Coffee in Cincinnati is where you’ll find tradition served with a twist. You can sip artisan brews inside cozy, brick-walled cafés while the smell of espresso drifts through the air. I love finding a quiet corner with a view of the river. You’ll feel the history in every cup and every street around you.
Highlights:
Unique Cincinnati Coffee Shops:
1. Sip with Family-Style Charm at Mom 'n 'Em Coffee & Wine
If you want a coffee spot that feels like home, I think you’ll love Mom 'n 'Em Coffee & Wine in Camp Washington. I always feel a sense of warmth and personality the moment I walk in. You’ll find it’s locally owned by brothers Tony and Austin Ferrari, and they created it as a tribute to their mom, Theresa Ferrari.
You can sip on freshly brewed coffee, specialty drinks, or even a glass of wine or a handcrafted cocktail. I like to grab a pastry or one of their breakfast bites when I go. You’ll also find tinned fish and other deli-style snacks if you’re in the mood for something different.
The space itself is cozy and stylish—I think you’ll want to stay a while. You’ll notice the murals outside too, which always make me smile. Whether you’re stopping in for coffee or winding down with wine, I think you’ll feel right at home here.
Mom 'n 'Em Coffee & Wine, 3128 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225, Phone: 513-886-0591
2. Blend Bold Brews and Vino at 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab
You’ll find 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab in the heart of OTR, and I always stop by when I want something laid-back with great drinks.
You can try specialty coffee in the morning or switch it up with a glass of wine later in the day—I’ve done both and never been disappointed. I also like grabbing a light bite or one of their fresh baked goods while I hang out.
You’ll notice the big brick walls and soft lighting that make it feel homey. I usually grab a seat by the window so I can sip and people-watch while the sunlight pours in. If you’re exploring nearby shops, I think this is the perfect place to take a break and unwind.
1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab, 1215 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Phone: 513-429-5745
3. Awaken Your Palate at Awakenings Coffee Roasters
If you’re in Hyde Park Square, I think you’ll enjoy Awakenings Coffee Roasters as much as I do. You’ll find a laid-back, art-filled space that’s perfect for relaxing or getting a little work done. I love the friendly vibe—it always feels welcoming.
You can choose from a big menu of coffee drinks. I usually go for a cappuccino, but you can try anything from nitro to pour-over, or just keep it simple with drip coffee. If wine is more your thing, you’ll find a nice casual selection too.
When I need to focus, I bring my laptop and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. You’ll also find plenty of comfy seating if you just want to curl up with a book. I always grab a spot by the window—the view of Hyde Park Square is one of my favorite parts.
Awakenings Coffee Roasters, 2734 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-321-2525
4. Get Grounded with Purpose at BLOC Coffee Company
If you want coffee with a cause, I think you’ll really appreciate BLOC Coffee Company in East Price Hill’s Incline District. You’ll feel good about every visit because they’re deeply connected to the community. I love how they partner with BLOC Ministries to support local families and kids in need.
You can count on getting great coffee here too—they work with Deeper Roots Coffee, and I always find something smooth and flavorful to sip. I think you’ll enjoy the bright, minimal space, especially with the big windows that fill the room with natural light.
If you need a quiet place to read or get some work done, I recommend grabbing a cozy seat. You’ll have access to free Wi-Fi, and I’ve found it’s a great place to stay for a while. I always leave feeling both energized and inspired.
BLOC Coffee Company, 801 Mt Hope Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45204, 45205
5. Sip with a Mission at Carabello Coffee Company
If you’re up for crossing the river into Newport, I think you’ll love Carabello Coffee Company<. I always enjoy the open, welcoming feel of the space, and you’ll find something for every kind of coffee mood.
You can grab a classic coffee at the casual bar, try something creative at their full-service espresso bar, or even peek into the back where they roast their own beans. I love how the shop is divided into these different zones—it makes each visit feel a little different.
Owned by Justin and Emily Carabello, this place started in a garage and has grown into one of the most exciting coffee spots around. I think you’ll appreciate how passionate they are about serving organic, farm-direct Fair Trade coffee.
You can sit inside or out, depending on the weather. I like stopping by when they host bar takeovers with guest roasters or when I’m in the mood to learn something new in one of their training classes. You’ll taste the care and community in every cup.
Carabello Coffee Company, 107 E 9th St, Newport, KY 41071, Phone: 859-415-1587
6. Fuel Up at Cincinnati’s OG: Coffee Emporium
If you want to experience a true Cincinnati classic, I think you should visit Coffee Emporium<. It’s the city’s oldest operating coffee house, and I’ve always found it full of charm and local flavor. You’ll find five locations around town, and each one feels spacious, bright, and welcoming.
You can sip on anything from a rich espresso to a smooth pour-over. I usually switch between a latte and their nitro cold brew, depending on my mood. You’ll also want to grab a pastry or sweet treat—I think they pair perfectly with any drink.
Each café has local art on the walls, plenty of seating, and free Wi-Fi if you want to settle in for a while. I like heading up to the second floor for a cozy spot inside or sitting outdoors under the wooden canopy with lush greenery around me. You’ll taste the quality in every cup since they roast their beans in small batches at their own roastery.
No matter which location you choose, I think you’ll feel right at home here.
Coffee Emporium, 3316 Erie Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208
Date Ideas:
7. Embrace the Minimal at Collective Espresso
If you’re serious about your coffee, you’ll want to stop by Collective Espresso. You’ll find a few locations around the city, and I always feel like I’m getting one of the best cups in town when I go. They brew with beans from great roasters like Louisville’s Quills Coffee and bring in guest beans from places like Sweet Bloom, Kuma, Madcap, and Hex.
Each café is small and cozy, but I think that adds to the charm. You’ll get to know the baristas, and I always feel welcomed when I walk through the door. I like to grab a pastry from Mainwood Pastry while I sip—everything they serve is delicious.
You can try anything from espresso and pour-over to drip or nitro. I usually rotate between a cappuccino and a pour-over depending on the day. You’ll find that the cafés are light-filled, calm, and perfect if you want to bring your laptop. I’ve spent more than a few mornings working there thanks to the free Wi-Fi.
If you’re after carefully crafted coffee and a friendly vibe, I think you’ll really enjoy Collective Espresso.
Collective Espresso, 207 Woodward St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Phone: 513-900-0154
8. Taste the Craft at Deeper Roots Coffee
If you care about where your coffee comes from, you’ll really appreciate Deeper Roots Coffee. You’ll find a few locations around Cincinnati, and I always love the calm, bright atmosphere inside. You can settle in with plenty of seating and free Wi-Fi—I’ve spent many relaxed mornings there with a cup in hand.
I think you’ll taste the difference in every sip, since they’re all about ethical sourcing and carefully crafted brews. They roast their own beans locally, and I love knowing that they work directly with small farmers to support fair and sustainable practices.
If you want a deeper look (no pun intended), I recommend heading to their roastery on Colerain Avenue. You can take a tour or join a tasting, and I always walk away learning something new about coffee. Les Stoneham, their Director of Coffee, even founded Deeper Roots Development to help improve the lives of coffee farmers—and I think that mission makes your cup feel even more meaningful.
Deeper Roots Coffee, 1814 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Phone: 513-319-3021
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