America's Best Coffee Shops: A Coast-to-Coast Guide to Your Next Great Cu
Across the United States, a vibrant coffee culture is brewing. More than just a morning ritual, coffee has become an artisanal craft, with dedicated roasters and baristas elevating the experience to new heights. From iconic, long-standing institutions to trendy, minimalist cafes, finding a truly exceptional cup of coffee has become a beloved pastime. This guide will take you on a tour of some of the best and most celebrated coffee shops in America, each offering a unique and memorable experience.
Gimme! Coffee (Ithaca, NY)
Founded in 2000, Gimme! Coffee is a true Ithaca icon. What started as a classic neighborhood espresso bar has evolved into a pioneering, employee-owned cooperative. This unique structure means the passionate staff are also owners, and that dedication is evident in every cup. An award-winning roaster, Gimme! is committed to sustainable and ethical practices throughout its supply chain. While they are celebrated for their expertly crafted specialty coffees, they also offer a variety of other delicious drinks, from classic chai to Italian sodas.
OddFox Coffee Co. (New York City, NY)
In the competitive landscape of New York City coffee, OddFox Coffee stands out with its hip, welcoming vibe and fantastic brews. With two locations in Brooklyn, each featuring a sizable and charming backyard patio, it's a perfect urban oasis. OddFox has earned a well-deserved reputation for its expertly prepared coffee and is particularly famous for its delicious matcha lattes, especially when made with nut milk. It’s a go-to spot for those seeking a great cup of coffee in a relaxed and stylish setting.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters (Portland, OR)
A true pioneer of the "Third Wave" coffee movement, Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a name synonymous with exceptional quality and innovation. Founded in Portland, Oregon, Stumptown is credited with helping to popularize the cold brew category. Their cafes are known for their meticulous brewing methods, from perfect espresso drinks to flavorful French press coffee. While they have expanded to cities across the country and even internationally, their Portland roots remain central to their identity as a leader in the specialty coffee world.
The Wormhole Coffee (Chicago, IL)
Step back in time at The Wormhole Coffee, a beloved 1980s-themed cafe in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. The decor is a nostalgic dream, famously featuring a life-sized DeLorean from Back to the Future and shelves packed with vintage movie and video game memorabilia. But it's not just about the funky decor; The Wormhole serves up excellent coffee with a variety of creative specialty lattes. It's a fun, relaxed, and utterly unique spot to enjoy a great cup of coffee and a trip down memory lane.
Sey Coffee (Brooklyn, NY)
For the true coffee purist, SEY Coffee in Bushwick is a must-visit. This stunning, light-filled microroastery, located in a sky-lit warehouse, has been named the best coffee shop in New York and the entire country by multiple publications. The plant-filled, minimalist space is dedicated to the craft of sourcing and roasting the highest quality single-origin beans. Coffee here is served as an experience, often presented on a tray with an information card about the beans and a side of sparkling water to cleanse the palate.
Madcap Coffee (Grand Rapids, MI)
Founded in 2008, Madcap Coffee has become a cornerstone of Michigan's thriving coffee scene. With a mission to create "memorable coffee experiences," their passion is evident in every aspect of their business. They meticulously source the finest beans from around the world and roast them to perfection in their Grand Rapids facility. Their cafes are vibrant and welcoming spaces where you can enjoy their exceptional coffee, and for those interested in the craft, they also host monthly roastery tours and hands-on demos.
Spiller Park Coffee (Atlanta, GA)
With a fun, baseball-themed name that pays homage to the old ballpark where the Atlanta Crackers once played, Spiller Park Coffee is a high-end and beloved coffee destination. Located in the popular Ponce City Market, this coffee kiosk is known for serving beans from world-renowned roasters like George Howell Coffee and Phil & Sebastian. They offer expertly prepared espresso drinks, iced coffee, and a fantastic menu of creative toasts, making it a perfect spot to grab a great cup of coffee and a delicious bite.
La Colombe Coffee Roasters (Philadelphia, PA)
A true Philadelphia icon, La Colombe Coffee Roasters has grown from a single cafe into one of the largest and most respected independent coffee roasters in the country. With a deep commitment to ethical, direct-trade practices with farmers, La Colombe is celebrated for its exceptional single-origin coffees and signature blends. Their flagship location in Fishtown is a stunning, massive cafe that includes a bakery, a full bar, and on-site roasting. La Colombe has also become a national force in the ready-to-drink coffee market with its iconic Draft Latte.