5 Must-Try Coffee Shops in Orlando
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 as easy to find a local coffeeshop as a Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. In 2020, Wallet Hub ranked Orlando one of the top cities for coffee lovers (12th out of the 100 biggest metro areas). Featured are 5 must-try local coffeeshops to check out in the Orlando 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. Bikes, Beans, and Bordeaux
- Location: Audubon Park Garden District ( 3022 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803)
- Highlight: Nice selection of healthy sandwiches & salads
Cozy local coffee house in the Audubon Park Garden district, a popular place to dine and shop. This eclectic local favorite serves a variety of organic and vegetarian fare in a unique cycle themed shop. This is a great place to meet up with other fitness buffs and learn more about cycling, running, and other fitness related events in the Orlando area. The place is decked with cycling apparel and memorabilia with several flat screens broadcasting cycling events. The casual vibe makes it the perfect place to refuel and enjoy a light sandwich and great cup of coffee following any type of workout.
On the menu, you will find a variety of healthy salads, sandwiches, quiche, and breakfast wraps. Basically anything you need to recover or fuel up for your ride or run. Lots of vegan/vegetarian options. Build your own fresh sandwich by choosing the bread (GF option), meat (vegan option), 4 veggies and condiments of your choice, and cheese (vegan option)They serve coffee from Jittery Joe’s, with each batch shipped specially from Athens, Georgia. For non coffee drinks, smoothies, kombucha, hot chocolate, and hot and ice tea area available.
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!
