The Best Coffee Shops in Louisville

Heine Brothers

Multiple locations
When most locals think Louisville coffee, we think Heine. As Louisville's "original coffee house" it's just better than Starbucks. (That's right, we said it.) This local chain has really grown over the years with more than 15 locations spread across Louisville and Southern Indiana. (Including on UofL's campus.) Their menu consists of hot and cold coffee, lattes, and typical goodies. Even though Heine has grown over the years (and added a whole lot of drive-thru) they still keep it weird with local stickers across those windows and only the best fair-trade coffee for purchase.

Please & Thank You

Multiple locations
If it's a nice coffee and dessert break you're after, Please & Thank You is the perfect spot. This local coffee chain and woman-owned restaurant might actually be more famous for their chocolate chip cookie now that it's racked up some recent national accolades. And for good reason. These cookies are the real deal. If you haven't tried one before, just stop reading now and go see for yourself. Stop by any of their five locations: Mark, Frank, River, Indy, and Duncan.

Quills Coffee

Multiple locations
Move over, Heine Brothers. You've got competition in Quills. With a quickly expanding roster of shops (now including Indianapolis?!) these guys really know their stuff and they take great measure to make sure each location feels like a creative, non-commercial space— whether that means displaying local art or simply letting some exposed brick work its magic. Plus, Quills' menu is anything but basic. They've got a fantastic line-up of seasonal specialties you'll never expect, including the highly revered espresso tonic. Wondering what the heck that tastes like? Sort of like a coffee mocktail. It's, like, Italian, probably.

Full Stop

1132 E St Catherine St.

This coffee shop was once a gas station, but today, it’s full of and even serves beer after dark. (Or, whenever you want it, really.) If Full Stop sounds like hipster heaven, well, it is, and we mean that in the best possible way. You can buy all sorts of cute goodies inside from tarot cards to __ to well, coffee beans, of course, Full Stop is one of the best places to go when you need a snack, a drink, a place to work outside, or you want to attend one of their poetry nights or latte art throw downs. (PS: There’s plenty of room indoors for when it’s rainy or cold.)

Safai Coffee Shop

1707 Bardstown Rd. & 1001 Logan St.
Yet another Louisville coffee legend, Safai Coffee is a great spot for anyone who loves small-batch, specialty roasts that are also good for the environment. These guys are doing great work through the Safai Foundation, which gives back to the Honduras coffee farms they purchase beans from. Stop by their Bardstown Road location or their shop at Logan Street Market. For something unique, try the Black Magic Latte, made with blackberry and white chocolate or the Purple Rain, a lavender and vanilla flavored soda.

Bean Roastery

1128 Goss Ave.
When it comes to hip, neighborhood coffee shops, it doesn't get better than The Bean, a Germantown neighborhood staple. A great location to work from, there are plenty of tables in the back area along with a community printer available during office hours. With a seasonal food and drink menu that changes day to day, you're in for a treat with specials like the Golden Honey Cortado or the Coconut Horchata Iced Latte- an iced latte made with coconut milk, cinnamon, and house made vanilla.

Fante’s Coffee

2501 Grinstead Dr.
Fante’s Coffee is a true coffee house where all their internationally-sourced beans are roasted in house. Owner Leo Fante of Fante's Coffee House has been in the coffee business since 1978 and has imbued the space with comfy, homey vibes. The menu has plenty to choose from, including specialty coffee, teas, pastries and full a lunch menu. When it's cold out, warm up with the seasonal Campfire Mocha, complete with toasted marshmallow.

Butchertown Bakery

743 E Main St.
If the European-style sidewalk tables and stunning interiors aren’t enough to make you fall head over heels with Butchertown Bakery, wait until you hear this: Their pastry chef Amanda Johnson was recently named Pastry Chef of the Year. You can catch her on their Instagram page, showing off daily creations like her specialty Cruffins— for the uninitiated, it’s a muffin-croissant hybrid filled with fruity pastry creams, coffee mascarpone mousse or anything else the culinary genius dreams up. While you’re there, grab one of their lunch specials or pick out a bottle or wine or bourbon to go.

Cafe KIWA

235 Frankfort Avenue, Suite 104
One of Louisville’s new Korean restaurants, this minimalist cafe on Frankfort Ave. brings a curated selection of unique food and beverages to Clifton. If you’re tired of the same old latte, KIWA is the place to go. Try their Signature Latte with black sesame cream and a savory bulgogi beef and mushroom panini. Don’t forget to head to the second floor to take in the Korean-American art gallery.

Old Louisville Coffee Co-Op

316 W. Ormsby Ave
Opened in 2023, this worker-owned coffee shop is backed by some noteworthy local business like Kizito Cookies and Sis Got Tea. We love their mission to bring a safe, inclusive community space to Old Louisville where they host all sorts of monthly events.

Day’s Espresso & Coffee

1420 Bardstown Rd.
Stop by Day’s Espresso & Coffee to take a look at local art and grab a great cup of coffee.

Crescent Hill Coffee

2714 Frankfort Ave.
A great coffee shop for staple coffee, lattes and other espresso-based drinks.

Sister Bean’s Coffee House

5225 New Cut Rd.
Sister Bean’s has a new special every week alongside their menu full of frozen, hot and iced drinks. The special this week is a Raspberry Truffle latte.

Pregame Coffee

1737 Frankfort Ave.
Pregame Coffee is not for the faint of heart, but it sure is for anyone who loves a little fun. They’ve got plenty of signature drinks and food items, but also a long list of alcoholic drinks, like the Pregame Toddy, made with bourbon, lemon syrup, honey and Earl Grey tea.

Barista Parlor

500 W Jefferson St.
Barista Parlor covers it all. This coffee shop even has CBD infused drinks and a drink called “WILMAAAAA” with Fruity Pebbles infused oat milk.

Blackbeard Espresso

718 W Main St.
A coffee truck? Yes, please. Blackbeard Espresso serves coffee, tea and blended drinks right out of the truck.

Ntaba Coffee Haus

2860 Packerland Way & 2407 Brownsboro Rd.
Ntaba has authentic African coffee and pastries, like meat pies and breakfast rolls.

Red Hot Roasters

1399 Lexington Rd.
This retro style coffee shop is nationally featured in the Food Network magazine and HGTV magazine, and for good reason.

Sunergos Coffee

1647 Norris Pl. (Multiple locations)
With four locations, Sunergos offers a variety of hot and cold drinks, including drip coffee, espresso-based drinks, teas and smoothies. They offer rotating pastry items as well, all made in house.

Brew & Sip Coffee Bar

3800 Shepherdsville Rd.
With what seems to be a neverending menu, Brew & Sip Coffee Bar is great for coffee, but also for other drinks like smoothies, tea and lemonade.