The best cities in the United States to visit if you're a coffee lover

Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks, the massive corporate chain that now rules the mediocre coffee scene, but Seattle has a lot more to offer. The Emerald City is full of amazing local spots serving some of the best caffeinated shots in the country. Capitol Hill, Ballard, and South Lake Union have the highest concentration of small coffee shops as well as local roasters like Fonté and Caffe Vita that supply a lot of the cafes around Seattle.

America might not run on Dunkin, but the Commonwealth sure does. That said, the iced coffee capital of the US also has numerous other spots to grab a cup. Local favorite Tatte has creative drinks like their best-selling black sesame latte and the honey halva latte. Other popular cafes include Thinking Cup and Cafe Nero.

Over the past decade, Miami has been on the up-and-up for food and drink. That’s seeped into the cafe culture, and the city now has numerous highly rated coffee shops. Additionally, it’s the only US city where you’ll consistently find the delicious (and very strong) Cuban coffees. 

Friends was based in a Big Apple coffee shop for a reason. It’s no surprise that the largest city in the US is home to a high number of great cafes. From hole-in-the-wall joints randomly brewing the best coffee you’ve ever had to high-end coworking cafes with unique lavender-matcha-cotton-candy-unicorn drinks and classic NYC diners with bottomless drip, there’s something for everyone.

This small lakeside city across the border from Washington might seem like an odd choice for this list. And truth be told, I’m not sure what’s in the water, but it sure means you’re never far from a great cup of Joe. Must-tries are Calypsos, Cornerstone Coffee & Sweets, and Maha Coffee Roasters.

Kona coffee is expensive for a reason. There truly is no substitute for pure beans from the islands, which is why Hawaii’s largest city has no shortage of delicious coffee shops.

Like its Pacific Northwest neighbors, the tech scene seems to go hand in hand with sensational coffee. The Castro, Nob Hill, Mission District, and North Beach are your best bets for the highest concentration of great coffee shops.

Raleigh’s recent growth means a lot of great new businesses have opened in town during the past few years, including cafes like Jubala Coffee, The Morning Times, and Global Village.

The Green Mountain State’s largest city is more college town than bustling metropolis. However, college students rarely tolerate mid-coffee anymore, so the cafe scene is top-notch. Vivid Coffee Roasters, Scout, and Onyx are all worth a latte stop!

Portland might be smaller than the larger tech hubs to its north and south, but that doesn’t mean the coffee isn’t also great. In fact, when you take into account size, Rose City has an impressive number of fantastic cafes. It’s also the birthplace of the quintessential PNW drive-thru coffee stand!

SoCal is the land of tacos, green juice, and “California sober,” but residents love a good caffeinated beverage. And if coffee isn’t your thing, don’t worry. San Diego cafes have some of the best matcha in the US.

This small college town just 30 minutes from the Canadian border is like a mini-Seattle when it comes to coffee shops. Hit up Camber Coffee, Cafe Blue, and Maple Bar on your next visit. Additionally, the Woods Coffee chain has Bham origins.

In a region best known for (iced) sweet tea, it might shock readers that Greenville has a hoppin' coffee scene. The small city boasts a high number of great coffee shops, many of which host regular live events and community activities. 

Chicago is home to “the bean,” and while it has nothing to do with espresso, it still feels fitting to mention. The Windy City is home to numerous cafe-coworking combo spots serving great brew. Other popular favorites include local roaster Metropolis Coffee Company, The Wormhole, and Soloway.

Dallas isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of “great coffee spots,” but it punches above its weight with tasty spots. These include Davis Street Espresso, Pull Through Coffee Bar, and Ascension Coffee.

Denver has had a more recent influx of transplants than other Western cities, but that doesn’t mean the coffee scene has been slow to catch up. These days, you’d almost think you’re in Seattle with the proximity of great coffee shops on every corner.

Philly coffee has nothing on Pittsburgh. For visitors hoping to have some high-quality cappuccinos, the Highland Park and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods are your best bet.

Beignets and King Cake are some of NoLa’s most famous staples. But you can’t really get sweets and not have a hot drink to accompany them! New Orleans coffee is great at most restaurants and bakeries, but staple spots like Cafe du Monde and The Station are must-tries!

Oakland has long been an underrated foodie city, but the town also pulls as a coffee shop hub. It helps that neighboring Berkeley means college students are always looking for a great cafe to work from.

Vegas is the only place in the US that can give NYC a run for its money as the “city that never sleeps." And, true to form, if you’re going to be up all night, it helps to have some decent options for a caffeine fix. Desert Wind Coffee Roasters, Bungalow, and Bad Owl Coffee are all great bets.

The tech exodus from the West Coast and into the Texas capital has caused major changes to the city. Some welcome, some not so much, but one positive is that the coffee scene is now on another level. There are so many great spots around the city, many serving a local brand, Greater Goods Coffee Company.

In a state best-known for cheese, it can be a surprise that yes, good coffee exists! The Midwest town has many favorite haunts, mostly concentrated downtown.