What’s brewing, CBUS? If you’re anything like us, you can’t start your day without a cup (or three) of coffee. Here are 25+ coffee shops and roasters around the city.
Roasts to boasts
Brioso Coffee, Multiple locations
Order your coffee in-bulk online, or stop the the Long Street location to try a roast in a latte, coffee, or espresso. Plus, a coffee bar has popped up at 53 N. High St., offering pick-up and order ahead.
Stauf’s Coffee Roasters, Multiple locations
The menu stays fresh with limited batch coffees, like the silky and mild Jamaica Blue Mountain roast, which is available in-store or in-bulk. This is Mitch’s favorite local roaster for cold brew, and it pairs perfectly with an afternoon stroll in the German Village Book Loft, or with a bagel from Fox’s in the North Market.
Upper Cup, Multiple locations
This coffee shop features whole beans from all across the world including Ethiopia and Argentina, which are available to take home by the half pound. It’s also a great spot for grab-and-go breakfast, as it offers a drip coffee + egg sandwich combo for less than $10.
Do you prefer your cold brew with cream and sugar, or just black? | Photo via @missioncoffeeco
Where to write your novel
Cup O Joe, Multiple locations
The owner of Stauf’s also owns this local shop, offering much of the same menu in Clintonville + downtown. It’s also editor-approved by Mitch, who has taken many meetings inside this cozy roaster. Plus, the Clintonville location screens a nonstop marathon of retro VHS tapes on an old tube-style television — which is objectively cool.
Mission Coffee, 2060 S. High St.
Stop in to this coffee shop with fast WiFi + pair your coffee with a vegan baked good from PattyCake Bakery. The interior is inviting and industrial, featuring an eclectic mix of furniture + decor. Parking is free and easy.
The Roosevelt Coffeehouse, Multiple locations
With locations downtown (300 E. Long St. on the corner of 6th Street) and in Franklinton (462 W. Broad St. inside Gravity), Roosevelt offers ample seating, free WiFi, and nearby parking spots.
We recommend one of everything at this downtown café. | Photo via @parablecafe
Specialty drinks
Bada Bean Bada Booze, Multiple locations
This isn’t your typical coffee shop, as it also offers a full menu of cocktails and beer. If you’re just here for the coffee, the selections include maple-flavored lattes as well as classic drip-style coffee. And if you want a little more kick in your drink, take a big sip of the espresso martini.
Bottoms Up Coffee, 1069 W. Broad St.
The Rainy Day might be the most creative drink in CBUS, as it features a cloud of cotton candy delicately floating above the local roaster’s house blend.
Café De Nook, 175 S. 3rd St.
Pick up Persian-style coffee blends, including espresso and cold brew, or specialty offerings like a tiramisu latte.
Colin’s Coffee, 2812 Fishinger Rd.
Sip back a selection of specialty lattes, such as the Bee’s Knees made with lavender and honey, or the Golden Bear with honey and vanilla.
Espresso Air, 25 N. State St.
Grab a classic, but upscale cappuccino, or indulge yourself with a choco-cold brew, a cold brew topped with chocolate cold foam.
Fox in the Snow Café, Multiple locations
The menu features fan favorites like the New Orleans iced coffee (similar to a cold brew) which pairs perfectly with food items like massive cinnamon rolls, egg sandwiches, or blueberry galette. Be prepared to wait in a line for these items, but it’s all worth it when you get your hands on your food + drinks.
Parable, 149 S. High St.
This coffee shop puts care into each cup, with options like a sesame miso caramel latte or an espresso with tonic. Not only does it feature a hip and modern atmosphere, but its baked good offerings are next level. This has earned it recognition from national publications, like Bon Appétite.
Pistacia Vera, 541 S. 3rd St.
Coffee is just the tip of the iceberg at this bakery that offers decadent treats and breakfast items. It’s known for a small, but mighty selection of specialty brews like the honey butter cold brew or the lavender latte. Mitch highly recommends picking up a Key Lime Pie eclair on your next visit, or at the very least bring him one.
We recommend sipping your drink + eating your baked good on the patio at Pistacia Vera. | Photo by CBUStoday
On-the-go joe
Boston Stoker, Multiple locations
Support a local roaster by picking up your morning coffee here with brewing options ranging from V-60 to French press. Plus, Boston Stoker offers a selection of equipment for brewing your own coffee at home, including filters and the aforementioned V-60 press.
Galaxy Coffee, 3264 N. High St.
From mochas to lattes, this converted coffee truck is brewing up big flavors in a small space. It also keeps a menu full of flavored syrups, milk and milk alternatives, and non-coffee options like lavender lemonade.
Global Gallery, 3535 N. High St.
This is a favorite coffee shop of many in Clintonville, especially during the spring, summer, and fall for the Clintonville Farmers Market. Mitch can attest that the cold brew here is worth picking up, even if it means walking around the farmers market with your hands full.
Corner Stone Deli & Cafe, 3296 N. High St.
Who said you can’t have coffee with lunch? Grab a Crimson Cup coffee to-go at this no frills deli in Clintonville + add an egg and cheese bagel to make a meal that costs less than $7.
Connecting Grounds, 160 W. Woodruff Ave.
Whether you’re a student, professor, or parent, this campus-based coffee shop can quickly fill your cup during your visit or stay.
Crimson Cup, Multiple locations
This local shop provides the fuel for many students on The Ohio State University’s campus, and the Columbus community at-large. It can be found in nearly every corner of the city, including drive-thru options.
One Line Coffee, Multiple locations
Looking for rare blends of coffee? One Line has a roast from all across the southern hemisphere, including countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Peru.
The Roaming Goat Coffee Company, 849 N. High St.
This Short North coffee shop features options like an iced honey latte, seasonal drinks, and coffee by the pound. Once you have your joe, Mitch recommends enjoying it next door at Prologue Bookshop, where local authors like Hanif Abdurraqib can be found on the shelves.
Crimson Cup also offers an app for online ordering. | Photo via Crimson Cup
Events and pop-ups
Community Grounds, 1134 Parsons Ave.
Host your next work meeting here, or celebrate your big accomplishment at this cafe offering drip, pour over, and specialty coffee.
Kafe Kerouac, 2250 N. High St.
Watch slam poetry, open mic comedy, live music, and much more while sipping a coffee or latte spiked with different liquors. Mitch loves stopping in on random weekends to see who’s on stage, especially when there’s a boozy coffee in his hand.
Third Way Cafe, 3058 W. Broad St.
Rent a cozy cafe for your next event, or stop by for events like poetry open mic night. This roastery and event space is also known for hosting food trucks, such as Holy Crepes.
Two Dollar Radio Headquarters, 1124 Parsons Ave.
Is this a coffee shop, an independent book store, or a vegan cafe? The answer is all three + the Merion Village shop hosts book signings, live DJs, and Q+A sessions.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters. For a whole bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady, while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
