The 10 Best Coffee Shops to Visit in the U.S.
I have two questions for you.
First, do you like to travel? It is a great hobby to see new places and experience new things.
Second, do you really enjoy drinking coffee? I would actually be surprised if you said no to the second question, as it is the most popular drink in the world.
Well, why not mix your two passions and visit the best coffee shops in the United States?
There are plenty of unique coffee shops in the U.S. that serve some of the best coffee in the world. I have made a list of the top ones to visit.
By Andrew.
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#1: Café du Monde – New Orleans, Louisiana
This one might be my top pick as I love all things French.
Located in New Orleans’ French Quarter, the origins of the famous and unique Café du Monde (French for “Café of the World”) date back to the American Civil war, and even before then, actually.
The history of Café du Monde is quite interesting.
History of Café du Monde: Interesting Beginnings
Around the year 1700, the French brought coffee with them when they arrived at the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
During the American Civil War, the Creoles began adding chicory to coffee as there was a coffee shortage.
Chicory coffee is still served at Café du Monde today.
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Building Origins
The building where Café du Monde is located has Spanish origins. “Butcher’s Hall,”as it was known by back then, was built in 1791 by the Spanish.
It was the first building to be put up on the French Market, an area where the French sold things and had great influence on Louisiana culture.
In 1812, the building was destroyed by a hurricane. In its place, another building was put up which now houses the current Café du Monde. It first opened in the year 1862.
Their menu has not changed since it first opened. In addition to chicory coffee (either a café au lait or just regular black coffee) they also serve beignets, a type of French doughnut.
Café du Monde is a famous tourist destination and New Orleans landmark and I am sure you will enjoy visiting it.
Read more about this amazing café here.
#2: The Original Starbucks – Seattle, Washington
Second on my list is just a tiny coffee shop chain. Just kidding! It’s the huge, one and only – Starbucks.
The original Starbucks first opened in Seattle, Washington at Pike Place Market.
It is a renowned coffee shop know for drawing lots of tourists.
The coffee shop has mostly kept its original appearance, including the original counters, floors, and other building characteristics, making it a building of historical significance.
First opened on March 30, 1971, this one thousand square foot store typically has very long lines, so be prepared to wait for your coffee!
#3: Black Bear Coffee House – Denali National Park, Alaska
Third on my list is the incomparable coffee shop called Black Bear Coffee House.
I chose this one because of its unique location. It is located in Denali, National Park, Alaska.
Pleasing the senses for the last twenty-two years, this coffee house serves brunch as well as amazing coffee from 6am to 3pm every day.
Make sure to eat well here before you venture out into the park.
What a great way to spend your day! Who doesn’t want to visit Alaska?
It’s on my bucket list, for sure.
#4: Spyhouse Coffee – Minneapolis, Minnesota
This one is also rated very highly on my list because I am from Minneapolis.
Spyhouse Coffee in Minneapolis, Minnesota serves some of the best, most flavorful sustainably sourced coffee that is out there.
They have four locations in Minneapolis and one in St. Paul.
Spyhouse Coffee offers some of the most delicious lattes I have ever tasted.
If you end up visiting this coffee shop, make sure to order a Spygirl, which is a latte that includes lavender and honey.
So good!
#5: Kona Coffee Purveyors –Honolulu, Hawaii
The reason why I chose Kona Coffee Purveyors for number five on my list is obvious.
This coffee shop is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Who doesn’t want to visit Hawaii and enjoy its tropical paradise while drinking some of the best coffee in the world?
This fashionable coffee shop owned by a married couple, each bringing their own set of skills and expertise, serves up Kona Coffee, which is cultivated locally in Hawaii.
They ensure that the coffee they serve is made sustainably and have a deep respect for mother earth.
Enjoy a cup of Kona Coffee and maybe pair it with a tasty croissant during your trip to one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world!
#6: Air Ship Coffee – Bentonville, Arkansas
Number six on my list is Air Ship Coffee.
I chose this one to be included on my list because it is very exclusive.
Due to its unique location in the mountains, it is only reachable by foot or by bike.
The anticipation you feel for a nice warm cup of coffee pervades you during your walk or bike ride, making finally getting there that much better.
Enjoy the fun atmosphere, soak in some nature, and enjoy high quality, tasty coffee.
#7: Drip Coffee – Brooklyn, New York
Kill two birds with one stone: visit the city that never sleeps, and stay up late drinking coffee from the coffee house “Drip Coffee.”
While there are many coffee shops in Brooklyn, this one offers a sophisticated look and some of the best coffee from some of the best roasters in the United States.
Since it first opened, it has quickly become one of the top coffee shops in Brooklyn with many frequent and new customers.
Enjoy an espresso, batch brew, or pour over in a comfortable setting.
#8: Sightglass Coffee, San Francisco, California
Sightglass Coffee in San Francisco, CA is a sibling-owned, independent coffee shop that holds their coffee to the highest possible standard.
They source their green coffee from the most sustainable processes and roast it in-house.
In fact, they have a window, or “sightglass” where you can view the entire process. Hence the name of the coffee shop – Sightglass Coffee.
It is crazy that this company started as a small coffee cart on the streets of San Francisco and became a full-fledged business and community staple!
Read this review for more information.
#9: Intelligentsia Coffee: Chicago, Illinois, Los Angeles, California and New York, New York
Intelligentsia Coffee is number nine on my list because it offers 11 locations to choose from in the cities listed above and due to the fact that the owners work hard, 365 days a year to cultivate great tasting coffee and offer it to their customers in a suitable bar atmosphere.
Their baristas are experts as Intelligentsia Coffee has training labs in New York, LA, and Atlanta.
They have specialties daily which brings out the hard-work, dedication, and focus of the baristas that personally choose what the best preparation of coffee is for that day.
They meet the needs of those who live life in the fast lane, always on the go, and in need of a quick cup of joe, by offering tasty coffee from their 1963coffee delivery truck roaming the streets of Chicago.
#10: Bourgeois Pig Café, Chicago, Illinois
If you are in Chicago to pay a visit to Intelligentsia Coffee, you’re going to want to stay and visit another very popular coffee shop called Bourgeois Pig Café because they offer some very tasty coffees that pair so well with their breakfast items.
They have been around for 25 years and have loyal customers border lining on a cult like following for the locals.
This spot is a must-visit!
Conclusion
After reading my top-ten list of the best coffee shops to visit in the U.S., do you want to start planning your trip to see them all?
Aren’t you enticed by the description of these sophisticated settings, and also enamored with coffee?
So, get to it already!
Maybe it can be a yearly tradition to visit one coffee shop in a different state annually.
You got ten years to complete the list then.
Come on, I have faith in you!
Photo by SnapStock
