Tampa Bay's novel nooks

Where to cuddle up with a beverage and a book throughout the region.

click to enlarge KALE YEAH: Score inventive offerings and hip reading digs at Cafe Hey. - Brian Ries
Brian Ries
KALE YEAH: Score inventive offerings and hip reading digs at Cafe Hey.


Break in your new pile of reads while downing caffeinated drinks, bubble teas and more at these Bay area cafe-style hangouts.

9th Bar Espresso An artisanal coffee bar that shares a space with Wine & Brew until 3 p.m. daily. There are couches up front, and cereal if you get the munchies. 929 Broadway, Dunedin, 727-488-2243, 9thbarespresso.com.

Bamboozle Tea Lounge This Vietnamese spot has plenty of seats inside and out. Order teas, sandwiches, boba and more. 109 N. 12th St., Tampa, 813-228-7500, bamboozletealounge.com.

The Boba House This boba hotspot for the USF Tampa crowd has a vast bubble tea selection. The best time to snag a seat and get your read on is in the early afternoon. 2764 University Square Drive, Tampa, 813-866-8569.

Brew D Licious A homey hole-in-the-wall coffee shop. Fresh-baked treats and cups of No Name Java make for good couch accompaniments. 667 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-741-2249, brewdlicious.com.

Buddy Brew Coffee Though tons of joints serve this local roastery’s craft coffees, the ambience at its headquarters will persuade you to stay and sip. 2020 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-258-2739, buddybrew.com.

Cafe Hey Hot or iced teas and coffees, as well as signature drinks, including the Red Hot Latte with cinnamon, chili and chocolate. For vegans and carnies who like to snack while reading, it’s a cozy go-to. 1540 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-221-5150, cafehey.com.

The Campus Grind Where USF St. Petersburg students and neighboring locals commune over caffeine. Nothing beats the university cafe’s sofa corner on a rainy afternoon. 121 Seventh Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-823-5282, thecampusgrind.com.

Community Cafe A come-one, come-all kind of coffeehouse with ample seating and late-night hours. 2444 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, 727-222-6979, communitycafestpete.com.

Creative Soul Studio Drink and book in tow, you’ll always have room to get comfortable at this low-key gem. Baked goods and sandwiches are among the rotating eats. 2425 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-575-7977, creativesoulcoffeeshop.com.

Eco-Bean Organic Coffee House Artfully crafted (and local) organic coffees and teas in a laid-back atmosphere. 501 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-937-1967, eco-bean.com.

Felicitous The inside of this locally loved cafe is as colorful as the outside, mismatched furniture and all. 11706 N. 51st St., Tampa, 813-988-2828, felicitouscoffee.com.

Gypsy Souls Coffee House Enjoy various java blends, iced or hot, and a waterfront view while you read. Sombra Coffee provides the locally roasted beans. 17465 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores, 727-873-3983, gypsysoulscoffee.com.

The Hollander Hotel This boutique hotel’s couch-laden terrace is fit for book-loving caffiends. Common Grounds is the on-site cafe. 421 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-873-7900, hollanderhotel.com.

The Hooker Tea Company More than 100 loose-leaf teas to pair with a good book. The charming shop’s dimly lit and outfitted with multiple seats. 300 Beach Drive #124, St. Petersburg, 727-894-4832, hookertea.com.

Indian Shores Coffee Co. Discover tasty drinks and breakfast sandwiches, a cozy outdoor dining area and more. 19221 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 727-593-1707.

Jet City Espresso A beloved coffeehouse that carries a down-home vibe. Hyde Park houses Jet City’s second location. 5803 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-231-6215, jetcityespresso.com.

Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Company Tons of space to curl up with a book or two. The shop makes a variety of teas and coffees, and the breakfast menu’s offered all day. 1811 N. 15th St., Tampa, 813-247-4600, joffreys.com.

Kahwa Coffee One of the coolest Kahwa locales, adjacent to Duckweed Urban Grocery (also a suitable reading spot). 808 N. Tampa St., Tampa, 813-228-7900, kahwacoffee.com.

Kaleisia Tea Lounge Serving rare and premium blends from across the globe, this teahouse is also frequented for its Vietnamese coffee and vegan grub. 441 E. Fletcher Ave. #101, Tampa, 813-977-8266, thetealounge.com.

King Corona Cigars and Cafe Cuban coffees and organic teas are calling your name at this sultry cafe and cigar hub. 1523 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-241-9109, kingcoronacigars.com.

Le Meridien The lobby area of this courthouse-turned-hotel functions as a cafe with espresso, eclairs and charcuterie offerings. There are comfy seats and a library of local books, too. 601 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-221-9555 , lemeridientampa.com.

The Library Coffeehouse Manually poured coffee, and other espresso-based drinks. The food items include made-to-order sandwiches and salads, house-crafted baked treats and more. 3201 S. Dale Mabry Highway #106, Tampa, 813-837-5282, thelibrarycoffeehouse.com.

Mamma Lane’s Coffee House A quintessential cafe that boasts quirky couches, funky art pieces and soul-warming beverages. 212 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-934-5120, mammalanes.com.

Nirvana Cafe & Juice Bar You’ll find this coffeehouse gem across from the beach. Organic espresso and coffee, smoothies and fresh juices accompany events like wine tastings, lectures and natural food classes. 15024 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach, 727-393-2233.

Oxford Exchange Coffee from Buddy Brew, tea from Tebella, a well-curated bookstore and a leather-and-luxe interior make this an irresistible spot to linger longer. 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-0222, oxfordexchange.com.

Sacred Grounds Coffee House This venerable java shop’s been around for nearly 20 years. Coffee, regular live music events and community meet-ups are a few highlights. 4819 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa, 813-983-0837, sacredgroundstampa.com.

T and Me Tea Company Indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate your reading habit. Plus, teas, coffees, soups and sweets such as waffles, cookies and muffins. 2908 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, 727-331-5253.

Thuy Cafe A go-to for bánh mì and boba (there are 60 flavors offered). Vietnamese iced coffee and sugar cane juice are also offered. 5944 34th St N. #22, St. Petersburg, 727-521-6406, thuycafe.com.

Tre Amici @ The Bunker Ybor City’s living room, truly. Yummy sandwiches, coffee beverages and more served in a relaxing setting that’s perfect for book junkies. 1907 N. 19th St., Tampa, 813-247-6964, yborbunker.com.

Urban Juice Co. Sip cold-pressed juices like The Dali with carrots, apples, pomegranates and wheatgrass, while lounging on one of the shop’s kooshy seats. 510 N. Franklin S., Tampa, 813-375-9995, ujco.net.

The Witch’s Brew A variety of coffees and food, including turkey chili, veggie wraps and hemp-seed chocolate chip cookies. Don’t miss the outdoor patio. 1219 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor, 727-483-9210, lesleyaklein.wix.com/thewitchsbrew.

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