The 7 Best Coffee Shops In Atlanta

The coffee scene in Atlanta has been booming recently, with old favourites mingling with new and trendy coffee joints. It’s safe to say you won’t be stuck for a morning pick-me-up here.

Here’s the best places to soothe all your coffee needs – from strong espresso to cold brews that will take the edge off a southern summer. It might not be Seattle or New York, but when it comes to coffee, Atlanta is certainly holding its own.

The 7 Best Coffee Shops In Atlanta, How do these rankings work?

1. Refuge Coffee

In the town just outside Atlanta where the UN resettles a few thousand refugees every year, it’s uplifting to know that places like Refuge Coffee exist. Their funky red coffee trucks serve amazing coffee and specialty drinks all over Atlanta, as well as offering mentorship and job training for refugees.

Not only is it a multi-ethnic gathering place where everyone is welcomed, the coffee is purely perfect. You’re in luck if there’s a few homemade pastries on the menu, too.

2. East Pole Coffee Co.

This cute cafe in the Armour and Piedmont Heights neighbourhoods has lots of space to chill out, including a patio out front. The coffee is roasted in-house, making it more of a roastery that has a coffee bar.

There’s seasonal drinks alongside the expert brews on filters, and do keep an eye out for the public cupping sessions.

3. Academy Coffee

Academy Coffee has endless fans all across Atlanta who flock to it for its sleek design and gourmet coffee. They’ve over six years of experience creating specialty beverages for those who love the classics as well as those seeking something different.

They do a whacky-yet-delicious ‘Academy’ menu, with highlights such as the Monkey Bidness (Iced Latte with Banana & Almond) a must-try.

4. Chrome Yellow Trading Co.

This coffee and dry goods/clothing store in Atlanta’s Old FourthWard is easily one of the coolest spaces in the city. Grab a cold brew Stumptown coffee and fresh pastry at the coffee bar and then explore the retail section for all the tshirts and candles you never knew you needed ’til now.

There’s nitro coffee or our fave – the iced oat chai.

5. Brash Coffee

They’re meticulous about sourcing the best coffee, and visit single farms and buy the highest quality coffees we can find. Their flagship shop in Westside Provisions District is in a pair of repurposed shipping containers.

Seating is limited, but there two other locations in town: Midtown and Buckhead.

6. Radio Roasters

Radio Roasters is a small batch roastery in Decatur with a tasting bar serving up batch brew, espresso with almond milk, pour-over, and traditional coffees, all made with the freshest roasted beans. Visit the store to see the roasting in action and taste the goods.

Single-origin coffee, carefully sourced and roasted in small batches. What more could you need?

7.Three Heart Coffee Roastery

Three Heart Coffee Roaster comes from the team behind 8ARM; you’ll find it along the Eastside Beltline. Stroll up to the walk-up window and get a fresh coffee before posing for an Insta with the graffiti.

Had too much caffeine already? Stop by for their famed iced watermelon treats. The ‘Guadalajara’ is their original all natural frozen, shaved watermelon topped with chili lime syrup and spiced pumpkin seeds.