28 essential Tampa Bay coffee shops that aren't Starbucks

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.

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King State
520 E. Floribraska Ave., Tampa.
The specialty roaster’s first brick-and-mortar cafe will fuse coffee, beer and food under one roof. 
Photo via Jenna Rimensnyder

King State


520 E. Floribraska Ave., Tampa.
The specialty roaster’s first brick-and-mortar cafe will fuse coffee, beer and food under one roof.
Photo via Jenna Rimensnyder
Buddy 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/Facebook

Buddy 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/Facebook
Bandit 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/ Facebook

Bandit 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/ Facebook
Black 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/Facebook

Black 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/Facebook
Caffeine 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/Facebook

Caffeine 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/Facebook
Kahwa  
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/Facebook

Kahwa

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/Facebook
Blind 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/Facebook

Blind 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/Facebook
Tre 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/Facebook

Tre 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/Facebook
Ginger 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/Facebook

Ginger 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/Facebook
Pineapple 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/Facebook

Pineapple 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/Facebook
Neighborhood Joe  
2609 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N. St. Pete, 727-290-9241
Don’t blind or you might miss it. This small cafe has bites to go along with your cup of joe. Fair warning - you might need to get a little creative when it comes to parking.
Photo via Neighborhood Joe/Facebook

Neighborhood Joe

2609 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N. St. Pete, 727-290-9241
Don’t blind or you might miss it. This small cafe has bites to go along with your cup of joe. Fair warning - you might need to get a little creative when it comes to parking.

Photo via Neighborhood Joe/Facebook
Cafe 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/Instagram

Cafe 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/Instagram
Beans & 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/ Instagram

Beans & 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/ Instagram
Spaddy’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 Rimensnyder

Spaddy’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 Rimensnyder
The 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/ Facebook

The 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/ Facebook
King 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 Rimensnyder

King 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 Rimensnyder
King 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/Facebook

King 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/Facebook
The 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/Instagram

The 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/Instagram
Cafe 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/ Facebook

Cafe 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/ Facebook
Felicitous  
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/Facebook

Felicitous

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/Facebook
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