Louisville is known as a foodie haven, but it is also full of delicious independent coffee shops! Some of them are single locations, and some have multiples– easier to enjoy no matter where you are in the city! We’ve linked the YELP page for each shop so you can read hundreds of reviews from other Louisvillians!
Highland Coffee
Perhaps Louisville’s best kept secret, Highland Coffee is tucked away off Bardstown Road. The shop is the perfect place for quiet study or a relaxing meeting with old friends. When driving around Louisville, you might see an occasional “Follow Me– I Know Where Highland Coffee Is!” sticker on a car or bicycle.
VINT
VINT is the ultimate “grown up” coffee shop. Not only can you get a variety of coffee, tea, and snacks, but you can also purchase wine by the glass! There is ample seating both inside and out, tables and couches, and a fireplace. This cozy shop is off Frankfort Avenue.
Quills Coffee has several locations (UofL, Baxter Ave, New Albany, and recently a location in Indianapolis), and is the ultimate study and group work shop. More often than not, tables are pushed together by either students or business associates to work together over their coffee and vegan snacks.
Atlantic No 5 is a crisp, clean shop on Main Street. Not only is there coffee and baked goods, but is a great brunch or lunch locale (we haven’t had everything on the menu, but everything we’ve had is delicious!) Due to the awesome location Downtown, it’s a great place to meet with co-workers, though it is also due to location that it is only open 8a-4p on weekdays.
Safai Coffee is an intimate shop off Bardstown Road that boasts not only coffee, but a plethora of crepes, smoothies, and vegan options are on the menu as well! Couches, a fireplace, greenery, and cozy rugs fill the space. It is a great location to work solo or meet with friends.
Please and Thank You has two locations in Louisville– on East Market Street and Frankfort Avenue. Both locations boast a delicious menu and great selection of coffee, and both locations are clearly the same company but have two distinct vibes. Frankfort Ave has a little more of a retro feel to it, where E Market has a classic feel. Both locations are worth visiting, if for nothing else than to pick up Louisville’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Heine Brothers has thirteen locations in Louisville, and somehow remains consistent in each of them. Every location is a little different, but always dons comfortable seating, some greenery, and brilliant natural light. A great shop overall–whether meeting with co-workers, meeting a blind date, or working on your own– Heine Brothers is a great choice.
