For richer or pour over, Tampa Bay’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. Tampa ranks among the top coffee cities in America thanks to factors like cafes per capita and the price of beans.
The Big Guava and the Burg have no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Tampa Bay.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Roasts to boast
King State, 520 E. Floribraska Ave., Tampa | This long-time hipster hangout rocks more than a sick outdoor patio + old timey bar. King State boasts some of the best beans around with roasts like Peru Cajamarca, which brings plum, sugar cane, and earthy notes.
Bandit Coffee Co., 2662 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Head to this trendy Central Avenue spot for a latte or plain old cup of their delicious staple blend. Pro tip: Bandit’s wintertime maple bourbon latte is the stuff of dreams.
Best bites
The Lab Coffee, 1703 W. State St., Tampa | Jalepeño cheese bagels, breakfast burritos, tomato soup — this coffee shop stocks some serious eats.
Chocolate Pi, 5207 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | This may be the sweetest spot on the list — with craft coffee, macarons, sodas, and other treats.
Willa’s Provisions, 310 N. Rome Ave., Tampa | Meet the pals or your boo for a coffee and a delish lunch at this Instagrammable coffee shop. We recommend the burrito with chorizo, chipotle mayo, and eggs.
Where to write your novel
Spaddy’s Coffee Co., 5206 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | Park yourself on the patio beside the Airstream cafe for a cold brew lemonade or Courtyard Cure. The Seminole Heights spot is the just the spot to work on the next great American novel.
Book + Bottle, 17 6th St. N., St. Petersburg | Pen the next great Tampa Bay story at this Central Avenue spot’s long chic bar (with lots of outlets). And if you’re seeking inspiration, the bookstore + coffee/wine bar hosts a weekly writer’s retreat.
GulfPerk Coffee Bar, 3107 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport | What could be more Floridian than writing your memoir with a view of the water? This kitschy Gulfport spot has a large outdoor patio, tons of indoor tables, and jet fuel to get you through the writing day.
On-the-go joe
Orange Buzz Coffee Cart, Various locations | This one’s for the Downtown Tampa dwellers + commuters. The recently opened vintage coffee carts serve all the coffee staples like Americanos and iced lattes, plus midday treats like gluten-free brownies and cinnamon crumb cake muffins.
Kahwa Coffee, Various locations | This Tampa Bay coffee roaster has locations all throughout TBAY for easy access and the best croissant breakfast sandwiches. Including a new South Tampa drive thru.
The Blend Coffee & Cocktails, Various locations | Have you tried out this local gem? Head to one of the brand’s drive-thrus for coffee, tea, and smoothies.
Blind Tiger’s outpost in Tampa City Center is a convenient and quiet spot to start your commute.
Photo via @blindtigercoffeeroasters
Plenty of outlets and internet connection
The Blind Tiger Cafe, Various locations | No matter what part of town you’re in, there’s probably a Blind Tiger nearby — and waiting at the ready with an open table and “Dirty Thai-ger” with your name on it.
Buddy Brew Coffee, Various locations | The popular Tampa beanery has locations right in the heart of it all — Hyde Park Village, Kennedy, Downtown, and even TPA. Each location has a different feel, lots of cush seating, and ample seats so you can work from the coffee shop all day.
Perfect for a date
Patrona Coastal Cafe, 13090 Gandy Blvd. N., St. Petersburg | Tucked away off the Gandy Bridge, this dreamy cafe is set right on the water + surrounded by exotic trees. It’s a magical spot to sip lattes and spot Manatees or watch the sun dip into the Bay with your love.
Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | It’s a Tampa classic for a reason. The Old World-esque spot boasts classic checkered floors + tons of seating vignettes so you can get lost in conversation over a cold brew flight.
Black Crow Coffee Co., Various locations | This St. Pete fave makes excellent classics (think: cortados), plus specialty drinks like Chai Town and the Caramel Sutra. We recommend the Central Avenue location’s cozy patio for a date.
Grove Surf & Coffee, 7370 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach | Looking for the perfect precursor to your next beach date? This bright and airy space is littered with surfboards and beach memorabilia so ultra cute you’ll wish you could move in.
Trendy and new
Flatbread & Butter, Various locations | There’s a new Downtown Tampa location to pick up the eatery’s yummy craft coffees and smoked salmon bagels. Pro tip: We recommend picking up Friday night pizzas — available until 9 p.m.
The Undergrounds Coffee and Juice Company, 1701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Conveniently located on Central Avenue + connected to Journey Into Fitness, the Undergrounds is the perfect spot to grab a jolt of energy. The inventive menu features drinks like the house-made papaya cayenne green tea + honeysuckle latte, and juices and coffee.
Little Tina, 507 N. Tampa St., Tampa | This is the go-to spot for specialty drinks like a Cubano-Americano or blue-tinted matcha latte. Plus, the cafe is a charming spot to meet a friend with warm exposed shelves and woven lanterns.
Shortwave Coffee, 615 Channelside Dr., Ste. 106, Tampa | Stopping by Sparkman Wharf to co-work or need a jolt on your afternoon walk? Shortwave opened in late 2022 and serves up yummy craft coffee, pastries, tea lattes, and even a blue Bolts-themed brew.
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.
City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.
