Gute Leute
Review! Arlington, Virginia // a Korean coffee chain comes to the States! // specialty & life changing
the ELEVATOR PITCH
I was first recommended this coffee shop by a friend from church. She had excitedly told me “They have an omakase experience!” and I, someone who (1) thought omakase was strictly a sushi thing and, (2) still had to experience an omakase of any kind, couldn’t pass up something so unique and immediately added this to my bucket list.
That said, even though the omakase was what originally piqued my interest, I decided that having the plain Jane, walk-in customer experience was more important for me to do first (since that’s probably how most of us are experiencing Gute Leute the majority of the time anyway). But if you DO choose to want the coffee omakase service, they are only offered on weekends by appointment, so pre-planning is recommended.
Now back to Gute Leute, what’s his deal? With a German name meaning “good people,” you wouldn’t think it’s actually a South Korean coffee chain (now with 5 locations) that started in 2021 in Seoul, South Korea. Co-owner Sang Moon, a Fairfax, Virginia resident, had decided to bring the concept over to the States in December 2023 after multiple very successful pop-up cafes in New York City. Once it was decided that the concept seemed viable, Arlington, Virginia got America’s first Gute Leute storefront!
Gute Leute’s personality, look, and feel can be described as a sophisticated business man who sports a minimalist clean-cut look in shades of navy and black. There aren’t a lot of frills; everything is very functional but pleasing to look at. He may seem cold at first, but with extended time spent, you’ll find yourself easily relaxing. He has a true coconut personality where you need to chip away at the tough outer shell before indulging in the sweet inner center.
That aforementioned coconut personality can also be extended to his beverage menu**. A lot of the specialty espresso drinks may not seem like much upon first glance (served in a small mug with a couple of toppings sprinkled all decorative-like, while others DO wow, like the Bubble Espresso)… but then! The barista asks you, “do you want me to show you how to drink this?” and therein lies the moment where your coffee expectations are set as high as the heavens!
Gute Leute’s specialty drinks not only encourage sit down enjoyment, they require you to pause and marvel at them (in our society where it’s always hustle and bustle, grab and go, it’s a refreshing reminder that slowing down is good for the soul). Take the OH-A for example; when consumed at different stages of its life, you’ll get a different taste and texture profile (more in the drink review 👇). Ordering one of these to-go would be disrespectful to the product, not to mention an extreme consumer experience downgrade as you’d miss SO much nuance and wonder.
**while they’re mainly known for their coffee, they do provide a decently sized selection of pastries and cakes, with premade, refrigerated items like sandwiches and packaged products available for those who need a pick-me-up.
Now, Gute Leute is definitely not for every occasion. There will be those days where you just need to pre-order something on the Starbucks app and rush out the door or hit the Dunkin’ drive thru. But let Gute Leute be the reason you intentionally carve out sabbath time—a moment to breathe and rest—because this artisan coffee shop has mastered the craft of beverage enjoyment and you won’t regret it.
so, what did we try from the menu?
honest reviews incoming 👇
OH-A: WONDERFUL; there were 3 stages of enjoyment—the beginning where you just taste the foam/sorbet, the middle where you sip more of a liquidy espresso/latte/ice cream; the end where you squeeze lemon juice and it accentuates the sorbet SO MUCH! You wouldn’t think these flavors go together, but wow, is it a stroke of genius. Refreshing yet luscious and rich. I love love loved how you could experience 3 different textures and flavors in one drink just from minor changes like stirring, sipping, or adding a squeeze of lemon! The process is as follows: (1) use the spoon to scoop up the oat milk sorbet—as much as you want, (2) stir in the sorbet and drink a 1/3, (3) stir the peach puree in, drink another 1/3, and (4) squeeze the lemon in and finish it out! (rating: 10.5/10)
Gute Leute: embodies the essence of Seoul’s signature dalgona cookie flavor—butterscotch salty-sweet. Felt like an affogato, it is delicious and surprisingly not that sweet. It was more just creamy and sweet enough to mellow out the bitterness of espresso. Only complaint is that there isn’t an option to order an extra large size, lol! (rating: 10/10)
Foret Noire Granita: a seasonal granita that aims to be reminiscent of cherry chocolate cake. Slightly underwhelming in comparison to the other two, but still leagues more interesting than an average latte you can get at any American coffee shop. Also didn’t have as many instructions to how to drink it, kind of a you choose what to do type! (rating: 9/10)
the RÉSUMÉ
address // location featured: 800 N Glebe Rd Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203
operations // Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Saturday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
logistics // take the metro to Ballston-MU Station; free street parking can be found in the neighborhood streets, but you’ll have a decent 15-20 minute walk
amenities //
free public WiFi and outlets available
accessible (i.e., tables are accommodating to wheelchairs, restrooms are down the stairs but there’s a wheelchair lift)
indoor seating available; no outdoor seating available
family friendly
not pet-friendly
vibes // Formal enough to be a location for a date or a business meeting, but you can also show up in comfy athleisure/sweats. While you’re still able to co-work in this space, Gute Leute’s beverages are so engaging, you might as well stay unplugged and use this opportunity to share in the awe with someone else.
menu //
beverages ($3.25 - $6.50): coffee (drip, cold brew); espresso (lattes, americano, macchiato, cappuccino, etc.); hot/iced tea, chai, matcha, hot chocolate, signature coffee/tea
⭐ dairy-free milk options available (almond, oat)
baked goods ($3.35 - $5.00): Asian milk bread buns (strawberry cream, pineapple, etc.), cake slices, refrigerated dessert cups
viennoiserie ($2.45 - $6.00): croissants (chocolate, plain, blueberry cheese, etc.)
food food ($6.00 - $10.00): sandwiches (tuna, egg salad, chicken salad, etc.)
recs // most definitely get their OH-A if you can’t sign up for the omakase. Experiencing the omakase is next on my list!
site // find them on Instagram or Yelp
~ cath!!
I love how you add a clickable definition feature!! It’s so helpful!!