Rocco Smith
A trip to Columbus, Ohio, wouldn’t be complete or possible without stopping at a coffee shop along the way.
Whether you’re there to check out the incredible art scene or just starting your first semester at Columbus College of Art and Design, you’ll need caffeine to fuel your adventures.
What better place to fill up than at a cozy coffee shop?
Fortunately, with Columbus’s lively young, innovative crowd, there is no shortage of that liquid gold.
I was able to try a wide variety of flavors, roasts, and custom creations during my stay, and based on my calculations, here are the best coffee shops in Columbus.
One-Line Coffee-Short North
745 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-564-9852
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I love starting my day in a warm and cozy atmosphere, and that’s exactly what I got when I visited One-Line Coffee-Short North for a morning pick-me-up.
This inviting coffee shop is located in the bustling arts district, making it a convenient place to start your day before you head out to take some contemplative entertainment after my morning cup.
I really appreciated this shop’s community feel and commitment to great coffee.
Serving up single-origin, locally sourced brews is this place’s specialty.
I highly recommend stopping in for an iced latte and cinnamon roll before doing anything else for the day.
The Roosevelt Coffeehouse
Multiple locations
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This mission-driven coffee shop is serving up incredible brews and changing lives one day at a time.
Located just a few blocks from the Columbus Museum of Art, this airy and modern space fits right in.
I loved being able to pick up my morning cup of Joe and take a stroll down the historic streets of Columbus.
Besides an impressive coffee selection, you can try out specialty drinks like matcha, tea, and some hot chocolate.
What’s more, there are several food options, from donuts to cream-cheese bagels (which I ordered as a delicious snack to go!).
When you order your favorite drip coffee or espresso here, you can rest assured that your money is doing good in the world.
This coffee shop donates all of its profits to organizations advocating for a range of causes, like clean water, ending hunger, and eliminating human trafficking.
If that sounds great to you but you don’t have the chance to try out their delightful cortado, you can still donate online.
Brioso Roastery & Coffee Bar
329 E Long St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-754-9511
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For an easy morning cup near the Columbus College of Art and design, drop in at the Brioso Roastery & Coffee Bar.
This brick-walled coffee shop has the perfect ambiance for a rainy day, which happened to be the case during my visit.
The staff here are warm, and you’re immediately given a welcome by some of the nicest people in Ohio.
On my stop, I ordered an Ohio honey and vanilla latte.
This was one of the most exquisite drinks I tried during my visit to Columbus.
After pairing it with a bagel and cream cheese, the rest of my day was sure to be a hit after such a pleasing breakfast.
I even picked up a hoodie on my way out to commemorate the occasion.
Fox in the Snow Cafe
Multiple locations
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This chic bakery/coffee shop serves exceptional brews and baked goods.
It boasts a rustic charm, making it the perfect setting for sipping your morning cappuccino and catching up on a novel.
Their coffee is so good that Fox in the Snow Cafe was voted one of the best coffee shops in America in 2019.
Plus, there are several locations to choose from in the Columbus area. My favorite was within walking distance of Schiller Park.
There is no better way to spend an afternoon than picnicking with gourmet sandwiches, tarts, and espresso.
I highly recommend sampling the coffee cake.
Stauf’s Coffee Roasters
Multiple locations
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Staufs Coffee Roasters is one of the best coffee shops in Columbus, offering brews from more than 20 countries in a casual and breezy atmosphere.
Coffee connoisseurs are bound to appreciate this location’s passion, with a wide selection and expertly roasted beans.
And with plenty of locations to choose from, this excellent Joe is never far away.
Customers rave over the cortado, so I couldn’t resist the urge to see what all the fuss was about.
I must say it did not disappoint, even coming decorated with a foam cat.
Their food is just as delicious, and I highly recommend trying out the kale and goat cheese salad.
Mission Coffee Co. LLC
2050 South High Street Suite A.1.1.5, Columbus, OH 43207
Phone: 614-300-0648
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Mission Coffee Co. LLC is a comfortable coffee shop in a gorgeous venue.
The perfect blend of industrial and rustic decor would be a wonderful backdrop for any outing or study date.
And if you can’t stop by the shop, don’t worry.
Their coffee can come to you! Ask about their catering options for your big event.
Aside from their drinks, Mission Coffee has food choices to sustain you during your stay, including scones, brownies, and croissants.
To go with my cold brew (which had a delightful, refreshing texture), I picked out a scone and spent an afternoon relaxing people-watching.
The friendly service and atmosphere drew me in, and it was easy to lose an hour or two.
Upper Cup Coffee
79 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-220-0206
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This charming location blends rustic decor with a modern flair, making it an ideal destination if you’re in the mood for a sleepy Saturday morning.
Upper Cup Coffee has an extensive drinks selection, with their caramel latter being the standout for me.
Their croissants and muffins are served fresh and made in-house each day.
However, I opted for a grilled PB&J before I headed up the street to visit the Kelton House Museum and Garden.
With an iced latte in one hand and my sandwich in the other, I decided to check out what else they offer at this gorgeous location prior to leaving.
As I discovered, if you come every 2nd and 4th Sunday, you can enjoy chess, hosted by The Royal Oak Initiative.
Crimson Cup Coffee and Tea
Multiple locations
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With multiple locations to choose from, Crimson Cup Coffee and Tea is a great option throughout Ohio.
These coffee innovators aren’t shy about sharing the secrets of their success, either.
Founder Greg Ubert even wrote a book about how to open your own coffee establishment.
I couldn’t wait to try some of their popular brews for myself, and the baristas did not let me down.
After a lot of deliberation, I ordered the New Orleans cold brew, but I can’t wait to go back and try some of their most famous drinks, like the Crimson Cup Mocha Freeze.
Pair it with a piece of coffee cake (I was thankful I did!), and you’ve got a flawless afternoon snack.
Cafe De Nook
175 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-745-3712
This 1920s Parisian-style cafe offers an intimate environment ideal for the budding author (there are bookshelves and even drinks named after Gertrude Stein and Hemingway’s wife).
With a moody ambiance, Cafe De Nook offers custom beverages, pastries, and small lunch plates.
All food is served with a complimentary smile, and I was blown away by the incredible service.
On my visit for lunch, I ordered a decadent, coffee-based Cookies ‘N Cream and paired it with a delicious scone to further indulge my sweet tooth.
This coffee shop is ideally located, just a walk away from the Cultural Arts Center, or you can spend the afternoon window shopping downtown.
Coffee Underground
2141 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: 614-725-1805
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This all-in-one coffee shop is the ideal location for catching brunch or live entertainment after dinner.
True to its name, this cafe with low lighting and exposed brick lends it an atmosphere of hidden treasure and exclusivity.
I stopped by this location twice, once in the morning and later in the evening.
If you aren’t a morning person, don’t worry as breakfast is served all day.
After trying a stack of pancakes for brunch, I returned in the evening to enjoy a poetry reading and a late-night cappuccino.
It’s hard to say which of these coffee experiences I liked best. Each unique establishment had its own charm and flair that left me with memories to last for years to come.
Make sure your own trip includes a stop at one of the best coffee shops in Columbus each morning, and you’ll be ready to take on this magnificent city.
Check out these vegetarian restaurants around Columbus, too, if you’re in the mood for a healthy meal!
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
