20+ Local Coffee Shops to check out in Tampa Bay
Although you can not drive a block or more without seeing a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts today, independent coffee shops still continue to draw a loyal base. These local cafes often serve better coffee in a cozier, more laid-back setting. Delicious home baked goods, special events, and unique décor are also usually the norm. Not to mention, it’s always great to support local business!
From the city itself, to the quaint Gulf communities of North Pinellas, to the touristy St. Pete/Clearwater beach region, there is a great local coffee shop no matter where your Tampa Bay adventures may take you. Below are the best coffeeshops throughout the metro area, along with an accompanying area attraction to check out! In no particular order…
1. Cork and Beans
- Location: Downtown Dunedin
- Highlight: Beautiful décor & ambiance
- What to do nearby: Take a bike ride on the Pinellas trail
In Dunedin’s quaint Main Street district, you will find a wonderful family-owned wine/coffee bar. Dark and cozy inside, this is the perfect place to escape the heat for a bit. The classic Italian décor is quite attractive. Serving top notch coffee and espresso, plus delicious homemade pastries, this cafe is the perfect place to fuel up before working up a sweat on the Pinellas trail. The local vibe & friendly baristas make for a pleasant experience. Other notable features include a shady patio, trivia nights, and wine tastings.
2. Indian Shores Coffee Company
- Location: Indian Rocks Beach
- Highlight: Within walking distance to the best beach on the Gulf
- What to do nearby: Relax at Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks is the best beach in Tampa Bay, and Indian Shores is the best coffee shop near the beach. This local roaster serves excellent organic coffee and espresso (their Americano is the smoothest!). If you have a sweet tooth, try one of their specialty lattes (the Choco Mint is a good choice). Morning treats to go along with that joe include muffins (try the Maui) and croissants. Food and drink aside, the highlight here is the covered patio which you can enjoy all year no matter how sunny or rainy the day may be. Afterwards, walk across the street to the most relaxing beach on the Gulf!
3. Sips Specialty Coffee
- Location: North Tampa
- Highlight: Cozy ambiance & over-the-top seasonal décor
- What to do nearby: Take a bike ride on the Upper Tampa Bay trail
Sips definitely has the advantage of offering that charming local ambiance where you feel like you are drinking coffee amongst friends. Compared to other coffeehouses in the metro area , they tend to put up the cutest holiday decorations and the vibe is especially cozy and friendly. The house coffee is great and so are the muffins, especially the seasonal Pumpkin. Great selection of bagels as well. Love that they offer a free refill for dine-in customers. Be on the lookout for seasonal drinks, particularly the popular Pumpkin Spice Latte and S’mores mocha.
4. Buttermilk Provisions
- Location: Wesley Chapel
- Highlight: Homemade pastries (GF & V)
- What to do nearby: Take a bike ride at Flatwoods Park
While there is a noticeable lack of local business in suburban Wesley Chapel, there is one great independent coffeeshop that stands out. Buttermilk Provisions, a hidden gem tucked away in a strip plaza, offers delicious coffee plus homemade pastries and quiche. Super allergy friendly, Buttermilk offers plenty of GF/vegan fare including donuts, quiche made with a cauliflower crust, and the most delicious poptarts (try the seasonal Pumpkin spice). The setting is modern with minimal décor, and thus, perfect for a quiet weekend date.
5. Buddy Brew Coffee
- Location: Hyde Park Village
- Highlight: Amazing seasonal drinks (Best PSL in Tampa)
- What to do nearby: Explore the shops of Hyde Park Village
Buddy Brew is a great pick if you are planning a trip to Hyde Park Village to enjoy the amenities of this beloved tree-lined outdoor shopping oasis. While this regional coffee chain has numerous locations, the Hyde Park location offers the best ambiance. If weather permits, enjoy the lovely patio. Buddy Brew serves your standard coffee and espresso drinks, and is also known for making the best Pumpkin Spice Latte come fall. Their Pumpkin Bread is awesome as well. Their tasty homemade biscuits served with honey are a real winner.
6. Felicitous on 51st
- Location: Tampa (near USF)
- Highlight: Shady garden patio
- What to do nearby: Take a stroll at Lettuce Lake Park
This little known local gem is located far away from the beachy tourist scene near the quieter USF neighborhood. The highlight is a beautiful shady garden patio where you can enjoy your drink even on the sunniest of days. The espresso drinks are great, although the house coffee is often too tepid. The setting is quirky and drinks are served in funky mugs. They serve a small selection of pastries (try the coffee cake!), plus light breakfast fare. The eclectic, artsy ambiance makes this one a good choice for anyone seeking out something a bit out of the ordinary.
7. Dunedin Coffee Company
- Location: Downtown Dunedin
- Highlight: A large selection of tasty pastries & great quiche
- What to do nearby: Explore the local boutique shops of Main St.
A tantalizing selection of house made pastries, desserts, and fresh quiche draws locals time and time again to Dunedin Coffee Company. Pricing is a bit steep for the baked goods, however, they are pretty delicious, and thus, worthy of a weekend splurge. Try a veggie quiche along with your caffeinated drink of choice. The setting here is very homey with beautiful artwork adorning the walls and a bustling crowd of mostly locals. This one gets busy, so arrive early to ensure seating. Note: heavy religious theme.
8. Ohana Fresh
- Location: Downtown Palm Harbor
- Highlight: Healthy smoothies and acai bowls
- What to do nearby: Take a nature walk at John Chestnut Park
This charming coffeeshop is the sister cafe of Dunedin’s popular Hawaiian dining gem, Ohana Cafe. Ohana is known for their incredible plant based pancakes and delicious veggie omelets. While this cafe does not offer a full breakfast menu, they do serve the same delicious organic coffee, smoothies, acai bowls, and juiced drinks. If you don’t have time to visit the wonderful Ohana Cafe, this gem is a worthy alternative. The staff is so friendly, the food is wonderfully healthy, the coffee is excellent, and the outdoor gazebo is the ideal destination on a mild Florida winter morning.
9. Southie Coffee
- Location: Clearwater
- Highlight: Delicious empanadas
- What to do nearby: Dig your toes into the soft white quartz sands of Clearwater Beach
Southie is the best local coffee shop to grab breakfast and a cup of joe prior to digging your toes into the softest whitest sand on the Gulf. This eclectic cafe is the perfect alternative to a robotic chain. The décor is anything but boring and the vibe always interesting. Not only is the coffee great, but they also serve delicious baked goods. Beans are roasted locally at St. Pete’s Black Crow. Lots of GF and vegan selections here including black bean empanadas and lavender donuts. The staff is super friendly and the ambiance casual enough to come in pre-beach.
10. Raining Berries
- Location: Lutz
- Highlight: The best acai bowls in the Bay
- What to do nearby: Check out The Shops of Wiregrass
Raining Berries combines delicious coffee with the hot new trend of acai bowls. If you have never had one of these sweet treats before, you are in for a real surprise. Bowls include pureed acai fruit, granola, and various toppings such as fruit, shredded coconut, Nutella, and chocolate chips. Acai is a healthy alterntive to ice cream and smoothies and imo much tastier. These acai bowls are by far the best in the Bay region. Also on the menu – coffee, espresso, teas, lattes, cold brew, frappuccinos, and smoothies.
11. Sweet Brewnette
- Location: Madeira Beach
- Highlight: Delicious breakfast menu
- What to do nearby: Hubbard’s Marina dolphin tour
Sweet Brewnette is the place to go for coffee/breakfast if you will be heading to St. John’s Boardwalk/Madeira/Treasure Island beach for the morning. This is the best place to enjoy a rich cup of coffee and a decent breakfast in the same spot. Coffee is organic/fair-trade and the menu consists of plenty of healthy selections. Treat yourself to a filling English muffin topped with banana and peanut butter. Not only is the food good, but the setting is charming with local artwork brightening up the walls. This place gets busy quite early, so set the alarm!
12. Copenhagen Cafe
- Location: Tarpon Springs
- Highlight: Make-your-own-crepes
- What to do nearby: Feast on authentic Greek cuisine at Hellas
This charming European cafe is located off to a side street in Tarpon Springs. Fortunately, it is not in the touristy sponge dock district, so it stays attractively quiet. In additional to brewing top notch coffee, Copenhagen’s pastry case is loaded with decadent desserts. The cinnamon bread is amazing! Or, customize your own crepe – the chocolate blueberry pictured above is pure bliss. The owners are from Denmark and brought all their family recipes with them. Food aside, the drink presentation is great and the modern ambiance perfect for a trendy date!
13. Jet City Espresso
- Location: Hyde Park
- Highlight: Charming Southern style porch
- What to do nearby: Explore downtown attractions via the Tampa Riverwalk
Jet City is a super cute local coffee shop located in a historic house in the Hyde Park neighborhood. As most Tampa coffee shops are located in strip malls, Jet City offers a nice tranquil change of pace. Take a seat on the covered porch and enjoy sipping an expertly prepared organic coffee drink. Tasty food selections include avocado toast, quiche, bagel, and omelettes. As one of Tampa’s older shops (mid 90’s), this one has a bit of historic charm.
14. Black Crow Coffee Co.
- Location: St. Petersburg
- Highlight: Vegan pastries
- What to do nearby: Explore the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center
This funky St. Petersburg shop is a must visit for anyone seeking out an eclectic ambiance. The brick walls and unique décor give it a funky lounge like ambiance, thus making this the perfect place to hang out, read, work on the computer, etc. The coffee is quite good here and so are the pastries. You will find lots of choices for vegans including dairy-free pastries and a tasty cashew based mac and cheese empanada!
15. The Haus Coffee Shop
- Location: Largo & Indian Rocks
- Highlight: Great bagel sandwiches
- What to do nearby: Explore the Florida Botanical Gardens (free entry)
The Haus is a great morning breakfast stop prior to visiting attractions in the Largo/Clearwater region. The family-owned favorite has been in business since 2014. The interior is cozy and welcoming especially during the colder season with the fireplace and rustic charm. Lots of goodies on the menu including fresh bagel sandwiches and muffins (including GF options). Stop by for a delicious caffeinated drink before exploring the Florida Botanical Gardens and/or the beautiful beaches of Clearwater.
16. Belleair Coffee Company
- Location: Belleair Bluffs (near Indian Rocks)
- Highlight: Delicious baked goods/breakfast fare
- What to do nearby: Take a nature stroll at Indian Rocks Preserve
Belleair Coffee Company, a premier fourth wave coffee roaster, is the best place to enjoy a cup of specialty coffee on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Not only is the coffee of the highest quality, but the food is also fantastic. They offer a tantalizing lineup of daily pastries and breakfast goods. Everyday you will find moist muffins, savory quiche, and even numerous gluten-free and vegan goods. The overnight oats are totally delicious and healthy! Another highlight here is the massive indoor space. Belleair offers one of the biggest and coziest places in the Tampa Bay area to enjoy your morning coffee.
17. The Coffee Mill
- Location: Largo
- Highlight: Rustic ambiance
- What to do nearby: Take a bike ride at John S. Taylor Park
For a rustic morning coffee experience, head over to The Coffee Mill in Largo. This small locally owned roaster has been in business since 1983. They roast their own beans and supply fresh pastries from local companies. While waiting for your drink, take a browse around their gift shop which is stocked with unique antique goods. If your visit falls around the holiday season, treat yourself to a peppermint hot cocoa or eggnog latte.
18. Caffeine Roasters
- Location: Downtown Tampa & Soho
- Highlight: Spacious & attractive layout
- What to do nearby: Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk
One of the hidden gems in Tampa’s growing coffee scene is Caffeine Roasters. This excellent local coffee house has 2 cafes: a downtown and Soho location along Kennedy Blvd. The Kennedy roastery space is quite large with plenty of comfy seating and places to work. The ambiance is great and the coffee even better. They also serve a decent breakfast menu along with a few pastry treats. The croissants and muffins are quite delicious.
19. The Lab
- Location: 1703 W State St, Tampa, FL 33606
- Highlight: Artisan 3rd wave coffee, Coffee flights available
- What to do nearby: Shop & dine at Hyde Park Village
The Lab is a modern coffeehouse located in Hyde Park, just a short drive from downtown Tampa. Their name reflects their constantly changing coffee and espresso options. Roasting partners include the highly regarded local Blind Tiger and Zeal Coffee Roasters. Pretty much anything you get here will be brewed perfectly, whether you go with an Americano, a pour over, or a traditional drip.
The coffee flight is a unique option where you can test out an espresso, drip, and cortado. Food options are light and include bagels from local favorite18 Bagels and a variety of tempting muffins.
20. Le Segunda Bakery
- Location: Downtown & South Tampa
- Highlight: Amazing Cuban Toast & bakery goods
- What to do nearby: Check out International Plaza, the largest mall in Tampa
This iconic Cuban bakery started in Ybor City back in 1915. Delicious Cuban bread and pastries has made Le Segunda one of the more popular places to pick up homemade treats in the Tampa region. A larger location opened in South Tampa in 2018, giving customers much more space to socialize as they enjoy coffee and various pastries. The coffee is strong and a bit bitter, so heads up if you prefer a lighter roast. Their Cuban toast is fantastic as are the pastries. Do treat yourself to the wonderful Guava turnover.
21. Luna Cafe
- Location: Westshore Plaza mall
- Highlight: Great pastries & gelato
- What to do nearby: Check out the shops of Westshore Plaza
This hidden gem is located in the Westshore Plaza mall, and thus, is often overlooked. What a great local coffee shop to support over the typical Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts chains most often found in malls. Their espresso drinks are fabulous and the setting is cozy and quiet. Perfect place to take a relaxed break after lots of shopping! They also serve a selection of pastries plus gelato.
22. Le Macaron
- Location: Wesley Chapel, Clearwater, Brandon
- Highlight: Amazing macarons in every flavor imaginable
- What to do nearby: Ice skating on a real rink inside the mall
This French chain serves the most delicious macarons in 20 creative flavors. Every one I have tried has been completely delicious, especially the Lavender White Chocolate. What’s even better is that they serve delicious coffee to go along with that sweet treat – the perfect compliment. Try a macaron of your choosing along with a rich Americano. Le Macaron has several Tampa locations including one at The Shops of Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, Westfield Countryside mall in Clearwater, and The Brandon Mall.
24. Cafe Soleil
- Location: 4695 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
- Highlight: Delicious homemade pastries
- What to do nearby: Take a morning stroll at St. Pete beach before the afternoon crowds arrive
This local French bakery and coffeeshop is the perfect choice for a light breakfast before exploring the beaches and attractions in St. Pete. The setting here is charming and quaint. The inside is nicely decorated and there is also a nice little covered patio if you can withstand the heat. They serve coffee from Kahwa, a popular local roaster. The highlight though is the decadent selection of daily pastries which includes treats like chocolate croissants, lemon tarts, muffins, and raisin swirls. Quiche and a variety of toasted croissants sandwiches also available. The presentation is lovely.
25. Mountaineer Coffee
- Location: 6322 Bank St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Highlight: Fantastic espresso drinks
- What to do nearby: Take a bike ride at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Mountaineer is a local Florida roaster with locations in Brooksville and New Port Richey. Beans are roasted daily so you can always count on a fresh cup of coffee, whether you enjoy in store or take a bag back home. Mountaineer is a great choice if you will be heading out to any Pasco County attractions like James E. Grey Preserve, Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park, or Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. While the coffee here is fantastic, the food options are a bit limited. They do serve a delicious homemade poptarts and specialty seasonal lattes throughout the year.
