I work with some of the most wonderful people in the entire city of Cincinnati (perhaps even the world). I know this because when I started thinking of ways to better showcase the beautiful Queen City here on my blog, a few of them immediately jumped in to help.
First on the list, Corrie! Soup extraordinaire and knower of all the things to do in Cincinnati on any given Tuesday. Corrie was kind enough to venture out into the chilly Cincinnati streets on multiple occasions for an afternoon pick-me-up. And from those outings, we created this list: the best Cincinnati coffee shops (complete with superlatives)!
Coffee Emporium
The everything-you-expect-from-a-coffee-shop-and-more coffee shop
Coffee Emporium is the oldest coffee house in Cincinnati, and it’s one of my favorites for all different occasions, whether I’m grabbing a drink to-go or having a work meeting over coffee. Their OTR space is huge, and they also sell the best homemade bakery items.
What I Ordered: Blackberry Mocha
Go Here for: Really solid espresso options because they roast all their own beans, and that’s a difference you can taste!
Kidd Coffee
The Instagrammable coffee shop
Kidd Coffee has five different locations in the downtown Cincinnati area (including a nitro bar), and I chose to visit the one in Carew Tower. I love it because the decor is like something out of The Great Gatsby! And their rewards program is the bomb. (Also, if you download the Ritual app this month, you can get a free coffee from Kidd every day!)
What I Ordered: White Mocha Latte
Go Here for: Always rotating, seasonal lattes that are just sweet enough without giving you a sugar headache
Lola’s
The cozy coffee shop
Lola’s is just two blocks over from my office, and it’s my favorite place for a working meeting. There’s beautiful artwork on the walls, the entire atmosphere screams snuggly, and the croissants are the best way to treat yourself for getting a little work done.
What I Ordered: Lavender Latte
Go Here For: A good variety of staple coffee items and selection of teas
1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab
The hipster coffee shop
No matter the time of day, I can think of an excuse to pop into 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab. It’s a cute spot to meet up with friends for a drink before an event or to go through some emails over a morning latte. They also have a wine club, which I would totally look into if I lived downtown.
What I Ordered: Ginger Latte
Go Here For: A good number of pourover coffees (and a wide variety of wines!)
Iris BookCafé and Gallery
The hippie coffee shop
Corrie introduced me to Iris BookCafé when I first told her about my idea for this post, and I still can’t believe I had never been there before! It’s part coffee shop, part bookstore, part art gallery, part hangout space. There are shelves and shelves of books plus a large outdoor space, and I will be back soon for Cincinnati coffee, art, books, you name it.
What I Ordered: A good, old-fashioned Latte
Go Here For: A huge selection of teas that are treated with the utmost care and steeped for the perfect amount of time
Rooted Juicery + Kitchen
The juice bar that also serves coffee
Rooted is the cutest little vegan juicery, and I love stopping in for my morning drinks. Their matcha lattes are amazing and are made with your choice of almond, cashew, or coconut milk. I also recommend their juices (obviously) and their chocolate mousse pie because yum.
What I Ordered: Lovely Beet Latte with cashew milk
Go Here For: Vegan options that pack a caffeine punch and make you feel like you’re doing something good for yourself and the planet
What is your go-to order at a coffee shop? I obviously enjoy a good latte!
P.S. Find more places and adventures I’d recommend in Cincinnati!
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