Drop your allegiance to Starbucks and pledge it to local shops brewing up some damn good espresso around Tampa Bay. From hole-in-the-wall to trendy af, these coffee joints will make you wonder why you ordered a venti anywhere else.
King State
520 E. Floribraska Ave., Tampa.
The specialty roasters first brick-and-mortar cafe will fuse coffee, beer and food under one roof.
Photo via Jenna RimensnyderBuddy Brew
1605 W Snow Ave, Tampa, 813-575-2739
As if you need another reason to visit Hyde Park Village. This dog friendly coffee spot is packed on the weekends, but if you can snag a seat, you’ll want to stay all day. Locations are all throughout Tampa Bay.
Photo via Buddy Brew/FacebookBandit Coffee Co.
2662 Central Ave, St. Pete
With one of the most Instagrammed murals, Bandit has recently begun serving beer and wine. Get all types of buzzy with a visit to Bandit.
Photo via Bandit Coffee/ FacebookBlack Crow Coffee
722 2nd St N, St. Pete, 727-580-7200
Now with two locations, this super lowkey joint has an eclectic atmosphere. A vintage typewriter, lots of greenery and art from locals.
Photo via Black Crow Coffee/FacebookCaffeine Roasters
2420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, 813-644-7245
The second location of Caffeine is also referred to as “The Mothership.” Hosting 40+ seats and a drive-thru for those on the go. The shop brews up specialty coffee beverages, house-made breakfast, lunch and pastries.
Photo via Caffeine Roasters/FacebookKahwa
204 2nd Ave. S., St. Pete, 727- 821-1942
Have you seen this little yellow bus around town? Other than multiple brick and mortar locations sprinkled throughout Tampa Bay, Kahwa also has a Kahwagon that buzzes around to local events. Never leave a Kahwa without a ham and cheese croissant.
Photo via Kahwa/FacebookBlind Tiger Cafe
901 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-977-4101
Locations are throughout Tampa Bay, but this one is in the heart of Ybor. It has roaming roosters to prove it. Grab a coffee and play board games that are stocked up in-house.
Photo via Blind Tiger Cafe/FacebookTre Amici at The Bunker
1907 N. 19th St, Tampa, 813-247-6964
A hub in Ybor City, The Bunker hosts art shows, live music and events. Grab a cup of coffee and browse around.
Photo via The Bunker/FacebookGinger Beard Coffee
1208 E Kennedy Blvd #112, Tampa, 813-434-0795
Specializing in creating nitrogen infused cold brewed coffee, Ginger Beard also has a big lounge area to read, write, talk or play pool.
Photo via Ginger Beard Coffee/FacebookPineapple Espresso
3045 Dr. M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Pete, 727-202-8862
New to the scene, this joint offers up a drive-thru for those who need a freshly brewed coffee on the go. You can also grab healthy snacks alongside your espresso.
Photo via Pineapple Espresso/FacebookCafe Hey
540 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813- 221-5150
Super chill joint that serves up bites and fat cups of coffee. Exposed brick walls make for great background for latte art pics.
Photo via Cafe Hey/InstagramBeans & Barlour
538 1st Ave N, St. Pete, 727-440-4540
Remember Storybrooke Cafe? Well this joint is run by the same owner and serving up the former specialty brews. Beans & Barlous also offers booze treats, pastries as well as lunch and dinner plates.
Photo via Beans & Barlous/ InstagramSpaddy’s Coffee Co.
5206 N Florida Ave, Tampa, 954-829-2111.
Slangin’ coffee out of a small trailer, Spaddy’s is keeping Seminole Heights caffeinated. Get one to go or have a seat at a picnic table.
Jenna RimensnyderThe Attic on Kennedy
500 E Kennedy Blvd #400, Tampa, 813- 226-1003
You may have passed it a million times. This coffee spot is on the top floor of an industrial building. Get your iced coffee and head out to the balcony to see some serious views of downtown Tampa.
Photo via The Attic/ FacebookKing State
520 E Floribraska Ave, Tampa
We are patiently awaiting the brick and mortar of King State Coffee. The roasters are taking over a renovated 1950s building on Floribraska Ave. They will offer coffee, booze and bites.
Jenna RimensnyderKing Corona Cigars and Cafe
1523 E 7th Ave, Tampa, 813-241-9109
Who isn’t in the mood for a coffee with their cigar? Select a cigar and have a seat in the lounge and light that sucker up. Take a pic of your marge if you’re a seasoned smoker.
Photo via King Corona Cigars and Cafe/FacebookThe Lab Coffee
1703 W. State St.,Tampa, 813-451-6662
Time to get technical. The Lab brews up some of the most potent coffee in Tampa Bay. It’ll keep you charged all day long.
Photo via The Lab Coffee/InstagramCafe Kraft
4136 E Busch Blvd., Tampa, 813-985-8000
Lowkey coffee shop serving up baked goods — with vegan options. Always a win. Make sure to get a slice of the quiche!
Photo via Cafe Kraft/ FacebookFelicitous
11706 N 51st St, Tampa, 813-988-2828
This is the original location of the beloved coffee shop. Enter the renovated home and get a cup of coffee in what looks like a collection scored from a thrift shop.
Photo via Felicitous/FacebookBula Kafe
2500 5th Ave N, St. Pete, 727-498-8913
Previous Best of the Bay winner for Best Kava, this joint does it all. You’ll want to swing by to catch whatever kind of buzz you’re in the mood for.
Photo via Bula Kafe/InstagramDough
2602 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, 813-902-1979
Mostly known for the over-the-top dessert offerings, you can swing by Dough at any time for an espresso drink. Especially after you get a carb overload from Datz nextdoor.
Photo via Dough/ InstagramMojo Books & Records
2540 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, 813-971-9717
Love books, records AND coffee? Mojo is your one stop shop. Bring your favorite book and get a specialty latte, or grab it in a to go cup to browse around. Careful, you might get lost.
Photo viaLa Segunda Bakery Ybor
2512 N 15th St., Tampa, 813-248-1531
Rooted in Ybor’s history, this spot is known for their fresh bread, pastries and cafe con leches.
Photo via Google MapsBanyan
689 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Pete, 727-896-6100
This is the OG location, which is a staple in the ‘burg. Good breakfast bites and serious espresso drink offerings. Get your caffeine like a local.
Photo via Google MapsUnion by Commune + Co.
1910 Ola Ave., Tampa
Located within Armature Works, this little coffee bar is usually packed — and for good reason. If you need to brave the usual crowds of Armature Works for a bite, swing by for an espresso to get you in the right state of mind.
Photo via Commune+Co./ Facebook