Josie Hanak, Summer Marketing Intern
Any time is a good time for coffee! Whether you’re escaping the summer sun or in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, we’ve got you covered with the best spots to get your iced or hot coffee fix in #DTJax! Let’s take a look at the best local cafés:
Morning Commute
Let’s face it, it’s impossible to get through a 9-5 without a little help from some caffeine. We all need our morning coffee fix, but sometimes we just don’t have the time to leisurely sip on our cappuccino in a quaint, adorable little coffee shop. Thankfully, #DTJax is full of fabulous grab-and-go shops perfect for popping in on your way to work!
Like the name suggests, Back to the Grind is the perfect stop on your way to work! Famous for its coffee, milkshakes and smoothies, this is the ideal place to grab something to wake you up before you hit the office. Try their smoothie made with peanut butter, banana, double espresso, yogurt and honey with one of their delicious muffins! Located in central Downtown on N. Hogan Street and open early at 7:00 a.m., make this your place for a morning boost.
Photo Credit: @biteography
Conveniently located on the ground level of the Bank of America Tower, Ground Level Coffee is just the place to satisfy all your needs! This cute little coffee shop serves up Bold Bean Coffee. It also features fun, seasonal coffees on hand, such as this summer’s coconut mint shaken espresso! Don’t forget to add a delicious pastry to fuel your day!
Ethically sourced coffee and local, homemade desserts? Say less! Crazy Beans Coffee is perfect for those traveling to #DTJax via JTA. This local and minority-owned shop is located inside of the Jacksonville Transportation Center in LaVilla. It is the perfect stop for commuters to quickly pop in and grab a delicious latte with a homemade chocolate chip scone!
Book Nook
Photo Credit: @chamblinsbooks
The afternoon storms are rolling in, and all you want is to escape reality with a good book and a perfectly brewed café au lait. The good news is Chamblin’s Uptown has got you covered! This charming café serves local pastries and coffee two-story bookstore overflowing with great reads for everyone. This book-lover’s dream has been operating in the heart of Jacksonville since 1976, with the Uptown location opening in 2008. This shop is famous for its book-trading service, where patrons can exchange new or used books for store credit. Stop by Chamblin’s Uptown, grab a cup of coffee and get lost in a book!
Grind Time
Photo Credit: @setlancoffee
Need a change of scenery from your office? Grab your laptop and set up shop at Setlan Coffee Co., a picture-perfect place to get some work done! Located inside of MOCA, Setlan features huge windows welcoming in abundant natural lighting. Its minimalist decor creates a sophisticated environment to knock out some work. Enjoy one of their specialty drinks of the summer, such as Melon Bomb! This refreshing drink is a cold coffee sweetened with watermelon and topped with an aromatic cream and watermelon sugar. Also, enjoy some of MOCA’s beautiful contemporary art as a much-needed work break!
Coffee Date
In my opinion, the coziest coffee shop in #DTJax has got to be Urban Grind Coffee Co. This tucked-away coffee shop is an excellent place to grab a friend and catch up over a fresh cup of coffee. Also be sure to check out Urban Garden, the trendy outdoor space next to the shop! The Adirondack chairs around the fire pit create a perfect spot to lounge and enjoy friendly conversations over a cup of joe. Definitely be sure to try my favorite drink: the café con leche!
Photo Credit: @thegreenhousejax
Looking for a trendy and Instagrammable coffee spot? The Greenhouse Bar has got you covered! This aesthetically pleasing spot allows customers to shop for succulents and exotic plants while sipping on an artisan coffee or a craft cocktail. Serving up pastries and small bites, The Greenhouse Bar is the ideal place to bring some friends, enjoy the company and take incredible photos!
Clearly, #DTJax is loaded with fantastic spots for all the coffee connoisseurs out there. Stop by one of the many unique spots today for a cup brewed to perfection!