Being a barista and a coffee addict, a good coffee shop is something I hold in high regard. For those of you who don’t know, Tallahassee is home to some of the most hipster and dedicated baristas in the state, creating cool, local coffee shops scattered throughout the area.
Here is a list of my top four favorite places to grab a cup of joe:
1. Lucky Goat
The first one has to be Lucky Goat. Everyone in Tallahassee knows the logo because so many non-coffeehouse eateries serve this coffee. What makes Lucky Goat the “coffee mecca” of Tallahassee is that it roasts its beans in the coffee shop, and then distributes throughout the region. Lucky Goat is also notable for the classes they offer to the curious coffee-drinker or baristas who want to better themselves.
The best thing about Lucky Goat: if you get an iced coffee, they can serve it chilled and not put ice in it (for no upcharge) so none of the melted ice-cubes are watering down your drink.
2. Calvin’s Coffeehouse
Calvin’s has to go directly under Lucky Goat because they’re a coffeehouse that serves only Lucky Goat. Because they are run by a local Tallahassee church, the prices are affordable with the same great taste found at Lucky Goat.
The best thing about Calvin’s: They are located basically on Florida State Campus (right across from the college of music, next to Alpha Phi) so not only is it a good spot for good coffee, it’s also a great place to get some studying in when you want to beat the crowds of Strozier.
3. Black Dog on the Square
If we’re being real, it’s the cutest coffee shop that Tallahassee has to offer yet Black Dog on the Square is probably Talley’s best-kept secret. Right near the entrance of FAMU, this purple coffee shop is tucked away right near the entrance of Railroad Square less than a mile away from campus. This coffee shop has so many cool features from vegan menu options (vegan, organic popsicles…does it get more hipster), to their nitro-brew, where they brew the coffee out of something resembling a beer tap creating a really smooth coffee.
The best thing about Black Dog: During finals week, the thing that will make me pick Black Dog over any other coffee shop is their super fast Wi-Fi. I’m serious. It’s really reliable in both locations (Black Dog at Lake Ella) and there is always room to sit and get some work done.
4. Catalina Café at Cascades Park
This list would not be finalized if this coffee shop weren’t mentioned. The location at Cascades Park makes this location of Catalina Café my favorite because of how peaceful the atmosphere is. There is both outdoor and indoor seating with a view of the amphitheater and Cascade Park’s waterfall. One of my favorite things about this café is that it doesn’t just attract caffeine-deprived college students. There is a steady stream of Tallahassee residents coming in and out.
The best thing about Catalina Café: Catalina has consistently had the neatest latte art. The baristas are highly knowledgeable and into their craft, so they do their best to impress you.
