My Favorite Coffee Houses

I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite coffee houses recently during the recent annual Glee Club Event in Charleston.
As some of you know, I'm not necessarily a big breakfast person and prefer to find a local coffee house and hopefully relax over a good cuppa java especially considering that coffee at most Roadfood Restaurants taste like hot water with food coloring. I've had some hits and misses over the years, but have had more success over the last few years with yelp, coffeegeek.com and the citisearch and aol best of lists as well as best of lists in various local entertainment weeklies.

I've compiled a list of some of my favorite coffeehouses I've visited around the country. And here they are grouped regionally.

Northeast

1. Coffee Exchange- Providence RI- definitely my favorite coffee house in New England
http://sustainablecoffee.com/coffee_main.html


2. Chapterhouse Cafe and Gallery- Philadelphia PA- after visiting 4 coffeehouses in one day- this was my favorite
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Philadelphia-PA/Chapterhouse-Cafe-Gallery/111454095031

3. Daily Grind- Baltimore MD- After a breakfast at Jimmy's in Fells Point, skip the coffee there and go here.
http://fellsgrind.com/Index.aspx

4. Coffee Tree Roasters- Pittsburgh PA- This was my go to coffee house when I lived in Pittsburgh
http://www.coffeetree.com/ 
 
5. So G Coffee Roasters- South Glastonbury CT- Recently opened by one of the employees of day break coffee roasters in Glastonbury. I   discovered this place while researching local coffee houses for a work meeting I had to attend.

http://sogcoffee.com/ 
  
6 Mornings In Paris - Portland ME-   They roast their own coffee and their super dark (noir) roast is quite captivating
 
http://www.morningsinparis.com/ 
 
7. Main Street Coffee East Greenwich- My go to place for coffee 6 out of 7 days a week. Steve the owner is just a great, dedicated guy. Two words- French Roast
 
http://thewaterygourmet.blogspot.com/2008/09/review-mainstreet-coffee-12.html 
 
8. Small World Coffee- Princeton NJ  A superb mellow tasting dark roast
 
http://smallworldcoffee.com/
 
9. Daybreak Coffee Roasters- Glastonbury CT A local favorite, busy at all hours. They roast their mellow dark roast and other roasts on the premises
 
http://www.daybreakcoffee.com/
 
10. Cool Beans International- Oradell NJ Using local Red House Roasters. Their dark roast was surprisingly rich and flavorful
 http://www.coolbeansnj.com


The South

1. Kudu Coffee- Charleston SC-The Best Coffee I've had in the South- and great atmosphere with African motifs
 
http://kuducharleston.com/

2. Aurora Coffee- Atlanta GA- In the Virginia Highlands Neighborhood
http://www.auroracoffee.com/Home
 
3. Fido- Nashville TN- A short walk from the Pancake Pantry
http://www.bongojava.com/fido.php

4. Highland Coffee- Louisville KY- much better than the local Heine Brothers coffeehouse chain
http://www.highlandcoffeeco.com/

5. Guillermo's Gourmet Grounds - Little Rock  AR- Voted the best in town
http://www.g3coffee.com/
 
6. Mama Carmen's - Fayetteville AR- Surprisingly rich and flavorful for a medium roast
http://mamacarmen.com/cafe
 
7. Drowsy  Poet Coffee Company- Pensacola FL- A wonderful cozy coffee house and roaster with a couple of unique rooms that set various moods. One room that looks like an old fashoned academic library.  They even have a player piano
http://drowsypoetcoffee.com/
 
8. Java Vino- Atlanta GA- In the same Virginia Highlands neighborhood as Aurora Coffee, however with a cozier atmosphere. A coffee house by morning and wine bar in the evening. They roast their own coffee  beans which the owners family produces in Nicaragua. They even close shop after 11am on Mondays just to roast.
http://www.javavino.com
 
9. Smelly Cat Coffee House- Charlotte NC-   If you've ever watched the old, classic sitcom "Friends" you'll get the pun. Very funky, expect the baristas to have tattoos, mohawks and dredlocks, and those are the women that I'm talking about. In the funky No-Da neighborhood, they roast their coffee, and offer both "drip" and "pourover"
http://www.smellycatcoffee.com




 
 

 



Midwest

1. Phoenix Coffee- Cleveland- this was my saving grace during my three weeks of CAT duty in Cleveland. I would wake up an extra half hour early just to take the 8 mile round trip drive prior to long 12 hour days at work.
http://www.phoenixcoffee.com/shop/

2. The Ugly Mug Cafe- Ypsilanti MI- An oasis in Metro Detroit just outside of Ann Arbor
 
http://uglymugcafeandroastery.com/


3. Blue Line Coffee- Omaha NE- probably the dumpiest looking coffee house I ever visited- but what a great cuppa joe!
http://www.bluelinecoffee.com/

4. Kaldi's Coffee Roasting Company- St Louis MO- on my unsuccesful quest to find Gooey Butter Cake, I found this gem on
par with any west coast coffeehouse
http://www.kaldiscoffee.com/

5. Broadway Cafe- Kansas City MO- this coffeehouse in the trendy Westport neighborhood stood up to Starbucks which deliberately opened a branch next door.
http://www.broadwaycafeandroastery.com/

6. Cup O' Joe- Columbus OH- Whoever thought you'd be able to find some good  coffee in Columbus OH out of all places. This mini chain delivers
http://www.staufs.com/
 
7. The Coffee House on Cherry Street- Tulsa OK- A surprisingly rich dark roast with significant body.
http://www.thecoffeehouseoncherrystreet.com/
 
 
8 . Zanzibar's Coffee Adventures- Des Moines IA-  Full bodied, dark and aventurous coffee
 
http://www.zanzibarscoffee.com/
 
9. Alterra Coffee Roasters - MIlwaukee WI- A local mini chain with a brazilian blend that's out of this world.
 
http://alterracoffee.com/

 
10. Hubbard and Cravens Coffee Co.- Indianapolis IN - Yes, they're a local chain, yes the atmostphere is somewhat corporate but even their medium roast had great flavor and body
 
http://www.hubbardandcravens.com/


 


The West

1. Common Grounds- Denver CO- Two Great Locations - Lo Do and Highland Park
http://www.commongroundscoffeehouse.com/

2. Crave Espresso Bar- Tucson AZ-  An incredibly rich and dark roast- my favorite best new coffee house of 2012  
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crave-Espresso-Bar/274197100396 

3. Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters- Boise ID- Simply Outstanding
http://www.dawsontaylor.com/

4. Waldens Coffeehouse- Reno NV- very homey atmosphere and an extremely addicting dark roast
http://www.waldenscoffeehouse.net/

5. Bibo Coffee Company- Reno NV- quite the opposite of Walden's in terms of Atmosphere-  very cold/spare/warehouse
feel, but the coffee is just as good.
http://www.bibocoffeecompany.com/

6. Millcreek Coffee Roasters- Salt Lake City UT- Found this by accident on my 2 mile walk from my motel to Downtown-
http://millcreekcoffee.com/

7. Stumptown Coffee Roasters- Portland OR- Portland's flagship coffeehouse. There's no surprise why I was greeted
with a long long when I entered the downtown location- This is what makes coffee in the Pacific NW so special.
http://www.stumptowncoffee.com/

8. Caffe Roma Coffee Roasting Co.- San Francisco CA- In the North Beach neighorhood Found this place by accident after a visit to Mama's on Washington Square
http://www.cafferoma.com/

9. Urth Caffe- West Hollywood CA- Very trend- the place to see and be seen - and amazingly good rich dark coffee too
http://www.urthcaffe.com/locations.html

10. Living Room Cafe- La Jolla CA/San Diego CA- Local Coffee Chain- The La Jolla and Point Loma locations are my favorites
http://www.livingroomcafe.com/
 
11. Halcyon Coffee/Bar/Lounge- Austin TX- A coffee bar that contributes to keeping Austin wierd
 
http://www.halcyonaustin.com/
 
Addendum
 
I decided to add a list of additional coffee houses I visited over the years. They're not the best on my bucket list
however are certainly above average in my book and:
-Make up for not having the best coffee, by having an excellent atmosphere
and/or
-Although I would probably do additional research to find better in the area (if there is better), each coffee house listed would warrant a return in a pinch...
 
 
 
1. Northeast
 
Muddy Waters-New London CT
Acoustic Java- Worcester MA
Massapequa Perk- Massapequa Park NY
Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary- Colonie (Albany) NY
Boston Common's Coffee- Boston MA
Mocha Java- Dedham MA
Espresso Bueno- Barre VT
Spot Coffee- Buffalo (Williamsville) NY
White Electric Coffee- Providence RI
Coffee Depot- Warren RI
Zu Coffee- Annapolis MD
 
2 South
 
Dilworth Coffee - Charlotte NC
Fausto Coffee- Lincolnton NC
Lamplighter Roasting Co.- Richmond VA
O'Henry's- Birmingham (Homewood) AL
Carpe Diem- Mobile AL
PJ's Coffee- New Orleans LA
 
Midwest
 
Isle Bun Coffee- Minneapolis MN
Dunn Bros (A Regional Chain which began in St Paul MN)
Atomic Coffee- Fargo ND
Coffea Roasterie- Sioux Falls SD
Java Joe's- Des Moines IA 
Vagabond Cafe - Wichita KS
The Red Cup- Oklahoma City OK
 
West 
 
Ruta Maya- Austin TX
Satellite Coffee- Albuquerque NM
Copper Star Coffee- Phoenix AZ
Flying M  Coffee- Boise ID

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

WJ,

You may be the first person in all of New England who could put together a coffee house list that extensive and leave out Dunkin Donuts.

In Minneapolis/St. Paul we are dominated by Caribou (a local semi-national), Starbucks and Dunn Bros. (another local). Caribou and Starbucks fight for outlets in the supermarkets. I'm semi-responsible, being on the original development team, of getting Starbucks in Target Stores. However, I prefer Caribou over Starbucks. Dunn Bros. grinds coffee on premise at all shops and serves a pretty good brew. When the weather warms up I might start walking into Excelsior and having a brew there. My son-in-law's family once had three coffee shops, The Bean Counter, but long ago sold the business. Another one of my old work friends opened a independent coffee shop and since closed when Caribou and Starbucks invaded the intersection they were located. The closest independent to my house is the Minnetonka Mud Coffee shop on Lake Minnetonka's Shoreline Drive. I'll stop in there on occasion usually on the mornings my wife is not home and brewing a pot.

Davydd


WJ,

You may be the first person in all of New England who could put together a coffee house list that extensive and leave out Dunkin Donuts.

In Minneapolis/St. Paul we are dominated by Caribou (a local semi-national), Starbucks and Dunn Bros. (another local). Caribou and Starbucks fight for outlets in the supermarkets. I'm semi-responsible, being on the original development team, of getting Starbucks in Target Stores. However, I prefer Caribou over Starbucks. Dunn Bros. grinds coffee on premise at all shops and serves a pretty good brew. When the weather warms up I might start walking into Excelsior and having a brew there. My son-in-law's family once had three coffee shops, The Bean Counter, but long ago sold the business. Another one of my old work friends opened a independent coffee shop and since closed when Caribou and Starbucks invaded the intersection they were located. The closest independent to my house is the Minnetonka Mud Coffee shop on Lake Minnetonka's Shoreline Drive. I'll stop in there on occasion usually on the mornings my wife is not home and brewing a pot.

Davydd

Don't get me started on Dunkin Donuts  

I've been to Caribou and Dunn Brothers- both of which are ok, however what stood out about Dunn Brothers was their amazing sinfully rich and  moist wild rice cake which I had for breakfast on my visit to the Twin Cities back in 2006.

TJ, Next time you're in Atlanta, make sure to visit "Octane" coffee house on the west side of the city of Atlanta near Georgia Tech. They use Counter Culture Coffee and stress rigorous training for their baristas. You can also get alcohol there. My new drink of choice that was invented in Australia and is slowly appearing at the better coffee houses here in the US is a "Flat White" Ask for it!

Updated with
So G Coffee Roasters in South Glastonbury CT

Updated with
Coffee House on Cherry Street in Tulsa OK

Updates
 
Udder Place Coffee Co. in Portland ME has sadly shuttered it's doors after 14 years in business, however I have updated Portland ME with Mornings in Paris located in the old port. 
 
Also I deleted Intellgentsia Coffee in Chicago. When I last visited their coffee was still superb however they have become part of what I call the "extreme coffee" movement which has become very popular over the last couple of years.  They brew by the cup. Each cup is only 16 oz and they go for close to $3 a pop-no free or reduced charge refills. . I'm debating if I should start a seperate section.
 
I also added Alterra Coffee in Milwaukee WI
Hubbard and Cravens in Indianapolis
and  Small World Coffee in Princeton NJ
also updated some websites.
 
I have some more coffee houses to add from my trip last month.

Old Soul http://www.oldsoulco.com/ in Sacramenty is a wonderful place;the main and first shop is a very warehousy place in an alley- now there are several. besides great coffee , the  quality of  the baked goods  really sets them apart.

Nice time your in Reno I suggest you try the Hub on Cheney ST. it is truly one of the new style of coffee houses where to staff are trained to professional levels . The knowledge of the staff about the methods and the beans served is far beyond any of the coffee houses in Reno, NV.  Furthermore they are not roasting their own coffee using premium bean from around the world. Visiting there is like going to a fine wine bar with the atmosphere of a friendly pub. For daily brews I enjoy Bibo's Record Street Location in a wonderful old build that was converted from a Railroad Work shop. To understand Bibo is to understand the owners philosophy of simplicity and fine product.

Next time your in Reno I suggest you try the Hub on Cheney ST. it is truly one of the new style of coffee houses where to staff are trained to professional levels . The knowledge of the staff about the methods and the beans served is far beyond any of the coffee other houses in Reno, NV.  Furthermore they are now roasting their own coffee using premium beans from around the world. Visiting there is like going to a fine wine bar with the atmosphere of a friendly pub. It is built in a former house garage so its very close and informal. Yet it has patio seating. For daily brews I enjoy Bibo's Record Street Location in a wonderful old building that was converted from a Railroad Work shop.  This is mainly due to having room to read the papers and a good book without taking up any limited space.To understand Bibo is to understand the owners philosophy of simplicity and a fine product.

Penn German Chef
Glad to hear you enjoy Bibo's as much as I did. Have you ever been to Walden's? A much "cozier" atmosphere but I found their coffee almost as good.

Not sure when/if I'll make it down to Reno but I would certainly give The Hub a try.
 
Californyguy
 
Thanks for your input.
 
I encourage others to do the same
I was hoping this thread could be a clearing house for those who want more than
Mc$tarbuck$.

I'll agree with de-listing Intelligentsia.  They just aren't what they used to be.
 
If you find yourself in San Francisco, I highly recommend Ritual in the Mission.   I also enjoy Blue Bottle, but fear they'll end up like Intelligentsia.
 
If over in London, I adore Monmouth Coffee, especially their location at Burrough Market that's got a large communal table with all sorts of breads and jams available for a modest charge.

For a chain I find that the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf places serve a decent cup of coffee.

kaszeta
 
When I last visited Chicago,  I also had the opportunity to visit a wonderful coffee house about a mile south of Intelligentsia  called Noble Tree Coffee Roasters on Clark Street, unfortunately they shuttered their doors last month due to structural work that was needed on the building
http://chicago.eater.com/archives/2012/01/20/noble-tree-coffee-shutters-bow-truss-roasting-coming.php
 
I'm certain that there is no shortage of excellent quality coffee houses in Chicago.
 
brisketboy
 
I couldn't go to to a national chain like coffee bean and tea leaf when Austin is just swarming with local independent coffee houses. On my last visit in 2007 I enjoyed the coffee at Ruta Maya. I'm looking forward to returning next month and have several others on my list if it's not up to snuff

WJ I'm with you on Ruta Maya. But when one is stuck in Oxnard the Coffee Bean looks good.

brisketboy


WJ I'm with you on Ruta Maya. But when one is stuck in Oxnard the Coffee Bean looks good.

Oh, I agree, if left with choices of say 7/11, Dunkin Donuts or Mc$tarbuck$, I would even take Starbucks in a heartbeat.
 
Isn't  the Coffee bean and Tea leaf chain out of Southern California?

When in the Baltimore area, you should take the time to walk around historic Ellicott  City, and enjoying some great coffee at  The Coffee Bean , right on the  small Main Street.  I am certain that you will really enjoy it.

In Indianapolis you can try B Java Coffee and Tea in the Northwest side of town. IN the North you can try Noble Coffee & Tea in Noblesville. All make a good cup and have great staffs.

Greymo


When in the Baltimore area, you should take the time to walk around historic Ellicott  City, and enjoying some great coffee at  The Coffee Bean , right on the  small Main Street.  I am certain that you will really enjoy it.

 
Oh, I would however I'm scared out of my wits that I may run into my older half-sister - she lives there!  

Walden's  is on the far west side of town from where I live so I rarely get over there. Yet on Friday and Saturday they have a very active local music scene. As a Reno coffee house historical note Walden's was once owned by the founder and current owner of the Hub.  They're many independent shops outside the so called urban core of Reno in the Burbs. Yet Starbuck's has ruined a lot people on what good coffee should taste like.

Hey, I'm glad to see that Urth Caffe in West Hollywood made it to your list. I am a frequent when it comes to expresso, however, I know very little, but my stay that the Urth was one of the best

I don't get the Urth following.  Once I saw the design on the top of my latte I was over it with one sip.
 
Urth is expensive!

pitaaaaaaaaa
 
welcome to Roadfood, I tend to only drink straight coffee or an occasional americano
Yes Urth is certainly a stand out favorite
 
Mar52
 
Like I said, I drink straight up coffee, so I can't comment on the coffee drinks. Urth was a little  more expensive but I just chocked that up to being in LA

Revised list for 2012
 
Removed San Francisco Roasting in Atlanta  GA and Xtreme Bean in Tempe AZ
After revisiting, neither place was as good as I remembered.
 
Added :
 
Mama Carmen's Fayetteville AR
Aurora Coffee Atlanta GA
Guillermo's Gourmet Grounds Little Rock AR
Crave Espresso Bar Tucson AZ
and
Halycon Coffee/Bar/Lounge Austin TX

I can vouch for Halcyon and Crave.
 
Have you been to Dwelltime in Cambridge, MA?  That's one of my current favorites.

kaszeta


I can vouch for Halcyon and Crave.

Have you been to Dwelltime in Cambridge, MA?  That's one of my current favorites.

kaszeta

No I haven't, I did get a very good iced coffee at Pavement Coffee House on Boylston Street near the Berkeley School of Music. Is Dwelltime traditional drip or "thirdwave" pourover.

Will have to try Halycon In Austin. Have to go there next month.

wanderingjew

kaszeta


I can vouch for Halcyon and Crave.

Have you been to Dwelltime in Cambridge, MA?  That's one of my current favorites.

kaszeta

No I haven't, I did get a very good iced coffee at Pavement Coffee House on Boylston Street near the Berkeley School of Music. Is Dwelltime traditional drip or "thirdwave" pourover.

Dwelltime is thirdwave (that's a good way to describe it).    It's owned by the same people as Barismo (if you've been there), but seem to be less pretentious and more efficient. 
 
Dwelltime is one of my favorites since they've reliably served me several of the best iced coffees I've ever had.  And they aren't far from the parking garage I get comped at when I'm visiting my MIT subcontractors.
 
I will check out Pavement, I'll be down that way soon.

kaszeta

wanderingjew

kaszeta


I can vouch for Halcyon and Crave.

Have you been to Dwelltime in Cambridge, MA?  That's one of my current favorites.

kaszeta

No I haven't, I did get a very good iced coffee at Pavement Coffee House on Boylston Street near the Berkeley School of Music. Is Dwelltime traditional drip or "thirdwave" pourover.

Dwelltime is thirdwave (that's a good way to describe it).    It's owned by the same people as Barismo (if you've been there), but seem to be less pretentious and more efficient. 

Dwelltime is one of my favorites since they've reliably served me several of the best iced coffees I've ever had.  And they aren't far from the parking garage I get comped at when I'm visiting my MIT subcontractors.

I will check out Pavement, I'll be down that way soon.

I'm not big on "pourover coffee" or the pretentiousness. Especially in the morning when I want to enjoy copious amounts (I usually do a large 20 oz and then a refill) I just don't feel like spending $3-4 for a 12 or 16 oz cup, per cup. Call me old fashioned, but I still prefer a good "drip coffee" . If I happen to pass by a third wave pourover  place in the afternoon and I'm in the mood for a cup, I may check it out.

I mentioned dwelltime since they actually are the opposite when it comes to Iced Coffee: they are fast and efficient, because they brew rather large volumes of the stuff and have it on tap (literally).
 
I too get occasionally annoyed by places doing V60 coffee, especially if they aren't terribly organized about it (at least some places do it assembly-line style)