There are many reasons that you may visit a coffee shop.  Maybe you want to sit down and get some work done or possibly you are on a first date?  Or maybe you want a relaxed, quiet setting to do some deep thinking.  Whatever it is that you want out of your coffee shop visit, you will get that in these excellent coffee shops around Atlanta!

 

 

• URBAN GRIND

LOCATION: 962 MARIETTA ST NW, ATLANTA GA 30318

 

Three words describe Urban Grind.. coffee, culture and community.  Established in 2007 in the up and coming West Midtown, their goal was to bring people together!  Right as you enter the shop the smell of fresh coffee fills your senses and gives you that feel good feeling instantly.  The couches and coffee table immediately bring a touch of being at home and a pleasurable experience of comfort. 

They really push the culture of building a better community and providing a place for everyone to thrive!  Along with coffee, Urban Grind provides a selection of tea, panini sandwiches, pastries and desserts.  Whether you are studying, working, meeting up with friends or kicking back to relax, they have it all here.  Their slogan is, “Home away from home” and they provide what they preach.

Come visit them next time you are in West Midtown and you will most definitely get what you are looking for!  That is why they are on the list of the best coffee shops in Atlanta.

 

 

 

• HODGEPODGE COFFEEHOUSE

LOCATION: 720 MORELAND AVE SE, ATLANTA GA 30316

 

 If you find yourself driving through East Atlanta Village make sure to drop in to HodgePodge!  This place does not disappoint, with a vast selection of craft coffee and some delicious foods you will leave here with a smile on your face.  Let’s talk about the menu briefly and what to expect upon arrival.  With 4 signature drinks you are sure to find one that fits your palate.  How about the excellent “Bless Your Heart” which features Ghirardelli Caramel and French Vanilla Latte.. Or the “Mocha Caliente” with Ghirardelli chocolate, cinnamon and a hint of cayenne for a spicy finish!  Let’s not forget the food options.. We will start off with the curried chicken Jamaican patty that is sure to give your taste buds the kick you are looking for!  Also, comes in spinach for all the Vegetarians out there.  Don’t forget to sample the popovers filled with egg and seasonal flavors and baked into a puff pastry. 

The menu is rather extensive with deliciousness so you will have to visit their website for more information.  A little bit about the idea of HodgePodge coffeehouse..  This coffee shop was built off of a dream of the owner to bring people together.  A place where everyone is welcome and all different kinds of people with different walks of life can connect.  An environment for people of all colors, genders, sexual orientations etc.. to thrive, build relationships and resources for happiness and success!  As the owner Krystle Rodriguez said, “My motivation behind every project is to create an environment for people like me: people who are often overlooked.”  A fantastic coffee shop with an even better motive.  That is what makes HodgePodge one of the best coffee shops in Atlanta!

 

 

 

• DANCING GOATS

LOCATION: 419 WEST PONCE DE LEON AVE, DECATUR GA 30030 (OTHER LOCATIONS ARE IN BUCKHEAD, PONCE CITY MARKET & MIDTOWN)

 

Dancing Goats has always been a staple in the Decatur community.  People come here to conversate, relax, work and enjoy spectacular coffees and espressos!  The ambience of this place is a welcoming one.  The staff is courteous and warming, it feels like family here.  Along with the comfortable atmosphere, Dancing Goats has exceptional coffee.  The coffee is roasted right here in Atlanta at the Batdorf & Bronson roastery off of North Avenue in Midtown. 

Batdorf & Bronson are dedicated to sourcing the best coffee beans around the world and paying fair prices to farmers with a dedication to sustaining a better, cleaner planet.  With over 30 years experience they have done a great job at paving the way for a greener way of roasting coffee.  In 2000 they became the first green powered coffee roaster in America.  How does one do this you may ask?  Solar energy is used to power computers and phones.  They signed a 10 year contract to purchase 100% renewable energy for all Batdorf & Bronson locations.  To learn more about all they are doing for the environment go visit their website and click on the “About” tab and then “Sustainability.”  It is far too much to write in this blog but trust me when I say they are doing a lot to keep this earth clean.  A quote from the owner, “From the beginning, Dancing Goats has been committed to producing outstanding coffee, and to do more than our competitors.  We wanted to do more for our farmers, more for our customers, and more for our environment.”  This is what makes Dancing Goats more than a coffee shop and ranks it high on the list of the best coffee shops in Atlanta!  This is a must visit next time you are in the area!

 

 

 

• BRASH COFFEE ROASTERS

LOCATION: 3027 BOILING WAY NE, ATLANTA GA 30305

 

Brash coffee has expanded quickly due to its modern design and cushy atmosphere.  With 5 locations in Buckhead, Midtown and West Midtown it is obvious that the coffee shop clientele here in Atlanta has been drawn to Brash!  Let’s talk briefly about the coffee selection and what it means.  Each roast is dedicated to a farmer, the first being Miguel Menendez. 

Miguel is a fourth generation coffee grower from El Salvador.  The beans are grown at nearly 4,000 feet of elevation.  You will get tasting notes of dark chocolate, orange peel and black currant with this roast which they call “The Master.”  The 2nd featured farmer is Henry Gaibor from Ecuador.  Henry used to be a veteran war trauma surgeon, after he retired him and his wife started a coffee farm.  Now they own 3 farms with each focusing on a different variety of coffee.  His rigorous attention to detail has carried over from the medical field to growing coffee.  Quality and dedication describe his work ethic on his farms.  This roast will have a plum, lemon and milk chocolate flavor notes with a full body, Brash calls it “The Scientist.”  With a single purpose to produce the best coffee in Atlanta and share it with the community is Brash’s philosophy.  This is achieved through developing lasting relationships with trusted coffee bean farmers. 

From the owner, “We visit single farms and buy the highest quality coffees we can find.  We believe in meticulously procuring, roasting, and preparing coffee in a way that honors everyone involved.  From the farmers to the roasters to the baristas.  We are pursuers of simple, delicious coffee.”  That is why Brash stands out from the competition and has a place here on the best coffee shops in Atlanta!

 

 

• EAST POLE COFFEE COMPANY

LOCATION: 255 OTTLEY DR NE #105, ATLANTA GA 30324 (OTHER LOCATION IS IN PONCEY-HIGHLAND)

 

Located about 4 miles north of Atlanta next to the famous Sweetwater Brewing Company.  East Pole is worth a visit, quiet and roomy for opening the laptop and knocking out some work.  Among all of the great coffee beverages you can get at most coffee shops.. They have 3 different types of coffee that you can get whole beans to go here.  The first one they call “Humberto” and the beans are sourced at an elevation of 4,800 ft in Oaxaca, Mexico.  This coffee is produced by a roastery called San Vicente Yogondoy and its tasting notes are dark chocolate, lime & brown sugar.  The second is called “El Triunfo” and is produced by Finca Santa Cruz in Chiapas, Mexico.  Beans are grown at an altitude of 5,250 feet.  Tasting notes are going to be lemon curd, blueberry and shortbread.  A delicious combination if you ask me!  The last one is called “Kolla Bolcha”.  These beans are produced by Kata Muduga Cooperative in Agaro Gera, Ethiopa at a whopping 6,600 ft above sea level!  Some fruit notes in this one with nectarine, pomegranate and jasmine.  Along with the outstanding coffee they offer an array of pastries in which they partner with local bakeries.  Although I cannot say I have had these three varieties of coffee from East Pole, they do sound delicious and it is on my list to pick up a bag of the “Kolla Bolcha!” 

With an outstanding atmosphere and a wide range of heavenly coffee drinks East Pole earns its spot on the best coffee shops in Atlanta!

 

 

• ALCHEMIST TRADING COMPANY

LOCATION: 9700 MEDLOCK BRIDGE RD SUITE 138, JOHNS CREEK GA 30022

 

Nestled in Johns Creek about 15 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta you will find Alchemist Trading Company.  Upon entering this coffee shop, you will find the name very fitting.  The traditional meaning of Alchemy is to transform the state of matter.  Well, Alchemist Trading Company is trying to transform your overall feeling and give you a top notch coffee shop experience! 

A radical paint job with black brick and an outerspace vibe will give you a warm and cozy welcome.  The menu is a bit more extensive than some other coffee shops offering different shaved ice flavors called “Alchemist Snow.” Flavors like mango, strawberry and coco along with several others you are sure to find one that will make you salivate.  They also have ice cream floats, make sure to try the “Matcha + Vanilla Float” and take your taste buds up to the top floor!  What separates Alchemist from other coffee shops?  A method of a slow drip cold brew called Dutch coffee.  Originated in the 1700’s Dutch sailors would brew coffee at sea in a tower like structure you would expect to see in a science lab. 

The coffee is stronger and has a lower acidity than most cold brews.  A rich, smooth chocolate flavor is the best way to describe it.  This is what puts Alchemist Trading Company on the list of the best coffee shops in Atlanta!

 

 

• PERC COFFEE ATLANTA

LOCATION: 2380 HOSEA L WILLIAMS DR NE #3, ATLANTA GA 30317

 

Established in 2010 in Savannah, Panther’s Eye Roasting Company (Perc) has made quite a name for themselves.  Now with 2 locations in Atlanta they have risen to a coffee shop that makes people feel like their younger selves.  A retro themed look gives you nostalgia and it doesn’t end there. 

Apparently, Perc has it’s own version of the pop tart that will toss your taste buds right back into the 90’s!  Unfortunately, I myself have not had the chance to try it quite yet but I have heard great things.  Back to the coffee, they offer many different kinds of coffee and they have separated them into categories.  The first one is called “Are You Wild.”  These can be found in pink bags and they will feature flavor notes of citrus and red fruit.  The second one is called “Need Balance” these coffees will come in yellow bags suited best for the kind of person who enjoys some sweetness with some nutty notes.  Last but certainly not least (tasty), just more smooth and breezy.  Called, “Are You Mild” this is for the chill and laid back lad who likes an easy drinking cup.  You can find these in the blue bags with flavor profiles of caramel and cocoa.  It is no surprise that Perc has grown into an Atlanta staple as they provide wonderful coffee with a cool atmosphere.  This is what has put it on the best coffee shops to visit in Atlanta.  Make sure to stop in whenever you pass by East Lake or Virginia Highlands!