Local coffee shops mean a lot to those of us who have a deep love (and addiction) to the coffee bean, but that doesn’t mean it’s always necessarily easy to support them.

With so many independent coffee shops all fighting for the same slice of demographic real estate, locals who live in outlying Orlando neighborhoods are forced to make a concentrated effort to get to their favorite shops. Y’all know people drink coffee who don’t all live downtown, right?

I live in between three Dunkin Donuts and three Starbucks. It’s obviously easier to patron them because the sheer number of their locations makes it more accessible, not to mention the ease of a drive-thru. However, real coffee lovers know that when you strip away the sugar, syrups, sauces, whips, and toppings, the actual coffee needs to be the star, and that’s often where big chains can’t come thru. That’s why I’ve identified some of my favorite shops in my regular rotation, and the ones I’ll support when I’m on their side of town.

What makes these my favorite among the many independent coffee hangs we now have? I’ve certainly gotten pickier with my expectations.

Firstly, I want to TASTE THE COFFEE, NOT SUGAR. If you want my $6 for an oat milk latte, I want to be able to drink it in its entirety, not stop midway because my stomach has been irritated by a chaos of saccharine ingredients. I require friendly staff who aren’t rude or make the experience awkward or uncomfortable. The overly cool yet rude hipster barista vibe just isn’t cute.

I also care about not just about my safety but the safety of your staff and patrons, which means for now, if I don’t see masks, I’m walking. It also doesn’t hurt if you keep me enticed and engaged with your brand with new drinks now and then.

For those reasons, the list below isn’t just a copy-paste from a Google search, but places I’m happy to support until further notice.

Craft & Common

If you follow my stories, you might have noticed this is probably the coffee shop I frequent the most. While the decor is fun and happy, that’s not why I go. I really love the coffees they use, and as someone who loves a good specialty drink, Craft + Common always makes delicious seasonal offerings that keep my attention but allowing me to honestly ask about it’s sweetness and tweak it if needed. Their staff is always hospitable, even when they are slammed, and I never feel out of place or unwelcome, which I can’t say for some other spots in town. The owners are great, and you know they are passionate about what they do and making each experience in their shop a good one. They are fellow dog lovers, so that’s a bonus. Dog people are my people.

Piccolo Coffee

When you drive 20 minutes for coffee, it’s because it’s impressively worth it. Not only are the owners of Piccolo kind, honest, and down-to-earth, but they have continually pressed on to achieve their dreams despite obstacles that go well beyond the current pandemic. Despite setbacks that were out of their control, they stayed true to what they wanted to do and found a way to continue to bring excellent drinks to the people of Winter Garden, and anyone willing to take a ride to visit them. They currently have their coffee counter inside Downtown Deli, and I promise you, if you visit them, you’ll be satisfied and be supporting wonderful people.

Cups and Pups

Speaking of wonderful people, Matt and April started their coffee adventure well over a year ago. Through it, they have fought through ever-changing Florida weather with a pop-up model, refurbishing their airstream, having a brand new baby, losing the event portion of their business to COVID, and all the while smiling and staying positive. They use Lineage coffee, and promote a new latte each month, so you know each cup will be good, but it’s much more than that. Each coffee gets them closer to their dream of expansion plans for a dog park and open-air seating area. You can now catch them at their regular spot at 6612 North Orange Blossom Trail on Thursdays and Friday mornings.

Light on the Sugar

While we know this spot more for its baked goods, I consider it a coffee shop as well. Along with teas, they have a full coffee menu, including some specialty lattes like the Dalgona and Hojica lattes. They are wonderful compliments to the made-from-scratch baked goods, and make this cafe a great spot to indulge both your sweet and caffeinated pleasures. It’s still so impressive to me that the husband and wife team had an idea to bring something they missed from NYC to Orlando and taught themselves the craft we now get to enjoy. Sweet, humble, and talented for the win!

Deeply Coffee

Deeply is gorgeous, yes, but aesthetics mean nothing when I live for the grab and go latte. The coffee they select for their drinks are exceptional and stands on its own with no additional frills needed. This is a place to TASTE and linger in your coffee. You’ll often see the owner, Ryan there working when you visit, and again it’s the people behind the businesses that help make you feel connected. He always gives you time for a quick chat and catch up, and it's always a pleasure. It doesn’t hurt that you can grab Buttermilk Bakery goods here.

Lineage Coffee

Of course, Lineage is the OG when it comes to craft coffee in Orlando. I remember when they first opened their counter in the East End Market, and I was elated that finally, we had a good source for an independent coffee shop in town. Lineage will always be special for that reason, and I still love a simple latte from them; however, I do love it when they occasionally get wild and have seasonal items.

Gratitude Coffee

Jen is Orlando’s unofficial coffee queen. Most of her adult life has been dedicated to the almighty bean. College Park residents love her, and with good reason. A true small but mighty community hub, Gratitude Coffee is one of our first mobile coffee trucks to transition to brick and mortar. Her cold brew is popular, as is her lavender and rose cardamom lattes. I also love her hippie tea when I need a break from coffee. The real draw besides the coffee is Jen herself. It doesn't get more down-to-earth and lovable than her. If you are looking for a much-needed dose of positive vibes in your day, she gives generously.

If I’m in Clermont

Energy Lab

This coffee shop isn’t heavy in my rotation because it’s no where near where I live, but honestly it’s still provided me with one of the best lattes I’ve had in Florida. If you’re near Clermont you should visit Energy Lab. Its located inside a bicycle shop, very unassuming, but oh the coffee to be had here!

If I’m near Dr. Phillips

Holy Grain

This Brazilian owned coffee shop is slightly hidden at the bottom of a large office building in Dr. Phillips, but it's worth finding. They have a sandwich and salad menu along with pastries, so you have sustenance if you choose to stay awhile.

If I’m in Deland

Trilogy Coffee Roasting

Back when an adventurous day in Deland took me to one of their markets, or a hunt in one of their large antique shops, Trilogy was always the first stop. It’s one of the only independently run coffee shops in the area and they serve up a solid cup of coffee with plenty of milk alternative options. The shop has a clean and simple vibe and they sell some merchandise sourced by a few local makers as well. There are other coffee options in Deland, but this is where your money should go.

If I’m in Longwood

La Kuma Coffee

This neighborhood coffee shop is located in a renovated home, with very minimal and clean decor. They are known for good drinks served with very cute desserts. It's a quiet place to hang out or work with ample parking with no pretentious baristas in sight.

If I’m in Mt. Dora

Allyson A Bake Shop

Finding good coffee on visits to Mt. Dora has proved difficult and often resulted in a Starbucks run. Allyson’s Bake Shop was a surprising find in an area where you could easily waste money on a bad cup of joe. The shop is beautiful and worth a stop even if you don’t feel like grabbing a dessert.

If I’m deep in East Orlando

Duo 58

I loved Duo 58’s old cozy space, but their new location is gorgeous and spacious. It’s a little further out than the last location, but if you make the drive you’ll definitely be glad you did. The food offerings are prepared fresh and should absolutely be added to your order.

Vespr

While Vespr sits quietly over on the East side of town they usually have a fun craft cocktail menu, but if that isn’t your jam, you can go grab a classic vanilla latte that still allows you to taste the espresso.

If I’m in Sanford

Mahogany Coffee

Henry’s Depot in Sanford is a mixed food space that thankfully also has a coffee counter run by Mahogany Coffee. Don’t be fooled that he’s the only vendor open in the morning, you can get your morning latte here starting at 8:30 (except on Mondays). Right now they use Onyx Lab Coffee, and the owner is coming out with some interesting and delicious drinks. Definitely worth checking out and supporting!

All coffee shops were personally visited by me, all pictures are mine and all coffee was paid for by me. I don't ask for free anything and neither should you.

My favorite local coffee shops around Orlando