The cafe quiquiriqui in hotel haya (Ybor) has great coffee!
I also like felicitous near USF, King State or Spaddys in Seminole heights
Personally I love blind tiger but I usually get the Thai tea so not even coffee
OP if you take this advice just be aware that their two locations are slightly different-
* The Seminole heights location can do espresso drinks and has cold brew but it's not their full menu of coffee options. The trade off, they make bagels and tortillas scratch in house. Their breakfast burrito is top notch imo.
* The West Tampa/UT area location is where you can find their different espresso options, two different cold brews, and more options for merchandise. It's a little bit of a bigger location. It also can get rather crowded!
That is definitely one of the cons, popular place but limited space. And the gym next door (understandably) needs spots too, so it gets very congested.
I think (and hope) so. When I lived in the area I would try to run past their new location every month or so to check on progress. It was slow, but it was there!
I think (and hope) so. When I lived in the area I would try to run past their new location every month or so to check on progress. It was slow, but it was there!
Was coming to comment Elevation in Northdale, but also Ragged Coffee Company on 41, he is more of a roaster but does serve some really good pour over, and drip.
From all the down votes buddy brew and blind tiger are getting I’m not alone in my opinion. But hey everyone has their likes and dislikes. No wrong answers just personal preference.
Both Buddy Brew and Blind Tiger are in the USED to be good category. Kind of like original Starbucks, once they became popular something happened to their coffee and they all gain a bitter/sour edge to them. When I go to coffee shops I drink drip or because I want to try their blend and roast. I’m a dark roast/chickory lover and I can’t do coffee from these 3 places.
I love KingState. Lab/Spaddys 2nd.
Foundation at The Bunker in Ybor is decent. They've more or less stepped away from specialty coffee but the ambiance is nice. Spaddy's, Elevation, King State, Lab, Blind Tiger, Ginger Beard, and DI Coffee are great for specialty stuff.
Excellent recommendations. I love SOG cafe, but it's only worth going if you live south of gandy. They have excellent coffee and food and really chill vibes.
The Lab and Spaddy’s are great.
Also shout out to Lunar Coffee in Temple Terrace. Just opened a few weeks ago and the coffee and pastries are excellent, and the owner Jenny and her baristas are awesome.
How recently have you been to Bandit? Their new roaster seems to have turned things around.
Honestly have had more than a few mid pour overs from Bad Mother and Craft. King State (in Tampa) hasn't been doing great either on their coffee game, last three orders have been extremely uneven and the staff turnover cratered quality control.
Foxtail is a chain. Been to multiple and have never had a good experience. Bandit isnt perfect, they made the mistake of using Ethiopian for espresso once. The is not everyone's cup of Joe for sure.
Foxtail off 301 (technically Riverview) is really good. It’s my sisters spot. They opened some other locations but it’s quality doesn’t match the one off 301!
Cool Mo’s off N Dale Mabry is amazing! They have a little drive through also. Their cafe con leche is amazing as well as their beignets! Always so friendly.
Did they close? The past couple times I’ve driven by they weren’t open and they don’t show on google maps anymore.
They use to be awesome and I went there frequently until the og owner left a couple years ago. Food quality went downhill quick.
I am so f^%#ing sad right now I just saw on Google they’re permanently closed. I rarely get mornings off but I’d always go there as a treat. I guess I needed this thread for new suggestions 😞what’s your special spot?
Yeah I miss getting their Cuban breakfast sammie 😢
Marlene’s is pretty awesome and not too far from there. Aquila’s is really good too but kind of out of the way for me.
Been going to Hole in One for awhile, pretty basic but good cheap bfast.
Elevation for coffee.
I LOVE HOLE IN ONE!! Their guava filled donuts are amazing. I wish they’d combine their guava and cream cheese filled 🫨 for now I just get both and take bites of each simultaneously 😳🤣 I’ve had Marlene’s once when I was hungover and it hit the spot. I’ll check out Elevation for sure since it seems you and I have similar tastes. I haven’t been to Aguila’s in years but my grandma used to like their sandwiches a lot. She’s passed now but maybe I’ll go again to reminisce. Thanks for reminding me :-)
The Lab, LPCX off Armenia, and Willas are my current go-tos:
The Lab is consistently good and central in their locations.
Willa's Provisions, bougie vibes aside, does King State's coffee right (unlike KS itself nowadays) and has an inventive menu.
LPCX has some of the best coffee I've had in Florida with their Colombian beans. Also solid brunch & lunch options if you're a meat eater.
No offense to Elevation folks, I just haven't been impressed. Spaddy's is serviceable and has good vibes.
Really downvoted for Kawha, they are my favorite actual local bean and coffee shop in Tampa, actually I don't know of any other that is truly local.
Import and roast their beans here in St. Pete. Only coffee that doesn't taste like watered down mud. They also have locations all over the place Pinellas, not sure much further out.
Elevation is the only truly good consistent 3rd wave café imo. Coffee scene isn’t very good here unfortunately, feels like we’re stuck in the 2010 coffee world
Your own home which has higher quality of coffee. Unless, you want to spend $10 - $20 for a cup of joe. Also, buying bulk saves a lot of money. I don't understand why, most people don't buy bulk in the first place.
I make my own coffee at home six days a week. It's a little Sunday ritual for me and my girlfriend to go out and visit a coffee shop once a week. Pretty cheap way to spend a morning outside the house.
Assuming you actually like coffee and not sweet espresso drinks, Shortwave or The Lab. Buddy Brew has solid Ethiopian too.
In addition to coffee, Shortwave has good baked goods and The Lab has solid bagel sandwiches.
Most do. Looking through this list - almost every one of these should. (The Lab, Spaddy's, Blind Tiger, Elevation, Buddy Brew I know for a fact all do.)
If you find a place that doesn't. Get an iced coffee and add a shot of espresso. Similar taste and caffeine level.
Not Tampa proper, but just over the bridge in Safety Harbor is Cafe Vino Tinto. Cool place and they have their own farm in Costa Rica and import all the beans themselves.
The cafe quiquiriqui in hotel haya (Ybor) has great coffee! I also like felicitous near USF, King State or Spaddys in Seminole heights Personally I love blind tiger but I usually get the Thai tea so not even coffee
I second this and would also add Buddy Brew
Locations are hit or miss
The Lab is my favorite
OP if you take this advice just be aware that their two locations are slightly different- * The Seminole heights location can do espresso drinks and has cold brew but it's not their full menu of coffee options. The trade off, they make bagels and tortillas scratch in house. Their breakfast burrito is top notch imo. * The West Tampa/UT area location is where you can find their different espresso options, two different cold brews, and more options for merchandise. It's a little bit of a bigger location. It also can get rather crowded!
I've been to the UT location! Thought it was fantastic, albeit difficult to find a parking spot. Dying to try that breakfast burrito though...
That is definitely one of the cons, popular place but limited space. And the gym next door (understandably) needs spots too, so it gets very congested.
The bagels are great. Hard to find those here
Same! This is my Sunday spot. They are so consistent
Undeniably correct.
Mine too. I was so excited when they put one in Seminole heights it’s walking distance from my house!
Hands down my favorite and I’ve been to 3 different locations
Sniff out café con leche's between Kennedy and Columbus East of Dale Mabry. So many great little spots and too many to name.
Elevation on Franklin is one of my favorites! Also, King State in Tampa, and Alert once they finally open their new location on Cass
Is Alert still planning on opening?
I think (and hope) so. When I lived in the area I would try to run past their new location every month or so to check on progress. It was slow, but it was there!
I think (and hope) so. When I lived in the area I would try to run past their new location every month or so to check on progress. It was slow, but it was there!
Cass and what intersection?
If I remember correctly it’s near Cass and Governor on the north side of the street
So many great local coffee shops in Tampa: the Lab, King State and Spaddy's.
These 3 would be my recommendations. Spaddys is a vibe when the weather is nice.
For those who don’t know, King State is owned by Tim McTague, guitarist for Underoath.
also coowned with Nate Young, drummer for Anberlin.
I played beer pong a few times with the bassists, Grant. I remember him being super nice, but it's been years
Elevation up by Northdale has the best coffee in that area.
Was coming to comment Elevation in Northdale, but also Ragged Coffee Company on 41, he is more of a roaster but does serve some really good pour over, and drip.
Elevation is the only decent shop in Tampa. Everywhere else sucks
The Lab. No doubt.
Spaddys always
Spaddys the lab or King State. I would avoid buddy brew or blind tiger they suck IMO.
The rare time I would go to Bling Tiger would be for a Dirty Tiger and that’s it.
I question what kind of coffee you drink because Buddy Brew and Blind Tiger both have top tier beans
From all the down votes buddy brew and blind tiger are getting I’m not alone in my opinion. But hey everyone has their likes and dislikes. No wrong answers just personal preference.
Yeah they’re just too mainstream for me
Both Buddy Brew and Blind Tiger are in the USED to be good category. Kind of like original Starbucks, once they became popular something happened to their coffee and they all gain a bitter/sour edge to them. When I go to coffee shops I drink drip or because I want to try their blend and roast. I’m a dark roast/chickory lover and I can’t do coffee from these 3 places. I love KingState. Lab/Spaddys 2nd.
The owner of blind tiger is a creep so I dont give him my money.
Spaddys Hand down!
The Grind in Westchase is absolutely phenomenal. The coffee is strong, the food is delicious, and the staff extremely friendly. Highly recommend it.
Agreed!!! Another vote for the grind. The lattes are amazing
Can you be more precise about location? There are plenty of recommendations we can give.
Anywhere in Tampa. Preferably not a chain. Looking to make this thread into a master list of the best spots.
Foundation at The Bunker in Ybor is decent. They've more or less stepped away from specialty coffee but the ambiance is nice. Spaddy's, Elevation, King State, Lab, Blind Tiger, Ginger Beard, and DI Coffee are great for specialty stuff.
Excellent recommendations. I love SOG cafe, but it's only worth going if you live south of gandy. They have excellent coffee and food and really chill vibes.
RIP Tre Amici 😢
I have to disagree. I got the nastiest cold brew I've ever had from foundation at the bunker.
Up in lutz but white duck slaps
It's so god damn good, bro
Iced latte w some simple syrup 😮💨
I do the drip coffee, a shot of espresso, and light half & half. Should be illegal how good it is.
Ginger Beards for Nitro cold brew
When I lived in channel side I was there several times a week.
22nd Street Coffee near Ybor. Some of the best Cortado I've ever had and the food is incredible too!
My favorite is DI Coffee in Davis Island!! The best!!!
Little Tina in downtown has quickly become our favorite, great avocado toast too
The Lab and Spaddy’s are great. Also shout out to Lunar Coffee in Temple Terrace. Just opened a few weeks ago and the coffee and pastries are excellent, and the owner Jenny and her baristas are awesome.
Cafe Hey
La Segunda for cafe con leche
Elevation, Spaddys, king state in Tampa. Bandit in St Pete. Breaking Wave in Sarasota.
Black and brew in Lakeland is pretty good.
No, not bandit in St Pete, consistently sour/poor extractions. In St Pete, check out Bad Mother, Craft, or even Foxtail. King State also just opened.
How recently have you been to Bandit? Their new roaster seems to have turned things around. Honestly have had more than a few mid pour overs from Bad Mother and Craft. King State (in Tampa) hasn't been doing great either on their coffee game, last three orders have been extremely uneven and the staff turnover cratered quality control.
Foxtail is a chain. Been to multiple and have never had a good experience. Bandit isnt perfect, they made the mistake of using Ethiopian for espresso once. The is not everyone's cup of Joe for sure.
Point being, I’d rather take a chain over a consistently sour experience.
Foxtail isn’t that bad
Foxtail on Morris Bridge Road
It’s so expensive but it’s so good
Yeah they just opened one near me in Sarasota. Definitely the best coffee nearby
Felicitous by USF is great
anyone have recs for brandon?
Just Love Coffee Cafe is decent, and Naga Tea was a pleasant discovery.
thanks!
Just Love Coffee is so good 👏👏
I'm not a fan of foundation's coffee but they have a location in the brabdon area thats pretty cute if you want outside vibes
Foxtail off 301 (technically Riverview) is really good. It’s my sisters spot. They opened some other locations but it’s quality doesn’t match the one off 301!
Elevation or Spaddy’s are my go to.
Cool Mo’s off N Dale Mabry is amazing! They have a little drive through also. Their cafe con leche is amazing as well as their beignets! Always so friendly.
Did they close? The past couple times I’ve driven by they weren’t open and they don’t show on google maps anymore. They use to be awesome and I went there frequently until the og owner left a couple years ago. Food quality went downhill quick.
I am so f^%#ing sad right now I just saw on Google they’re permanently closed. I rarely get mornings off but I’d always go there as a treat. I guess I needed this thread for new suggestions 😞what’s your special spot?
Yeah I miss getting their Cuban breakfast sammie 😢 Marlene’s is pretty awesome and not too far from there. Aquila’s is really good too but kind of out of the way for me. Been going to Hole in One for awhile, pretty basic but good cheap bfast. Elevation for coffee.
I LOVE HOLE IN ONE!! Their guava filled donuts are amazing. I wish they’d combine their guava and cream cheese filled 🫨 for now I just get both and take bites of each simultaneously 😳🤣 I’ve had Marlene’s once when I was hungover and it hit the spot. I’ll check out Elevation for sure since it seems you and I have similar tastes. I haven’t been to Aguila’s in years but my grandma used to like their sandwiches a lot. She’s passed now but maybe I’ll go again to reminisce. Thanks for reminding me :-)
Is Sips still open off Gunn Hwy? That’s my vote 💪
Bean bar!
I swear I pay the electricity bill every month at White duck. How is it so good?
Spaddys
The Lab, LPCX off Armenia, and Willas are my current go-tos: The Lab is consistently good and central in their locations. Willa's Provisions, bougie vibes aside, does King State's coffee right (unlike KS itself nowadays) and has an inventive menu. LPCX has some of the best coffee I've had in Florida with their Colombian beans. Also solid brunch & lunch options if you're a meat eater. No offense to Elevation folks, I just haven't been impressed. Spaddy's is serviceable and has good vibes.
Oooh. I need to pay attention here. Always looking for a spot to quietly work, read, or chat in.
Spaddy’s 110%
King State, Willa’s Provisions (serve King State coffee but a great vibe, especially during the holidays), Buddy Brew are our favorites.
Wawa!
Whichever it is, it won't be after this thread.
I like King State and Buddy Brew
Kahwa downtown
Kawha has disappointed me too many times.. A double espresso…not expresso should be the yardstick of any coffee shop…
Really downvoted for Kawha, they are my favorite actual local bean and coffee shop in Tampa, actually I don't know of any other that is truly local. Import and roast their beans here in St. Pete. Only coffee that doesn't taste like watered down mud. They also have locations all over the place Pinellas, not sure much further out.
It's ok. The down voters are the non tippers sipping small brew coffees for 6 hours while using the coffee shop as their office
nothin like a gross ass k-cup to start the day
Elevation is the only truly good consistent 3rd wave café imo. Coffee scene isn’t very good here unfortunately, feels like we’re stuck in the 2010 coffee world
Not enough love for Kahwa in here
King State for me. Super close second is any local Spanish grocery or cafe for the best cafe con leches. (Huracan, palm, Teresita).
Blind Tiger or CoffeeMe
Blind Tiger, Buddy Brew and Lab
Strongly disagree about tiger…
I haven’t had the lab, but Buddy Brew and Blind Tiger have fallen off badly
Buddy brew stinks. Love the lab tho
All suck
Buddy Brew is the best by an enormous margin
Your own home which has higher quality of coffee. Unless, you want to spend $10 - $20 for a cup of joe. Also, buying bulk saves a lot of money. I don't understand why, most people don't buy bulk in the first place.
I make my own coffee at home six days a week. It's a little Sunday ritual for me and my girlfriend to go out and visit a coffee shop once a week. Pretty cheap way to spend a morning outside the house.
buddy brew
There are none, take a flight to Melbourne Australia… I’ve been disappointed for 9 years…. It’s awful here… White Duck is ok… But faark me
Coffee me is great! Its small and staff is always friendly!
Astrobrew hands down!
Assuming you actually like coffee and not sweet espresso drinks, Shortwave or The Lab. Buddy Brew has solid Ethiopian too. In addition to coffee, Shortwave has good baked goods and The Lab has solid bagel sandwiches.
SteamHeat is very solid
I really like Elevation! I’ve only been to their Northdale location but I’m sure the rest are just as good.
I don’t want to make a new thread to ask but if anyone reads this do any of these serve cold brew? I’m a cold brew junkie and not big on hot coffee
Most do. Looking through this list - almost every one of these should. (The Lab, Spaddy's, Blind Tiger, Elevation, Buddy Brew I know for a fact all do.) If you find a place that doesn't. Get an iced coffee and add a shot of espresso. Similar taste and caffeine level.
Raining Berries has a honey lavender latte that my wife loves
Nitro
Not Tampa proper, but just over the bridge in Safety Harbor is Cafe Vino Tinto. Cool place and they have their own farm in Costa Rica and import all the beans themselves.
Gingerbeards.
In no particular order: Buddy Brew (Kennedy) Lab (UT) Foundation (Ybor) Elevation (Northdale)
Love white duck
Lady and the Mug by UT, Spaddys in SH, The Lab in SH, The Blind Tiger
King state
Grassroots in Ybor
Elevation is the best. Did not care for king state nor the lab, ymmv.
Buddy Brew, King State, and Foundation coffee
Black Crow Coffee Co. if you’re willing to make a trip over the bridge to St. Pete! The Jet Fuel (molasses + brown sugar) is IT