5 Must-Try Coffee Shops in Orlando
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
It’s easy to find a Starbucks in Orlando. In fact, the city ranks number 5 on the list of cities with the most Starbucks locations per capita. Wherever you go, there seems to be a Starbucks on every corner. You can even enjoy your favorite Frappuccino or latte at a Disney resort or theme park! Nevertheless, the indie coffee scene is also growing rapidly. Nowadays, it is just as easy to find a local coffeeshop. In 2020, Wallet Hub ranked Orlando one of the top cities for coffee lovers (12th out of the 100 biggest metro areas). I have spent a lot of time exploring the local coffee scene since moving to Tampa Bay. I take many daytrips from Tampa, not only to enjoy the theme parks, but also the local scene. Featured are my top recommended local coffeehouses throughout the metro!
1. Drunken Monkey
- Location: Downtown (444 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803)
- Highlight: Plenty of vegan and gluten free options
Funky local coffeeshop in the downtown area known for its’ eclectic bohemian décor and vegan treats. Great place to lounge around as they have ample comfy seating and frequent events including board game nights. A wide variety of dairy-free specialty milk options (soy, hemp, almond) and lots of vegan/GF options makes this a popular choice with the health conscious crowd. The coffee (which they roast themselves) is organic, fair trade, and always delicious.
They serve bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and wraps (several vegan options available). Pastries vary by the day with several vegan or gluten-free selections including their popular Anzac cookies. The highlight here though is their homemade soup selection. Do try their amazing vegan broccoli/cauliflower cheese soup if available.
2. Raining Berries
- Location: Waterford Lakes (485 N Alafaya Trail, Suite 14, Orlando, FL 32828)
- Highlight: Amazing acai bowls
I first found out about Raining Berries while living in the New Tampa region. I actually went in to order a smoothie one day, but ended up becoming a big fan of their amazing acai bowls. These fruit based bowls featuring the antioxidant powerhouse acai (plus other fruits) are such a refreshing treat on a hot and humid day! A new location just opened in the Waterford Lakes Town Center.
You can choose from a number of fresh smoothies and acai bowls or customize your own. My bowl of choice is typically “It’s Raining Berries” featuring acai, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, coconut flakes, peanut butter, nutella, and granola (I usually add cocoa nibs as well). You can also opt to switch out acai with Pitaya, Coconut, Matcha, or Spirulina. Oh, and their coffee is also great. The house drip is fantastic – plus they offer the usual espresso, frappe, and latte selections!
3. Joffrey’s
- Location: Disney Springs (1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830)
- Highlight: Disney latte art
Joffrey’s is the official specialty coffee roaster of Walt Disney World resort. Fortunately, you can find a coffee kiosk at Disney Springs, so even if you cannot make it to the parks, you can still enjoy a fabulous cup of coffee. Joffrey’s coffee is definitely a step above the common chain. Although their specialty drink selection is not as expansive as Starbucks, they do offer a number of creative seasonal drinks. If you are in town over the holidays, do try the White Chocolate Gingerbread Latte.
The most unique feature here is the Disney latte art. Where else can you get a Mickey or Minnie drawn into your drink? A mere 50 cent upcharge is all it takes to make your drink look as good as it tastes. Oh, and if you are hungry they do offer a rather tantalizing selection of donuts. Also, there are lots of fun shops to browse around and things to do while you are at Disney Springs. Check out my list of the top Disney Springs attractions.
4. Le Cafe de Paris
- Location: Dr. Phillips (5170 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819)
- Highlight: Delicious French pastries
This local French café serves decadent pastries and coffee in a relaxed setting. It’s never too busy so you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast on the patio before heading out to the theme parks or other Orlando attractions. In addition to French favorites like chocolate croissants, madeleines, and sable cookies, you also have the option of enjoying a savory quiche, a breakfast sandwich, or an omelet. The coffee is terrific, as are the espresso drinks. A delicious Americano paired with a chocolate croissant, enjoyed on the lovely shady patio, is the perfect way to start the day.
5. CFS Coffee
- Location: Dr. Phillips & Downtown (7535 W Sand Lake Rd. & 54 W. Church St.)
- Highlight: Beautiful décor and presentation
The best place in the city for a great cup of Columbian coffee and a delicious breakfast is CFS. With 2 convenient locations (Downtown and Dr. Phillips), CFS is a great choice no matter where your day’s adventures may take you. CFS serves 100% Columbian coffee. They serve each drink in a beautiful mug and the décor inside is visually appealing. This is by far the best decorated shop in all of Orlando (Dr Phillips location). Their espresso drinks are top notch – the Americano is the best in town! If you are in the mood for something creative, they offer a handful of specialty drinks (try the popular Rainbow Lavender latte or a refreshing Mocha Frappe sure to cool you down on a hot summer day).
The highlight at CFS is the impressive food menu. While many coffee shops offer no more than a few simple pastries, CFS offers a delicious assortment of healthy fare. Homemade Arepas, avocado toast, smoothie bowls, omelets, empanadas, and assorted pastries & macarons are all on the lineup. I recommend indulging in the sweet toast. This satisfying dish includes 2 slices of multi grain toast topped with peanut butter, Nutella, or almond butter, along with sliced bananas, strawberries, sliced almonds, coconut shreds, and hemp seeds – it’s really filling & delicious!
