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Your guide to Louisville’s coffee shops

If you don’t have a coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.

Front of Quills Coffee building

The first Quills opened in Germantown in 2007.

Photo by Quills Coffee

Table of Contents

For richer or pour over, Louisville’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning.

Derby City has 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 Louisville.

Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.

Roasts to boast

Sunergos Coffee, Various locations | Though Sungeros has five stores throughout Derby City, its Woodlawn location is where the roastery lives. They have 10+ blends available — including its house blend that has notes of chocolate, cherry, and spice.

Safai Coffee Shop, 1707 Bardstown Rd. | Founders Mike and Medora Safai have been serving handcrafted, direct-trade coffee since 1998. They roast several single origins, as well as blends named after Louisville neighborhoods. We’ll have a cup of Crescent Hill, please.

person holding a lavender-colored drink in a plastic cup

This lavender-flavored energy drink was created in collaboration with Racing Louisville.

Photo by LOUtoday

Specialty drinks

Fante’s Coffee House, 2501 Grinstead Dr. | This cozy Irish Hill spot features a blackboard with seasonal specialty drinks. Try the hot honey lavender lemonade in the summer or the campfire mocha during winter — it’s served with a floating marshmallow + a cookie on the side.

Heine Brothers Coffee, Various locations | In addition to an array of organic, fair-trade brews, this Louisville staple also offers a variety of teas, frozen drinks, and cold bevvys — including its new sparkling Boost energy drinks.

Stomping Grounds Coffee Co., 10019 Dixie Hwy. | This self-proclaimed original Valley Station coffee shop boasts an ever-changing seasonal menu. Previous drinks have included everything from cookie-flavored lattes to wild berry smoothies.

hand holding a chocolate chip cookie

Please & Thank You was named the country’s best cookie shop by USA Today’s 10Best poll.

Photo by @jordyn_dolan

Best bites

Brew & Sip Coffee Bar, Various locations | Brew & Sip opened in August 2020 after its owners pivoted their catering business into a coffee shop during the pandemic. Now, the shop is home to classic espresso drinks and coffee + over 15 different breakfast and lunch sammies.

Please & Thank You, Various locations | Voted best cookie shop in the US, this bakery and coffee shop has four locations in the Louisville area.

Pregame Coffee, 1737 Frankfort Ave. | Equal parts speakeasy, coffee shop, and sports bar, this spot boasts coffee for the morning, cocktails for the evening, and a food menu to keep you going all day long.

Full Stop Louisville

It looks like a gas station, but Full Stop is a place to fuel yourself, not your car.

Photo by LOUtoday

On-the-go Joe

Day’s Espresso & Coffee, 1420 Bardstown Rd. | Day’s Espresso has been a Bardstown Road mainstay since 1994 + often features the artwork of local artists on its walls. In addition to having a cozy indoor cafe space, the shop also features a to-go window in the back perfect for dog walkers looking to stop for coffee.

Full Stop Station, 1132 E. St. Catherine St. | Full Stop in Germantown is just that — your one-stop shop for food + coffee, including a robust selection of vegan eats.

Where to write your novel

Bean, 1128 Goss Ave. | Nestled in Germantown, this coffeehouse features an array of hot + iced coffees, as well as food, merchandise, and a community printer you can use during office hours. It’s a score for those who like to work remotely.

Quills Coffee, Various locations | Check out the Main Street Cafe, set inside a repurposed firehouse. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, you’re sure to find a space that’ll get your creative juices flowing.

hand holding paper coffee cup with Barista Parlor logo

We like the bourbon vanilla late from Barista Parlor.

Photo by LOUtoday

Trendy and new

Barista Parlor, 500 W. Jefferson St. | Kentucky’s only location of this Nashville-based coffee shop is in downtown LOU. Located at the bottom of the 500W tower, it features bright colors and exotic houseplants + the cafe serves coffee that has been sourced from environmentally responsible farms.

Haraz Coffee House, Various locations | The decor at Haraz is unlike that of any other Derby City coffee shop, with original art, lots of pendant lighting, and intricately designed counters. Guests can expect a menu boasting coffee, tea, desserts, and small snacks.

Mini Marché, 730 E. Market St. | Located on the ground floor of Hotel Genevieve, this hidden spot offers coffee + grab-and-go selections for breakfast and lunch, like breakfast sandwiches, banana bread, and fresh produce.

Perfect for a date

TEN20 Craft Brewery - Douglass Loop, 2200 Bardstown Rd. | Part brewery, part coffee shop, this particular TEN20 location is a one-stop shop for both espresso and beer. Plus, there’s ample seating and a selection of board games to keep pairs entertained for hours.

Old Louisville Coffee Co-op, 316 W. Ormsby Ave. | Created as a space for community, art, and connection, this coffee shop is open late + hosts open-mic sessions, poetry readings,comedy nights, and drag brunches.

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