6. Felicitous on 51st

Gluten-free coffee cake muffin and Americano at Felicitous on 51st coffeehouse in Tampa

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.

Felicitous menu

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.
Veggie quiche and a house coffee at Dunedin Coffee Company in Florida

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.

Dunedin Coffee Co. menu

8. Ohana Fresh

Fresh acai bowl and smoothie at Ohana Fresh in Palm Harbor, Florida

Sadly, Dunedin closed down their wonderful Ohana Cafe. Fortunately, their sister cafe is still open. Ohana Fresh serves delicious organic coffee, plus refreshing smoothies, acai bowls, and juiced drinks. 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. I usually stop by for a fruit smoothie or bowl before walking at John Chesnut – one of my favorite parks in the metro.

Ohana Fresh menu

9. Southie Coffee

Vegetarian black bean empanada and house coffee at Southie Coffee in Clearwater, Florida

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.

Southie Coffee menu

10. Raining Berries

  • Location: Lutz
  • Highlight: The best acai bowls in the Bay
  • What to do nearby: Check out The Shops of Wiregrass
House coffee and an amazing acai bowl at Raining Berries in Lutz, Florida

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 alternative 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.

Raining Berries menu