Don’t get us wrong, Starbucks has its place in the coffee ecosystem, but why not mix things up? If you’re looking for some local flavor and a new place to do your work, check out these 26 essential coffee shops in the metro Orlando area that aren’t Starbucks.
Craft & Common
47 E. Robinson, 407-723-8078
This coffee shop is more than just a place for great Instagram pictures. Make sure to try their speciality espresso drinks or their variety of cold brews while you’re there. And snack on some bacon-wrapped dates and truffle popcorn.Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar
444 N. Bumby Ave., 407-893-4994
This coffee shop is an art-lovers haven. Enjoy organic coffee, vegan pastries and local art. Make sure to stop by Fridays and Saturdays for stand-up comedy night.Bubble & Co
6400 International Drive, 407-751-7340
Take a trip down I-Drive and pair an espresso or an iced coffee latte with their bubble waffles and fresh pastries.Ok, But First Coffee
7535 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-757-2000
The name says it all. Pair your French toast, sandwich or fresh pastry with their Brazilian gourmet coffee selections.Barnie’s Coffee & Tea
118 S. Park Ave., 407-629-0042
There’s no shortage of variety here. Try one of their signature drinks like a Turkish latte or a honey lavender latte. And, if you’re craving good food, they have plenty of that. Munch on a fig and brie flatbread, french toast and so much more.Vespr
626 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-476-3093
The modern ambience of Vespr is perfect to try one of their specialty lattes or a cold brew. If you’re not feeling coffee, they also serve up wine and beer to relieve the tension of the day.Cups and Pups Coffee
While there is no permanent location for this coffee stop, you can get their coffee at local markets. They will be opening a dog park and coffee shop soon where you can get their speciality butter coffee any day you want.SnowBean
5310 E. Colonial Drive, 407-270-8811
This place is more than your classic coffee stop. They serve the traditional espresso, latte and affogato, but try their speciality shaved ice topped with all kinds of pastries and sweets. Credit: Photo via Facebook/SnowBeanAustin’s Coffee
929 W. Fairbanks Ave., 407-975-3364
This eclectic coffee spot has more than just coffee. Stay and play a board game if you want or visit on Wednesday nights for poetry nights. Don’t worry; your board game battles can go on all night because they’re open pretty late.CFS Coffee
430 W. New England Ave., 407-637-2335; also 54 W. Church St., 407-776-2900
Opened in 2016, this Winter Park coffee shop brings Columbian coffee to Orlando. While sipping on worldwide flavors, enjoy one of their homemade arepas.
Photo by Monivette CordeiroAchilles Art Cafe
2869 Wilshire Drive, 407-704-7860
Art meets caffeine at this hookah lounge/local art gallery/coffee hotspot. Stop in for a cup of their specialty latte or espresso while you enjoy a grilled cheese or even a plate of Greek meatballs.Bikes, Beans & Bordeaux
3022 Corrine Drive, 407-427-1440
Locally owned by UCF graduates and long-time Orlando residents, this stop is a perfect place to grab coffee and a sandwich like a local.Lineage
1011 E. Colonial Drive, 407-205-8096
The sister store to the original one tucked away in East End Market, they are best known for their delicious cold brew coffee. This minimal-style shop is definitely Instagram worthy so grab a honey iced latte head on over.Stardust Video & Coffee
1842 E. Winter Park Road, 407-623-3393
Located off Corrine Drive, Stardust will satisfy all your cravings. The eclectic shop serves up meatloaf sandwiches, local beers, fresh coffee and even sells books. They are open until midnight so you can get all your work done or even just people watch.
Photo via Yelp/Tori M.Deeply Coffee
111 N. Magnolia Ave.
This stop serves up all kinds of coffees, including King State coffee, which is roasted in Tampa. Stop by for a cup of joe and pair it with one of their Belgian waffles.Downtown CREDO
706 W. Smith St., 407-519-0643
Tucked away on Smith Street is this gem. This place is perfect for studying or simply catching up with an old friend. One unique part is that you decide how much you pay for your coffee. Yes, it is a completely name-your-price place.Dandelion Community Cafe
618 N. Thornton Ave., 407-362-1864
What’s better than organic coffee and unique events for the community? Not much. Participate in a market and drum ceremony that happens every full moon (hence, the name Moon Circles) or stop in on Tuesdays to hear some local Orlando poets.DUO58
112 W. Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo, 407-900-4386
Founded by a UCF graduate in 2010, DUO58 promotes local hospitality and specialty coffees. For each meal that is served, one meal will be given to a child in Haiti as part of Mission for Hope.ROYAL TEA
714 N. Mills Ave.
Yes, we know tea is in the name, but there’s coffee, too. Trust us. Try their traditional mousse coffee or an Americano while you’re there.Axum Coffee
146 W. Plant St., 407-654-7900
This place stands out for their creative coffee selections like charcoal lattes and special seasonal drink. They even have events for things like latte art to learn how to make beautiful designs in your next cup.Benjamin French Bakery
716 E. Washington St., 407-797-2253
Step into a little slice of France at this French bakery and cafe. Enjoy fresh pastries and sandwiches with your espresso or cappuccino.Foxtail Coffee
Multiple locations
Yes, this is a chain, but it’s not Starbucks and they’re locally based. You can get their cold brew by the gallon, but if you don’t need that much of an energy shock, try their cold brew in a smaller size or sip on an iced matcha tea latte. Plus, their coffee cups are now strawless, so you’re helping the environment, too.Holy Grain Coffee Shop
6735 Conroy Road, 407-704-5878
This coffee shop puts a Brazilian spin on traditional coffee. Be sure to try their speciality Brazilian cappuccino and lime espresso.Cafe 906
4932 New Broad St., 407-960-5906
Grab a cold brew while you enjoy the authentic croissants and crepes at this French cafe.Zaza’s New Cuban Diner
Multiple locations
This Cuban restaurant with locations in Orlando and Altamonte Springs is home to classic Cuban espresso if you need an extra caffeine to go with your Cuban sandwich or ropa vieja.Cozee Cafe
1145 Townpark Ave., Lake Mary, 407-804-0066
This Lake Mary cafe serves Lineage coffee and speciality drinks like an espresso shake, a nutella shake and a dragon fruit smoothie. Their food menu is just as eclectic with a curried chicken croissant, ribeye and omelets so there’s something for everyone.