By The Editors By The Editors | May 10, 2021 | Food & Drink, Feature,
Whether you're looking for a local roaster or a specially curated blend; searching for espresso, lattes or even coffee cocktails, here are the 12 best coffee shops in Atlanta.
Marking the first Atlanta outpost—and second location to date—for the Alabama-born brand, Prevail Union Atlanta serves a variety of coffee and coffee-based drinks made with beans harvested from small farms in Africa, Papua New Guinea and Central America, plus a Rwandan blend produced by the nonprofit Kula Project. The brand also has its own roasting operation, creating a slew of varying blends to ensure you always find your perfect match. The hidden gem—which sits inside Star Metals apartment complex on Howell Mill—also features plenty of seating both inside and out, including a chic mid-century modern library, complete with a cozy fireplace and hidden reading nooks; a vibrant dining area, which showcases an eclectic blue-tiled wall (talk about Instagram worthy); plus open access to the apartment's lobby and outdoor lounge area. If you can't get enough of Prevail's delicious blends, opt for one of its monthly subscription packages so you never have to go without your favorite coffee (beans can be ordered whole or ground coarse, fine or medium).
Pioneering the concept of a full cold brew bar, this hot spot boasts 14 taps. We recommend trying one of the signature drinks—The Captain brings back memories of childhood with espresso and Cap’n Crunch cereal-infused oat milk. Another plus? The decor has a comfortable, homey feel with floor-to-ceiling windows, ferns and small vases of fresh flowers on every table. 777 Memorial Drive SE, Ste. 103A
Enjoy a refreshing caffeinated sip inside this Ottley Drive coffee shop's stunning and spacious interior, or outside on its sunlit patio. Connected to a coffee roaster—complete with retail space—espresso, craft coffee, tea and more is served from an airy bar, with new treats from different ATL vendors offered on a weekly/weekend special basis. Insider tip: Don't miss East Pole's free weekly coffee cuppings open to the public!
Tucked quietly in historic Marietta, and one of the city’s best-kept secrets, this walk-up coffee shop and bakery serves its espresso with an extra shot of charm. Take it to go in an Instagram-worthy cup, or pull up a chair on the patio at the OTP gem.
5. Chattahoochee Coffee Company
At each of its three locations—each more design-savvy than the last—Chattahoochee Coffee Company serves a dose of good deed with every purchase, donating 10% of its annual revenue to nonprofit organizations. And staying true to its roots, the biz serves locally sourced ingredients to support other nearby businesses.
The French-inspired pastry shop’s new location in Summerhill is the eatery’s first truly standalone shop. It will be serving a full coffee menu with classics like espresso drinks, tea, matcha, lattes and more, plus a bakery case fully stocked with freshly baked pastries. Be on the lookout for evening baking classes coming soon! 68 Georgia Ave. SE
7. Con Leche
After a night on the town, a caffeine stop at Con Leche is a must. The Reynoldstown roaster is ideal for a pre-brunch pick-me-up thanks to its grab-and-go format. Affordable and delicious, the neighborhood coffee shop uses beans from Decatur-based Radio Roasters in each of its buzzy beverages and sources baked goods from Root Baking Co. and Casa Cardoza.
If you’re a true coffee connoisseur, odds are you’ve already visited Peach Coffee Roasters. From its neon “stay peachy” sign to its marble serving bar, the coffee shop gives us all the vibes. The rotating menu offers everything from cold brew to pastries.
Are you even an Atlantan if you don’t frequent one of Dancing Goats' four locations (Buckhead, Midtown, Ponce City Market, Decatur)? If you're in Buckhead, its location at The Exchange boasts ample seating and coffeehouse vibes perfect for catching up with friends or slipping away with a new book, plus handcrafted espresso creations, beans for home brewing and pastries from some of ATL's favorite bakeries; while its Midtown headquarters across from the MARTA station offers single-origin manual brews—plus, delicious locally sourced baked good and a mix of classic and specialty coffee drinks. Add in a location at Ponce City Market—which was actually the first restaurant to open at the reimagined Sears building—and its long-standing Decatur flagship, and Atlantans can rest easy knowing a fresh-brewed Dancing Goats creation is always nearby.
It’s true that Cultivate Food & Coffee is in a league of its own. The organic coffee house features an impressive brunch menu—which is full of vegan, paleo and gluten free options—alongside its beloved brews. Grab a seat and indulge in delicious farm-to-table dishes alongside signature java drinks like the Kevlar, Ground Control Coffee blended with grass-fed butter and MCT oil and, even better, designed to give you a boost while burning fat; or the Maple Donut Latte, a sweet mixture of 2% steamed milk, organic espresso, maple syrup and honey, and topped with organic fresh cinnamon. Add in tasty matcha creations like the lavender raw matcha green tea and matcha green tea latte, and there's no question why this hotspot keeps Atlantans coming back for more.
11. Xander Coffee
With ample seating both inside and out, Buckhead's Xander Coffee is the perfect spot for a change of work scenery—with a fresh brew cup of Joe, of course. A continuation of modern family club Kefi, the on-site cafe features an enticing menu of handcrafted drinks and sweet and savory treats sourced from local vendors (Counter Culture Coffee, Emerald City Bagels, Alon's Pasteries, Lucky Lotus Smoothies & Acai Bowls, and more), grab-and-go meals for those constantly on the go, and the perfect ambiance for a work grind or just a quick afternoon pick-me-up. We recommend the iced chai latte for a refreshing sip, or the caramel apple cider for a warm taste of fall with every sip. As an added bonus, if you're in a rush, Xander's curbside pickup service makes it easier (and faster!) than ever to get a delicious coffee and snacks before you jet off to your next meeting.
12. Muchacho
This Memorial Drive locale is known for three things: good tacos, good coffee and good vibes. Featuring a curated menu of hot and cold brew coffee; latte selections including chai, matcha and yerba mate; tea options like London Fog and loose leaf tea selections from Rishi Tea; among espresso drinks such as Cortado, Cortadito, cappuccino and more; there's always some new—and delicious—to try. If you're in the mood to grab some java for the office, Muchacho also offers a carry-out box of hot coffee (comes with 12 8-oz. servings) from Counter Culture single-origin beans.
Photography by: photos: 1. Courtesy of Dairies Coffeehouse and Cold Brew Bar; 2. by Katherine Puckett;
3. by freddy castro; 4. by Caleb Jones; 5. by Charles Norman; 6. by Luis Mora/Mora Creative