Louisville is pretty well known in coffee circles, and for a good reason. There are not only a wealth of Starbucks, but more importantly, there are dozens of local coffee shops and local coffee bean roasteries. Being a self-learned coffee guru and a barista, I've sampled some of the best local coffee shops here in Louisville. Here are my top five.
5. Day's Espresso & Coffee
Day's is a pretty good coffee shop located on the famous Bardstown Road in the Highlands. It is quaint and quiet, so it makes an ideal study space or a good place to catch up on emails if you're out and about. The coffee is solid and they know how to make espresso drinks and have quite a large selection of loose-leaf teas. Be warned, however: parking is tight, so you may want to bike or walk.
4. Heine Brother's.
Heine Brother's is a staple here in Louisville. There are 17 locations, including the Tulip Tree Cafe here on campus and their coffee truck that's a retro airstream trailer that travels to various events around town. Their menu has many signature drinks with creative names and flavors, like the Vint Julep. Heine Brother's is also great because they have a huge focus on local, organic, and free trade products they use.
3. Highland Coffee Company.
This hidden gem is tucked away behind Urban Outfitters on Bardstown Road. They feature all your standard coffee shop staples, but what sets them apart is their vibe and their diverse menu. If you are looking for an upbeat cafe with modern music and a vibrant atmosphere, this place is for you. Their menu has some additional local favorites, but what is truly unique is their seasonal menus. Their fall menu is good enough to make you want to skip the pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks. Just think about that one.
2. Quills Coffee
Quills is one of the best-recognized coffee shops in Louisville, and for a reason. Their classy and modern meets coffee shop mystique theme is absolutely captivating once you step in the door. Their espresso drinks are heavenly and their small-batch roasts are simply some of the best coffees I've ever brewed. Their menu is quite expansive and they can do a wealth of different brewing methods other than espresso or a regular coffee machine. With a location close in Cardinal Towne, this is a place you must visit.
1. Sunergos Coffee.
The spot for number one was a hard one to decide. But once you consider Sunergos has won the best espresso in the entire country, is ranked by USA Today as one of the top 20 coffee shops in the US, and Buzzfeed lists it as one of the 24 coffee shops you must visit before you die, it's a no-brainer. The vibe at their Preston Street location is chill and home-like, and you'll see why when you go inside. The baristas are super friendly and their coffee that you can buy is off the charts, even if you just have a plain coffee machine. As to how to pronounce Sunergos, that's an entire list of its own.
If you would like more information about these coffee shops and their locations, here are the links:
Day's: http://dayscoffee.com
Heine Brother's: https://heinebroscoffee.com
Highland Coffee Company: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Highland-Coffee-Company/104138822715
Quills Coffee: http://quillscoffee.com
Sunergos Coffee: http://www.sunergoscoffee.com
