12 Must-Try Memphis Coffee Shops
Caffeine lovers, this one's for you. These Memphis coffee shops are fantastic local options for getting your daily dose. Image: Cxffeeblack
Coffee lovers get it. There are few things more soul-soothing than a perfectly prepared cup of coffee, however you take it. Luckily, there are plenty of options in town to satisfy your cravings. Here are 12 of our favorite Memphis coffee shops for a caffeine fix — whether you’re on the go or looking to sit and stay a while!
Belltower Coffeehouse & Studio
Locations: Highland & Shelby Farms Park
More Info: belltowercoffeeandstudio.com
Belltower Coffeehouse & Studio offers an extensive menu of coffee, espresso, and teas — plus a few caffeine-free selections for folks who prefer their morning beverage without the buzz. They also offer a tasty menu of breakfast and lunch options, as well as a selection of boozy brunch beverages and wine.
But what makes Belltower unique is its offering of pottery classes and workshops. Where else in town can you make your own mug and then drink from it? They also have a location inside the visitor center at Shelby Farms Park, perfect for a pick-me-up during your day out.
Café Eclectic
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: cafeeclectic.net
Open for all-day breakfast seven days a week, this Midtown cafe also features lunch, brunch, and desserts. While they’re known for their coffee, it’s also worth trying their old-fashioned soda fountain and selection of made-from-scratch bakery items, including filled croissants and buttermilk biscuits. And since they prioritize local vendors in their menu, you’re supporting fellow Memphians when you stop by for a sip or snack.
City & State
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: cityandstate.us
This coffee shop has been a Memphis staple since 2015, but they’re now renovating less as a retail store and more as a community space. Located on Broad Avenue, you can enjoy a mix of lattes, espressos, teas, and other seasonal delights, including take-home roasts. Try one of their lavender lattes or the espresso soda for a one-of-a-kind flavor that’s sure to add a healthy dose of caffeine to any morning.
Crazy Gander Coffee Company
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: crazygander.com
In Summer 2021, Crazy Gander Coffee Company moved into a historic bank building in downtown Memphis. Now, in the light-flooded space, you can order from a selection of hot, cold, and blended coffee drinks, plus a mouthwatering selection of pastries and rotating food specials. (One of their bagel sandwiches landed on our list of totally epic breakfast sandwiches around Memphis!)
Cxffeeblack
Neighborhood: Mitchell Heights
More Info: cxffeeblack.com
Founded in 2019 by a husband-and-wife team, this coffee shop recently opened on Bowen Avenue and brings the flavor! With roasts from around the globe, this cafe has indulgent, rich flavors you won’t find anywhere else in Memphis. They offer seasonal specials inspired by luxury and heritage, and you can even take a bag of their unique beans home to craft your own delectable drinks.
French Truck Coffee
Locations: Highland, Crosstown & Madison Avenue
More Info: frenchtruckcoffee.com
With three locations across Memphis (including inside the Crosstown Concourse), making a pit stop at French Truck Coffee is a must. You can also swing by their Highland shop near the University of Memphis or their cafe in the Medical District. Not only is the breakfast menu full of to-die-for waffles all day long, but the lunch menu is just as delicious. Finish your meal with a cup of joe to go!
The Hub
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: thehubcoffee.org
You can feel great about splurging on a daily latte when you do it at The Hub in East Memphis, as a large portion of their proceeds benefit three local nonprofits — Asha’s Refuge, Memphis Union Mission, and Sucasa Family Ministries. In a vibrant, Memphis-centric atmosphere, The Hub serves up coffee and espresso with a cause.
Memphis Chess Club
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: memphischessclub.com
Memphis Chess Club is precisely what it sounds like — and then some. Yes, guests are welcome to play chess (free for chess club members; $5 for non-members), but they also offer a variety of other games. And if you’re not in the mood to play, you can simply enjoy the cozy ambiance and order from the coffee menu or an extensive food menu that includes pizza, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods. If it’s too late in the day for a caffeine hit, you can also choose from a menu of beer, wine, and spiked seltzers.
Otherlands Coffee Bar
Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More Info: otherlandscoffeebar.com
At Otherlands Coffee Bar, you can snag a great cup of coffee, an Americano, a strawberry smoothie, or breakfast and lunch bites. Sit and enjoy, but before you leave, be sure to explore the secret gift store filled with unique offerings like bohemian jewelry, beeswax candles, and postcards.
Ramblin’ Joes
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: ramblinjoescoffee.com
Formerly known as Ugly Mug, Ramblin’ Joe’s is an East Memphis favorite featuring a drive-through window that is an absolute godsend on busy days. Order from classic coffee, espresso, and tea selections, plus clever energy boosters like the Spark Infuser pictured below.
Sweet Eye Coffee Roasters
Neighborhood: Cordova
More Info: sweeteyecoffee.com
Enjoy international flavors at Sweet Eye, a local spot with beans from Brazil, Costa Rica, Yemen, and more. You can find classic coffee favorites, like lattes and cappuccinos, or try something new and unique like the Dubai chocolate-inspired latte and a mushroom-based Chaga Matcha. You can also pair your drink with a sweet bakery treat or housemade chocolates.
Sweet LaLa’s Bakery
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: sweetlalas.com
Sweet LaLa’s has great coffee, but we’re partial to this spot for curing sugar cravings! Pair your favorite coffee drink with an order from the bakery case — they’ve got cookies, cupcakes, pastries, pies, and cakes galore. They even keep six-inch grab-and-go cakes on deck for last-minute special occasion needs.
Cheers!
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Ariel Taranski
Ariel's been writing professionally for over a decade, with a passion for travel, pets, good food, and a great book. She's lived in Memphis for over half of her life, a transplant from Florida and Southern through-and-through.