Coffee is officially a thing in Tampa; it’s a daily obligation. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that there are countless cafes and coffee shops in Tampa, all offering something slightly different from the rest.
Personally, coffee is the first thing I reach for in the morning, and during my many trips to Tampa, I’ve found countless spots that fit the bill. I like an area where I can sit, relax, and enjoy my java before heading off to see the next sight. The good news is, that many cafes in Tampa offer all of this and more.
If you’re a coffee fan heading to Tampa soon, let me show you the best spots to get your much-needed caffeine fix. Whether you want to work, chill, socialize, or sit with your pet, I’ve got you covered.
Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Tampa
After visiting Tampa more times than I can count, I’ve worked around most of the best coffee shops in the city. I’ve compiled this list based on several criteria, including menu range, comfort level, service, food, taste, and customer reviews. Based on these factors, I’ve narrowed my list to 15 top coffee spots that will leave you super-caffeinated and ready to go.
1. Blind Tiger Cafe
(Best Cafe in Tampa Overall)
For me, this is the best coffee in Tampa, hands down. Not only because of the choice but because the taste is so smooth. It’s the type of coffee that leaves you feeling chilled out and happy; I’ve never tasted anything like it.
The cafe is relaxed, with edgy decorations and comfortable seating – I could have sat there for hours. I didn’t feel overwhelmed with long coffee names when ordering and the delicious snacks were served quickly.
I couldn’t fault a single thing with this cafe. The staff was friendly, I could sit and watch the world go by, and there was enough buzz to keep me occupied. It’s no surprise this place is a favorite with locals.
Blind Tiger Cafe Information
Address: There are several chains across Tampa, but the original is in Ybor City—1901 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 540-2233
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 am-7 pm, Sat-Sun: 8 am-7 pm
Must-Try Items: Cafe Bombon, strawberry & mango tea, breakfast tacos
Average Cost: $5 per latte, $8-14 per main, $3-5 for desserts
Website: blindtigercafe.com
2. Buddy Brew Coffee
(Best for Espresso)
Those who take their espresso seriously will find Buddy Brew Coffee the ideal spot: it’s intense! The cafe is sleek, modern, and has that chilled-out vibe that goes very well with a cup of java. It’s also the best spot for specialty coffee in Tampa, with a vast in-store and online range to purchase and take home.
If you’re in a hurry, you can order online and pick up your order, but I enjoyed this pitstop. The location is ideal for people-watching, and the vibe inside is eclectic. You’ll be amongst people working on laptops, groups chatting, and shoppers laden with bags of purchase.
For me, this was one of the cafes in Tampa that ticks all the boxes, and while I wouldn’t call it cozy, it does have that relaxing feel. You’ll find several Buddy Brew stores around, but the Kennedy store is the original (and best).
Buddy Brew Coffee Information
Address: 2020 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 856-2739
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 6:30 am-6 pm, Sat-Sun: 8 am-6 pm
Must-Try Items: Espresso, cold brew float, the hangover sandwich
Average Cost: $5 per espresso, $12-15 per main, $5-7 for desserts
Website: buddybrew.com
3. Lady & The Mug
(Best for Relaxing & Families)
Not all cafes and coffee shops in Tampa are huge establishments and this spot proves it. I adored this cafe, and although finding it was challenging, I was glad I put in the effort. Think Alice in Wonderland vibes, and you’re not far off.
This ultra-friendly, home-away-from-home cafe even has a floral-wrapped swing outside. Founded by a local called Aimee, the menu is quirky, and the coffee is delicious. Children will love the decorations too, and they offer a long list of child-friendly drinks.
I’ve visited this cafe several times and will always go back. The snacks are homemade and truly delicious, and the overall vibe is warm and welcoming. If you prefer to support local businesses rather than large corporations, this is the place for you.
Lady & The Mug Information
Address: 510 W Grand Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33606. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 374-4871
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 am-2 pm, Sat-Sun: 8 am-2 pm
Must-Try Items: Hot chocolate, macchiato, guava & cheese pastry
Average Cost: $4-6 per latte/cappuccino, $5-10 per sandwich, $4 for desserts
Website: ladyandthemug.com
4. The Lab Coffee
(Best for Socializing)
This is one of the sleekest cafes in Tampa, with seriously cool vibes. Housed in what looks like a renovated garage, this cafe invites you to socialize and chat – even the seating is designed for mingling. The menu also changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try out.
What I liked most about this coffee shop is that although it was always busy, it only sometimes felt that way. The vast space makes it feel chilled out, and if you need to work in this cafe, you can certainly do that.
There are charging spots dotted around and large tables; in many ways, it has a co-working/hostel vibe, which makes it an excellent coffee shop in Tampa for the hip and fashionable.
I particularly enjoyed the range of snacks, with large, incredibly filling sandwiches on sale for a reasonable price. The bacon, egg, & gouda pressed Cuban is a particular favorite of mine and my go-to every time I visit.
The Lab Coffee Information
Address: 1703 W State St, Tampa, FL 33606. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 451-6662
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 am-2 pm, Sat-Sun: 8 am-2 pm
Must-Try Items: Americano, matcha tea, bacon, egg & gouda pressed Cuban sandwich
Average Cost: $5-7 per hot drink, $5-10 per main, $3-6 for desserts
Website: thelabcoffee.com
5. Foundation Coffee, Ybor City
(Best for Working/Digital Nomads)
Foundation Coffee is one of the best cafes to work from in Tampa, with indoor and outdoor spaces, plentiful charging points, and great WiFi. But even if you’re not working, I’d recommend a visit here. I found it one of the best coffees I’ve ever consumed -the cappuccino was like velvet, no exaggeration.
This cafe has two locations, but I prefer the Ybor City base. It’s housed in a building that’s been part of the city since 1926 and retains much of its old charm. It’s also within walking distance of many historic attractions, and it’s easy to get to Downtown and Channelside.
An afternoon coffee in the sun here is an ideal way to chill out, and the level of service is exceptionally high. This is undoubtedly one of the best cafes in Tampa on many levels.
Foundation Coffee Information
Address: 1907 N 19th St, Tampa, FL 33605. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 443-1596
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun: 8 am-5 pm
Must-Try Items: Cafe au lait, lavender lemonade cold brew, breakfast Cuban
Average Cost: $4-6 per latte, $5-12 per main, $3-6 for desserts
Website: foundationcoffee.co
6. Cats And Caffeine
(Best for Cat Lovers)
Oh, this place. It’s both adorable and gives back simultaneously! If you’re a cat lover, you must visit this spot; it’s one of the most unique cafes in Tampa. And yes, there are many cats.
The coffee here is sourced from Blind Tiger, which is already one of my favorites. What sets it far apart is the number of rescued cats and kittens running around, and they’re all adoptable. And don’t worry, they’re exceptionally well looked after and run free around the cafe and attached gardens.
The cafe also hosts regular events, including cat yoga. If you want to visit, you’ll need to book ahead of time, but you can easily do that on their website (only 11 people are allowed inside at any time). The aim is to find all cats their ultimate forever homes while raising awareness and funds for a non-profit organization called Cat Lovers Inc.
Cats & Caffeine Information
Address: 4033 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629. Click here for directions.
Operating Hours: Mon: Closed, Tues-Thurs: 12 pm-8 pm, Fri-Sun 10 am-2 pm, 3 pm-8 pm
Must-Try Items: Espresso, Moroccan mint tea, cake pops
Average Cost: $3.50-5 per hot drink, $2-5 per cold drink, $3-5 for desserts
Website: catscaffeine.com
7. Caffeine Roasters
(Best for Lattes)
Caffeine Roasters’ lattes are popular across the city, and when I tried one, I instantly understood why. This latte is not only creamy and milky but has just the right blend of caffeine to give you an instant pick-me-up. You can even buy some of their delicious coffee beans to take home with you.
This is one of the best coffee roasters in Tampa if you want a Starbucks-style vibe but prefer a slightly higher-quality coffee. The cafe is comfortable and modern, with plenty of space between tables. You can comfortably work here if you’d like to.
This coffee chain has three locations, but the easiest to get to is Downtown. Restaurants surround the cafe and it has a lively feel, thanks to the frenetic nature of the site.
Caffeine Roasters Information
Address: 213 E Cass St, Tampa, Florida 33602. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 533-7263
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 am-3 pm, Sat-Sun: 8 am-3 pm
Must-Try Items: Ginger spice latte, spicy mochaccino, chicken salad on croissant
Average Cost: $5-$7 per latte, $6-15 per main, $5 for desserts
Website: caffeineusa.com
8. Jet City Espresso
(Best for Anyone with Specific Dietary Needs)
Sometimes, the best thing about a coffee shop isn’t the coffee; in this cafe’s case, it’s the smoothies. The lattes are fantastic, but the creamy smoothies are sure to set you up for the day. This cafe is also ideal for anyone with dietary needs, as they are gluten-free, paleo, and everything is organic.
This one makes the’ prettiest’ drinks out of all Tampa’s cafes and coffee shops. They’re certainly high on presentation standards, and I found the level of service to be fantastic. My order quickly arrived, and it was delicious when it did.
This cafe offers some seating but is more of a ‘coffee on the go’ situation overall. However, sitting outside, watching the world go by, is a beautiful way to spend an hour.
Jet City Espresso Information
Address: 318 Edison Ave, Tampa, Florida 33606. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 541-5048
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 am-2 pm, Sat-Sun: 9 am-2 pm
Must-Try Items: Breve, no moo brew, loaded avocado toast
Average Cost: $5-6 per latte, $6-15 per main, $4 for desserts
Website: jetcityespresso.com
9. Felicitous Coffee & Tea House
(Best for Pet Owners)
Felicitous Coffee & Tea House is undoubtedly one of the best dog-friendly cafes in Tampa, and it has such a deliciously laid-back vibe. I visited this cafe with a friend and her dog, who was given a puppuccino to enjoy. It’s also an excellent spot for catching up, studying, or working.
The vibe at this coffee shop is very welcoming, and because it’s not part of a huge chain, it feels more intimate. You’ll also find open mic nights and live music on specific days, and you can sit outside when the sun is shining.
I enjoyed our couple of hours at this coffee shop, and it felt like I was a million miles away from a busy city.
Felicitous Coffee & Tea House Information
Address: 11706 N 51st St, Tampa, Florida 33617. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 981-2634
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 7.30 am-7 pm
Must-Try Items: Mayan mocha, dirty chai latte, Formaggio
Average Cost: $2-$4 per latte, $6-10 per main, $3 for desserts (example)
Website: felicitouscoffee.com
10. The Portico Cafe
(Best for Those Who Want to Give Back)
Many coffee shops have a mission or a cause they donate to, but The Portico goes one further. This cafe aims to help with Tampa’s homelessness, justice issues, and community change. It’s a real celebration of local life in Tampa; simply enjoying coffee there means giving something back.
On top of this, it’s one of the best cafes in Tampa with a view, and as such, offers some fantastic people-watching opportunities. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, and people are encouraged to mingle and talk.
Of course, the menu also has to be good. The breakfast and lunch menus feature exciting options, such as the morning Cuban toast. It certainly filled me up until well after lunch.
The Portico Cafe Information
Address: 1001 N Florida Ave, Tampa, Florida, 33602. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 222-2233
Operating Hours: Tues-Fri: 8 am-2 pm
Must-Try Items: Espresso macchiato, wild berry smoothie, morning Cuban toast
Average Cost: $4-$5 per hot drink, $7-9 per main, $3-5 for desserts
Website: theporticocafe.org
11. Cafe Hey
(Best for Atmosphere)
I visited Cafe Hey on a Thursday evening, not knowing that it was open mic night. I’m so glad I went, and in fact, I went back again a couple of days later in the daytime. Cafe Hey is one of the best cafes in Tampa for entertainment and friendly, welcoming vibes.
During the day, the cafe is laid-back, and working here on a laptop without problems is absolutely possible. The menu is diverse, and the lunch selection is delicious. I had a panini, and it was incredibly fresh.
While some coffee shops rely on fancy decor to tempt people in, this place doesn’t need to. Just one visit often has people returning, and it’s such a comfortable spot to sit and watch the world go by.
Cafe Hey Information
Address: 1540 N Franklin St, Tampa, Florida, 33602. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 221-5150
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 am-3 pm, Sat-Sun: 9 am-3 pm
Must-Try Items: Latte, cappuccino, club sandwich
Average Cost: $5 per latte, $5-10 per main, $3 for desserts
Website: Cafe Hey
12. Victory Coffee
(Best for Gourmet Food Lovers)
There’s something special about a home-cooked meal from a cafe. It might sound strange, but it’s usually created with more care and precision simply because it’s a small space. Victory Coffee is one of Tampa’s best cafes and coffee shops offering precisely this.
Gourmet food lovers will adore this spot, with freshly made sandwiches made from organic ingredients. The care and attention to detail is fantastic, and the coffee? Fantastic.
The decor is minimalist and calm, and it’s a great spot to wind down and relax. The location is also pretty quiet, just a few minutes from the main street.
Victory Coffee Information
Address: 101 N 12th St, Tampa, Florida, 33602. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 223-9539
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 6 am-3 pm, Sat-Sun: 7 am-2 pm
Must-Try Items: Espresso, flat white, breakfast bagel
Average Cost: $5 per latte, $7-12 per main, $4 for desserts
Website: victorycoffeetampa.com
13. Kahwa Coffee Roasting
(Best for Quiet)
Kahwa Coffee Roasting has been present in Tampa for many years, and it’s somewhere digital nomads often go to work. However, it’s far more than that. This cafe is also known for its local initiatives to give back to the community.
As far as the coffee goes, it’s top-notch. I particularly enjoyed the quiet ambiance and how I could sit and de-stress after a morning of shopping. I had the breakfast sandwich and a latte to start my day, and out of all the Tampa cafes I’ve visited, this had the best snacks.
If you like their coffee, you can purchase it in-store or online to take it home with you. They even do coffee subscriptions for major caffeine lovers.
Kahwa Coffee Roasting Information
Address: 818 N Tampa St, Tampa, Florida, 33602. Click for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 228-7900
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 7 am-6 pm, Sun: 8 am-6 pm
Must-Try Items: Aloha latte, pumpkin spice latte, breakfast sandwich
Average Cost: $5-6 per latte, $5-12 per main, $3.50 for desserts
Website: kahwacoffee.com
14. Ginger Beard Coffee
(Best for Quirky Vibes)
The name itself is pretty intriguing, but this coffee shop in Tampa is certainly as quirky as it is fantastic. The decor blends black and orange with shiny wooden tables and comfortable seating. It’s relaxing yet has a certain vibe that makes you want to learn more.
The most important thing is the coffee – I can certainly vouch for that. All coffee is locally roasted, and I especially enjoyed my peanut butter draft latte. However, the nitro cold brew is famous locally, so be sure to give that a try.
The only downside of this cafe is that they focus entirely on drinks rather than food. However, if caffeine is your aim, you’ll find all you need. Sitting outside, soaking up the sun, and enjoying your drink is pleasant.
Ginger Beard Coffee Information
Address: 1208 E Kennedy Blvd, Unit 112, Tampa, Florida, 33602. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 434-0749
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 am-2 pm, Sat-Sun: 8 am-12 pm
Must-Try Items: Peanut butter draft latte, nitro cold brew, kombucha
Average Cost: $5-6 per hot drink
Website: gingerbeardcoffee.com
15. The Blend Coffee & Cocktails
(Best for Varied Menu)
Coffee and cocktails in the same place got my attention. This is one of the cafes in Tampa that you’ll find yourself returning to. It’s got such a chilled-out vibe, but it’s also quite eclectic and vibrant at the same time.
The decor is exceptionally modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows and exposed light fittings along the roof, but it works. The seating is comfortable and designed to provide privacy or the chance to mingle; it’s up to you. It’s a trendy place and somewhere you’ll want to add to your Instagram reel.
I visited this cafe with a friend, and I enjoyed it. Although I didn’t succumb to the cocktail menu, I did order a truly delicious espresso. I don’t like my coffee too strong, but I like a kick and this ticked both boxes.
The Blend Coffee & Cocktails Information
Address: 9951 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, Florida 33615. Click here for directions.
Phone: +1 (813) 442-8481
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 7 am-6 pm
Must-Try Items: Espresso, latte, chorizo croissant, breakfast sandwich
Average Cost: $5 per latte, $7-14 per main, $3.50 for desserts
Website: theblendcoffeefl.com
Tampa Cafes and Coffee Shops FAQs
Here are some answers to popular questions about the best cafes in Tampa:
There are many cafes in Tampa, and it depends on what you’re looking for. However, Blind Tiger Cafe and Buddy Brew are trendy chains.
It’s up to you how much you tip according to the service you received, but 20% of the bill is a good rule of thumb if you enjoyed your visit and service.
Seminole Heights is great for chilled-out, artisan cafe vibes, with Ybor City not far behind it. However, Tampa is packed with cafes, so you’ll find a great selection no matter where you are.
Oh yes! Tampa takes its coffee very seriously, and you’ll find an extensive range of various types.
Depending on the type of coffee you go for, a regular cup costs around $5-$7.
The sheer number of cafes in Tampa should tell you that it certainly is very popular. Most cafes also allow you to order ahead to pick up your drink and go, which is ideal for busy locals.
Yes, there is a Tim Horton’s in Channelside, Tampa.
Downtown Tampa is one of the city’s most vibrant and busy parts. While it’s ideal for nightlife, it can be pretty overwhelming, so staying close to it, but not in it, is a good option.
The Tampa Bay region is home to over 50 Starbucks stores, including at Tampa International Airport.
There are two branches of Trinity Cafe in Tampa: one is close to Busch Gardens, and the other is on North Nebraska Avenue, northeast Tampa.
To Summarize
You don’t need me to tell you that Tampa has abundant cafes – it’s a huge city after all. But finding the best coffee is something you’ll need help with. Now you know the exact spots to head to.
The coffee scene in Tampa grows year upon year. With quirky cafes like Lady & The Mug, Ginger Beard Coffee, and Cats and Caffeine, you can see why. Grabbing a cup of coffee and a snack is the ideal way to break up a long day, and it gives you the energy you need to see even more of this fantastic city.
The post 15 Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Tampa in 2023 appeared first on Goats On The Road.
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