Here are the best coffee shops in Atlanta that serve up the city's finest caffeinated beverages and good times
While there’s no shortage of amazing breakfast and brunch spots in Atlanta, a well-crafted caffeinated beverage is all that some of us need to get going in the morning. Whether you need your morning buzz on the go or prefer to linger over a delightful pourover in a cafe, the best coffee shops in Atlanta have you covered.
These Atlanta coffee shops feature a mix of skilled baristas, excellent sourcing, and pleasant atmospheres. Coffee shops can be different things to different people, from a place to get work done to a nice spot for catching up with friends to a place to focus on the distinct elements of a well-brewed cup of coffee. Based on the skill behind the counter, the best coffee shops in Atlanta are on par with the city’s top restaurants and bars. For espressos, cappuccinos, complicated latte creations, or a straightforward cup of black coffee, these are the best coffee shops in Atlanta to enjoy the power of the bean.
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Head to East Atlanta (or Reynoldstown and Decatur too) for baked goods made from scratch daily, fruits and veggies from local vendors, and, most importantly, an amazing coffee selection. Hodgepodge’s specialty drinks include a latte made with Ghirardelli caramel and French vanilla and a mocha with cold brew concentrate, Ghirardelli chocolate, and half and half. Batdorf & Bronson beans mean even a simple cup of black coffee is tops.
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A hub for Georgia Tech and Georgia State students as well as neighborhood regulars, this Black-owned coffee shop in West Midtown is a perfect spot for collaborating or studying while caffeinating. Paninis and pastries provide fuel. At night, catch open mic events for music, poetry, and comedy. Occasional art shows feature up-and-coming local artists.
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Housed in a repurposed shipping container in the Westside Provisions District, BRASH is passionate about coffee. They carefully and ethically source the highest quality beans from single farms in El Salvador and maintain relationships with the coffee farmers. From pour-overs to drip, their coffee is meticulously procured, roasted, and prepared, resulting in a simple but excellent cup of joe.
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Dancing Goats is a longtime favorite, with locations in Buckhead, Midtown, Ponce City Market, and Decatur. Batdorf & Bronson beans make for a delicious cup of drip coffee, or a Chilly Goat — a creamy signature blended drink made with coffee concentrate. Wherever you are, Dancing Goats is a great option for your caffeine fix.
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This Reynoldstown coffee bar is all about the cold brew. 14 taps feature everything from straight cold brew to a nitro oat milk chai latte to the decadent Captain on Tap, made with cereal milk. But Dairies is not just for cold brew fans. Their menu includes perfectly-poured drip coffee, espresso, and other signature drinks like the Mayan Mocha with espresso, milk, chocolate, brown sugar cinnamon, and cayenne.
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This funky former repair shop in Smyrna for locally-roasted beans and coffee drinks. Pick up everything you need to make a great cup of coffee — beans, brewing devices, syrups — or hang out with a cup of coffee or seasonal latte. The vibe attracts a loyal following, and Rev serves the community well. The shop also displays frequently-changing works from local artists.
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For Chrome Yellow, coffee is a serious business. Ask any barista about their beans and they can tell you all about the bean purveyors, tasting notes, and more. Coffee is expertly brewed with a rotating selection of beans from Stumptown, Methodical, and others. Don’t miss their specialty drinks, like the vanilla bourbon latte. The minimalist space also includes a section for locally-made art and other goods.
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East Pole is so inviting you may end up sticking around for a few cups of coffee. The modern space is bright and airy, with lots of seating, floor-to-ceiling bleachers, and a lovely outdoor patio. As for the coffee itself, beans are roasted on-site, so everything you get is super fresh. The shop offers tastings and cuppings too, so you can learn more about what makes their coffee so good.
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For innovative coffee concoctions, Gilly Brew Bar in Stone Mountain Village is the spot. A menu of “elixirs” features cocktail-like coffee and tea drinks. They brew more than just coffee, so you’ll find teas, barley, and more on the menu too. The space includes a kitchen that serves as an incubator for Atlanta-area pop-ups.
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Another spot that really comes through on the vibe front is Valor Coffee in Alpharetta. The modern space features eclectic decor and retro touches; you might be inspired to snap a few pics while enjoying your caffeinated bev. The coffee — roasted nearby — holds its own alongside the best in the city. Seasonal lattes with house-made syrups are a treat. The super-friendly staff makes Valor a great place for a hang.
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Spiller Park serves up damn fine coffee in Ponce City Market and Toco Hills. If you can’t get enough, take home a gallon of their smooth iced coffee. For sustenance, peruse the menu of thick toasts topped with fruits, nut butter, and other tasty concoctions.
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This Savannah-based roaster has two locations in Atlanta — East Lake and Virginia-Highland. The former is bright and airy with plenty of seating indoors and out, and the latter is more intimate. Both locations feature great coffee, including creative options like the Cold Fashioned (with espresso, simple syrup, and luxardo cherry). The star coffee companion is their own amazing version of a Pop-Tart.
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Condesa’s industrial-modern interior is perfect for enjoying a well-crafted espresso in Old Fourth Ward. Pair with a pastry from Alon’s Bakery, or linger over cocktails, beer, and small plates in the evenings.
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For those with furry, four-legged friends, ParkGrounds in Reynoldstown has a small dog park on site. Enjoy your coffee while your pal romps around with the other canines. You can also grab a bite to eat and enjoy an adult beverage or two.
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