What goes into the very best coffee shops? Certainly, making their own hand-roasted beans is a factor. Equally certain is their friendly servers. A comfortable atmosphere with chairs that are meant just for relaxing also helps. Perhaps also some creature comforts like newspapers, magazines and books to read. A couple of tasty morsels to eat is also a plus. With some or most of that, we can relax.
There is a long list of Florida coffee shops that will provide you with all of these necessary features. From Margate to Miami, stop into one of these 6 coffee shops in the Sunshine State to start your day.
If you don’t believe us, Complex Magazine wrote, “If you want a college coffee spot that is cool above all else, this may be the one.” They praised it for making coffee into an art form and for serving dishes like blue velvet cupcakes. Also, it’s easy-going environment. Anthony Rue only opened this place after a year of research. He looked at what are sometimes known as the “Holy Trinity” of coffee houses: coffee, tea and chocolate. Rue is known as a coffee fanatic, steeped in the subject that he often discusses with customers. It’s no surprise that his staff is equally passionate. They spend weeks in training before serving and are encouraged to compete in contests. What’s coffee without entertainment? Boring. No way of that happening because there are regular readings from local creative writing students (Rue studied literature in college).
This place turns up in various votes for best coffee houses in North Florida and even in polls that take in larger areas. They roast their own beans, of course. All the typical ways of preparing coffee are routine, but they are big supporters of single drip coffee served as it should be to purists: black. That’s the proper way to appreciate the intricacy of the roasting beans. The menu also offers delicious fresh pastries. Live music provides entertainment, and it’s a popular gathering place. Beer and wine are also served.
No, you don’t have to attend a university to get a great cup of coffee. Since you already know what felicitous means, you can expect some of the same qualities of Volta. An enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff for menu and drinks serve at an older building near University of South Florida. Local art on the walls adds to the pleasures. A specialty is frappes but many recommend the chocolate chai latte.
You go to Alaska for many reasons (perhaps a cruise to see the glaciers). But coffee? Try it. You’ll like it. The reasons include the coffee but mostly the food, or the variety of choices. Alaska started in Fairbanks more than 20 years ago. Their location here reflects other college-like coffee qualities: they are near the Johnson and Wales Miami campus. There’s a wood-fired oven for pizza, but that hardly starts to complete the menu offerings. Everything from sandwiches (veggie to Italian) and traditional main dishes such as beef lasagna and chicken pot pie. Even simple green salads. Little down-home touches also: hand-written menu and coffee in real cups. And a memorable slogan, “Celebrating coffee, the wine of the tropics.”
Organizers say they wanted a college-town coffeehouse. And that is what it has become. A blogger says it is “eclectic” and “funky.” Fridays and Saturdays are entertainment nights with open mics and up to a dozen or so local comedians. The website warns, “Like Smurfs, they can be a little blue.” The coffee bar has free Wi-Fi, and breakfast and lunch foods are hand-prepared. With excellent fresh soups, veggie and vegan choices among wraps and paninis, Anzac cookies and a drive-through option, this place is a can’t miss.
Self-styled “leader of the underground caffeinated culture.” There are frequent painting shows and photographic exhibitions as well as poetry readings and other live events. Their motto, “We proudly serve intelligentsia coffee.” Well-informed staffers are always ready to add to customer education with the differences between French press and plain drip coffee. The shop here uses a fancy and expensive Japanese machine to produce coffee. Iced versions are a specialty. House made syrups and whipped cream are worth bragging about. Organic teas are offered to non-coffee drinkers and the pastries are easily recommended.