The best coffee shops in each city need to check several boxes to hold such a title. For instance, implementing coffee trends as they pop up is essential. A cozy and inviting atmosphere is also key for attracting guests and sustaining customer retention. Meanwhile, there are countless other characteristics that can turn local coffee shops into world-famous businesses.

In no particular order, this article is going to provide you with a brief snippet about ten of the best coffee shops spanning the United States. From New York to California, you’re about to have a comprehensive array of coffee shops to visit, whether you’re a local resident or a road tripper in need of a quick caffeine boost. Then, we’ll move on to discussing several characteristics that you can employ to achieve coffee shop success. Now, let the learning begin!

The 10 Best Coffee Shops In the United States As of 2024

Let us guess–you’re a coffee lover searching for the best coffee shop in the country. Or, perhaps you’re an entrepreneur in the midst of learning how to start a coffee shop and need inspiration. Either way, staying knowledgeable about some of the best cafes in major cities can be valuable when it comes time to travel.

Now, let the journey to finding the best coffee shop begin. Here are ten must-visit coffee shops in various cities across the United States:

1. Maman - New York, NY

New York City is home to some of the best coffee shops the world has to offer. However, Maman stands out as a fan favorite. For one, it’s a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, as there is greenery and floral arrangements from ceiling to floor. Its Parisian elegance and pastries pair deliciously with their drink recipes. It’s also where you can find the famous chocolate chip cookie that made it onto Oprah’s Favorite Things a few years back.

2. Inspired Brew - Dallas, TX

If you enjoy supporting family-owned businesses, Inspired Brew is a great option. Plus, they even have unique drink options, like a bourbon-infused latte. The warm and inviting atmosphere is one that often draws a lot of individuals who would like to get some work done or just relax with a good book.

3. Fido - Nashville, TN

When you step into this trendy coffee shop in East Nashville, it’ll be hard to believe that it was a pet shop many moons ago. The menu offers a vast selection of food trends and specialty coffee drinks. If you fall in love with the coffee, you can purchase a variety of coffee beans from some of the best coffee roasters that Fido partners with. They even work with a wholesale coffee supplier that offers private label coffee blends and fundraising. For pop and country music fans, it’s worth noting that Fido constantly makes its way into Taylor Swift’s list of favorite places in Music City. Talk about viral coffee shop marketing material!

4. Memorylook Coffee - Los Angeles, CA

Of course a coffee shop is going to be chic when it also operates within the fashion space! Many customers in LA frequent this coffee shop for its signature matcha, cold brew coffee, and sweet treats. Their unique assortment of donuts in flavors like tiramisu and creme brûlée is another reason to stop by. Plus, there are plentiful seating options for those who need to study or get work done from their laptop.

5. Stardust Video & Coffee - Orlando, FL

When you walk into this coffee shop, it’s like a blast from the past. Aside from their light fare and various coffee drinks, customers can find a range of media realms. Stardust has a vintage photo booth that guests can use. Plus, they offer cassette tapes, VHS tapes, and DVDs. The cafe also functions as a library where people can rent books. The reading nook environment creates a cozy setting that many customers gravitate toward for study sessions. If you’re a book or film connoisseur, this hidden gem is certainly worth the visit.

6. Codependent Cocktails + Coffee - Austin, TX

If you’re searching for a cafe that offers far more than just coffee, you have to visit Codependent. For one, they offer a wide selection of coffee, tea, and dessert menu items. But they also serve more savory dishes, such as charcuterie boards. Then, it suddenly becomes one of the best bars in Austin as well. That's because they also offer popular cocktails, original mixed drink recipes, and a robust wine list.They even offer weekly drink specials. This stylish bar of all kinds is open until eleven o’clock most nights and two in the morning on weekends.

7. Little Tart - Atlanta, GA

Once you learn that this coffee shop is reminiscent of French bakeries, its cozy atmosphere and sweet delicacies are no surprise. The ambiance is rather peaceful with ample natural lighting from enormous windows. Some customers even claim that it looks like it should be the coffee shop in a movie. Plus, this cafe is ideal for students and working professionals thanks to its large parking lot and free Wi-Fi. As the sun begins to set and happy hour rolls around, many customers enjoy this spot for socializing over beer and wine.

8. Fortezza Coffee - Fort Wayne, IN

For those who work from home in the Fort Wayne area, Fortezza Coffee is a cozy spot downtown. Baked goods like croissants stuffed with espresso custard and innovative drinks like their iced cafe horchata latte makes this cafe stand out amongst local competitors. As you probably know already, product differentiation is the key to executing a successful coffee shop business plan. One other thing that we admire about Fortezza Coffee is their commitment to supporting other local businesses. Amidst their wall art, customers can find information about other businesses and events the city has to offer.

9. Soleluna - Washington, D.C.

Known for their $3.50 lattes, Soleluna is an Ecuadorian cafe that consistently delivers quality and consistency. They also have a menu full of massive pastries that taste homemade. This popular observation is no surprise, considering that a pastry chef makes it all from scratch every day. Whether you take advantage of their indoor or outdoor restaurant seating, you’ll surely feel its neighborhood atmosphere.

10. Sawada Coffee - Chicago, IL

If you’re looking for a unique selection of lattes with historical influence, Sawada Coffee is a must-visit cafe. The founder brought Tokyo’s coffee scene to the Windy City, where they sell numerous recipes containing both coffee and matcha regularly (see: matcha vs coffee). Between the comfortable atmosphere and creative artwork all over the walls, Sawada always draws a large crowd. If you’re stopping by, be sure to try their famous military latte. It's a tasty blend of matcha, vanilla syrup, espresso, and cocoa powder.

Characteristics of the Best Coffee Shops

As you can see, there are many creative ways to establish one of the best coffee shops that a city has to offer. Therefore, it can be challenging to determine where to begin when scaling your own business. Check out the following list of characteristics that can make an average cafe one of the best coffee shops around:

• Comfortable seating arrangements
• Beautiful and chic decor
• Ambient restaurant lighting
• Innovative POS integrations
• Food and coffee delivery service
• A rewarding coffee club membership
• Kiosks to accommodate a self service coffee shop
• Coffee shop management software for efficiency

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Coffee Shops

Before your business can become one of the best coffee shops in its city, you must be knowledgeable about what can make or break a cafe. That’s why we have a brief list of frequently asked questions about processes and qualities that make up the best coffee shops of all time. Hopefully, this overview will help you in operating the best cafe imaginable.

Is It Expensive to Operate One of the Best Coffee Shops?

Well for one, the cost to open a coffee shop at all is expensive. So in order to operate one of the best coffee shops, there are many investments a business owner must make. From high-quality beans to comfortable seating, there are many avenues to distribute your funds.

Do the Best Coffee Shops Always Have a Drive Thru?

Believe it or not, most of the best coffee shops in the world are not drive thru coffee shop businesses. That’s because a lot of what makes these entities so great cannot be experienced by going through a drive thru line. From the ambiance to seating arrangements, earning the title of one of a city’s best coffee shops is attributed to more than just the menu.

Is a Coffee Shop POS System Necessary for Efficient Operations?

Yes, picking a POS system that’s suitable for coffee shops will be helpful. This is primarily due to the various integrations that will allow a coffee shop to achieve optimal success.

Should Coffee Shops Offer Several Different Brewing Methods?

Yes, coffee shops should absolutely offer a variety of coffee brewing methods. It’ll be one of the many ways you can be inclusive, which is essential for long-term profitability.

How Can Coffee Shops Save Money On Inventory?

Coffee shops can save money on inventory by purchasing wholesale coffee beans. Coffee can be pretty expensive, so it’s vital to acquire it in bulk.

Let Us Help You Become Your City’s Best Coffee Shop!

Did you know that you can maximize revenue by capturing both on and off-premise coffee shop orders? Revolution Ordering lets cafes leverage coffee shop online ordering solutions to get the most out of their endeavors. Schedule a demo with us today to learn more about scaling your business!