big straw) and find myself divulging in sweet, creamy heaven in no time. They also have a fairly decent selection of ice cream on display and some interesting cones to pair with it all.
The Verdict:
Short and simple: If you are craving sweet treats during a summer stroll through Occoquan, don’t hesitate to order some ice cream or a shake at the Riverside Coffee Shop. You won’t be disappointed.

Went here to meet a friend for coffee to find the place closed with the «We’re Open» sign on the door. They didn’t open until noon. What? Shouldn’t coffee shops be open before noon?

Down in Occoguan to visit the tattoo shop next door. Decided to drop in for a coffee. FIrst, when I asked for a small coffee, the lady inquired a couple of times if I wanted an espresso, cappucino, etc. It took a couple of back n forths like that for her to get the message I wanted a simple coffee. Next, she brewed up a fresh pot (no problem there) but the coffee was virtually without flavor. After her inquiring if it was okay or not, I politely informed her that the coffee was not very good or was brewed too weak. She seemed to take offense and responded that they used «the best coffee». Really??? I’ve waited tables at many restaurants and worked in economic development with small businesses, and I know that few businesses procure the top of the line stuff. She would be well advised to listen to candid critiques from customers, it’s how a small business survives and grows.

Very quiet coffee and sweet shop in Occoquan. I stopped in while on a day trip to the town and the owner, or at least who I think was the owner, was very sweet. She made us delicious lattes (recommend the sugar free hazelnut), and I bought some peanut butter fudge — so good! If you check in on Unilocal,you get 10% off your purchase — great deal!

came by to visit the town with my fiancé stopped by to get some ice cream never tried turkey hill ice cream but when i tried it it was some of the creamiest delicious ice cream i’ve ever tried when i looked at the there menu i noticed they also sold coffee so i order a chocolate, caramel latte it was a lot better than starbucks the lady was also nice enough to throw in some fudge with my coffee over all my experience here was great!