6 Cities for Coffee Lovers
These emerging coffee scenes around the country are giving Portland and Seattle a run for their money.
Ah, coffee. It’s just about the only thing that’s good about a Monday morning … or really any morning. We all know that cities like Portland, Seattle and San Francisco are headliners in our nation’s coffee culture, but there are some other coffee hotspots around the country that might surprise you.
Livability looked at the number of coffee shops in the city, average prices for a cuppa joe, number of roasters in the area and, of course, the overall quality of life (we have to be true to our name, don’t we?) to bring you this list of unexpected cities with awesome coffee scenes.
In This Article
Tampa, FL
A sunny city in Florida might not be your first thought when you think about coffee, but maybe it should be. This under-the-radar coffee city boasts several coffee roasters, including Blind Tiger and nearby Made Coffee Company (also home to Florida’s first canned cold brew). In a WalletHub survey, Tampa ranked no. 6 in Best Coffee Cities in America. The study looked at the number of coffee drinkers in the city, the cost of a cappuccino and the number of local roasters.
People are flocking to Tampa, and it’s not just for the spectacular coffee. The city currently ranks as one of the highest places in the country for job growth thanks to new businesses opening up shop in the area, while the cost of living still sits below the national average.
Coolest Coffee Shop: We have to give it to Felicitous. This local roaster is located in Tampa’s Uptown neighborhood, in close proximity to the University of South Florida. Not only is the coffee delicious, but Felicitous is also extremely dog-friendly. All four-legged friends are offered a free dog biscuit and water, and the patio is dog-friendly.
Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan’s more than 51,000 caffeine-crazed students have propelled Ann Arbor into the upper echelons of coffee cities. ApartmentGuide put Ann Arbor on the list of the Best Cities for Coffee Lovers in America thanks to the city’s impressive ratio of coffee shops per capita and density scores. There’s a coffee shop here for literally everyone’s taste, whether it’s a national chain or a hip shop using locally roasted beans like Black Diesel Coffee. Aspiring roasters and baristas can even immerse themselves in Zingerman’s Coffee Company’s seven different brewing techniques.
Ann Arbor isn’t just a great place to drink coffee; it’s a great place to live. In fact, it ranked on Livability’s 2023 list of Top 100 Best Places to Live list. Residents of Ann Arbor enjoy high-quality education and a creative culture where there’s always something fun going on. The city is also highly walkable, so exploring shops in your neighborhood is accessible.
Coolest Coffee Shop: Located inside of the historic (and glass-roofed!) Nickels Arcade is Comet Coffee, a cozy spot specializing in pour-over coffees.
Reno, NV
Reno has made a name for itself recently in America’s coffee scene and landed a spot on SmartAsset’s coffee fanatics survey thanks to the super-low average cost for a cup of joe. Residents in this desert city can’t seem to get enough of their morning brews, and they have plenty of options thanks to hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of coffee shops in the area. The “Biggest Little City in the World” has a coffee scene that’s anything but little and has made way for several notable local brew shops, including Lighthouse Coffee, Bibo Coffee Co. and Old World Coffee Lab.
Reno’s lively nightlife scene pairs perfectly with its abundance of coffee shops. This fun city also ranked on our 2023 list of Top 100 Best Places to Live thanks to its seemingly endless amenities like concerts, events, casinos and plenty of outdoor activities. Job opportunities are flowing here, too, as more and more digital and tech companies are calling the city home.
Coolest Coffee Shop: Hub Coffee Roasters, with its several locations and roasting facility, paved the way for Reno’s love of local beans. Once a tiny garage shop, this coffee empire now provides its delicious bean varieties to several cafes in town.
Sacramento, CA
California’s capital city doesn’t get nearly as much attention as SF or LA, but a vibrant coffee scene has been brewing under the radar here for a while now, and the rest of the nation has started to take notice. Sprudge once named Sacramento one of five underrated coffee cities in America, and we wholeheartedly agree. A relatively low number of large chains means Sacramento is one of the top metro areas in the nation, with a high density of indie coffee shops per capita. Delicious coffee flows here at artisan shops like Insight Coffee Roasters, Old Soul Co. and the New Zealand-influenced Chocolate Fish Coffee.
This isn’t just a well-caffeinated city; it’s a fun one. Sacramento is home to Coin-Op, which recently underwent a remodel and is one of the coolest arcade bars in the country, plus a full calendar of community events to keep residents entertained. And for those who want to live in California but can’t afford the steep price tag, Sacramento is an affordable choice. With easy access to San Francisco and the beautiful California coast, the location can’t be beat.
Coolest Coffee Shop: Award-winning Temple Coffee is our pick for the city’s coolest shop, as its vibe is low-key and modeled after some of the temples owner Sean Kohmescher visited during his travels through Indonesia.
Jersey City, NJ
As one of our 2023 Top 100 Best Places to Live, it makes sense that Jersey City is also carving out a reputation as a great coffee city (those young professionals need caffeine!). Located right across the Hudson from New York City, Jersey City ranked no. 22 on Wallethub’s list of 100 best coffee cities. Two local favorites are Modcup Coffee Company, which serves up its own single-origin roasted beans and Dames Coffee Espresso Bar, known for its latte art, in-house pastries and garden out back.
Even though it’s so close to NYC, Jersey City is much more affordable. With a relatively low cost of living, gorgeous parks and no shortage of things to do, Jersey City is a melting pot of cultures. Downtown Jersey City’s charm rivals some New York neighborhoods with its abundance of bars and restaurants.
Coolest Coffee Shop: The hip Lackawanna Coffee pours delicious specialty drinks like the Black Sesame Latte or the Wildflower Honey Latte.
Portland, ME
The “other” Portland is becoming quite a hotspot for caffeinated beverages. Known for its awesome restaurants, a growing need for quality coffee has prompted several indie coffee joints to join the local food scene. And the price is right: the average cappuccino in Portland, ME, will set you back about $5. Folks are making coffee a little differently here, and The Speckled Ax in the Arts District utilizes the unique process of wood roasting its organic beans for exceptional flavor profiles. Yordprom Coffee Co. is your go-to place for some really good Vietnamese coffee or Thai iced tea in a cozy environment.
Foodies take note: Portland boasts one of the highest numbers of restaurants per capita in the nation. Along with its safe neighborhoods, year-round recreation and sweeping ocean views, Portland is a family-friendly city and a top place to live.
Coolest Coffee Shop: Tandem Coffee gets our cool points as one of the first in-house roasters to open up shop in 2012. Since then, they have served up fantastic, no-frills, artisan coffee.