Gelato has come to Clarendon!

My day was just totally made by the discovery of a new Gelato and Coffee shop called "Boccato". Haven't heard of it? That's because it's only been around 3 months and its crowded on Wilson Blvd across from Whole Foods and between the Latino Mercado and the Halal Deli.

As a chocolate addict I have been searching for great places to get my chocolate fix near work.

The Chocolate Gelato at Boccato's is my new favorite vice. At $3 a scoop I will need to keep things in moderation, but the price is justified by the quality of the product as well as fabulous service.

If coffee's more your thing you'll want to check out the "caffeinato" side of Boccato. Rob, one of the owners, made me a taste of the Decaf coffee. He grinds the beans right there and brews it right in front of you for a truely fresh cup (at $2.50). I do not drink black coffee ... until now.

By now I'm sure you're going to try this place yourself so a couple of things to know:

*You need cash. They do not take plastic.

*Be careful on the way in, there's a large step down.

Enjoy!

Coffee Shop Alternatives

So you don't like Starbucks b/c they are a big chain. And you don't like Murky because they won't serve you the coffee you want.

So what do you do?

How about checking on one of the several small local coffee shops in the area including Arlington's own Java Shack, 2507 N. Franklin Rd, in the Clarendon/Courthouse area.

According to the Washington Post small coffee shops like this are often thriving despite the big, beastly Starbucks.

So what do you think? Where do you like to get your coffee?