10 minute read
St. Pete's Top 10 Coffee Shops
BY SAM BAKER
In 2023, no establishment has taken on more responsibility than the coffee shop. If your morning needs some caffeine-induced productivity, or if you need a cool, casual spot to meet a new client, you’re probably going to a coffee shop. Luckily for us, there is no shortage of unique and fun coffee shops here in the ‘Burg. Each of them has their own beautiful reasons to stop in and enjoy their specialty brew. With so many options, you could easily go weeks without visiting the same place twice. If you’re looking for insight into some of the best local spots in town, we’ve got you covered.
Who are we? We are just a young couple of St. Pete residents who love getting out and exploring our sunny city. We have no special certification or background as coffee connoisseurs. My wife (Bella) and I (Sam) both primarily work from home and we have had the opportunity to visit many of the coffee shops St. Pete has to offer.
We’ve compiled this list of our top 10 favorite spots to relax or work with a cup of coffee. Our rankings were based on an overall rating of their atmosphere, menu, and seating availability.
10. Kahwa Coffee
A top 10 list of coffee shops in St. Pete would not be valued if Kahwa Coffee didn’t make it. Kahwa is a St. Pete coffee cornerstone. Started in 2009 by local couple Sarah and Raphael Perrier, Kahwa is the largest independent coffee roaster in the state of Florida. You can’t miss the Kahwa name, because they wholesale everywhere, so even if you haven’t visited one of their 14 locations the odds are high that you’ve had their coffee before.
With so many shops to choose from, if you like consistency with your daily cup but want to switch up your environment, the options are virtually endless while still sipping local. My personal favorite Kahwa is the St. Pete South location.
204 2nd Avenue S., St. Petersburg
9. Neighborhood Joe
If you want a classic coffee shop with decent coffee and a lowkey community vibe, check out Neighborhood Joe. Tucked away on Dr. MLK Street N., it’s the kind of place where you’ll get to know the name of the wonderful people who work there and they’ll learn yours. Just overall a unique shop, and you can even buy one of their handcrafted coffee mugs and receive free drip coffee FOR LIFE!
Seating is always available, and if you wrap up your work a little earlier and want to unwind with some board games, their selection is rather vast. Vegan and gluten free diets will have plenty to enjoy on their menu. I cannot recommend their GF blueberry muffins enough.
2609 MLK Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg
8. Bad Mother Coffee
Many remote workers may be familiar with the Station House, an inviting co-work space downtown. Most of Station House’s amenities are available through paid memberships. The first floor, however, is home to Bad Mother Coffee which is open to the public.
Plenty of seating options are available and we have yet to go and not be able find a space to sit. This is also a perfect space if you need to make a few phone calls because it is a co-working space and doesn’t have the vibe of a library like some other worker friendly coffee shops.
The menu is limited but you can’t go wrong with anything you order here. True beans here are on a rotation featuring a different roster periodically. The line is never too long and the baristas are also like lightning so you won’t be waiting too long before you’re enjoying your brew.
260 1st Avenue S., St. Petersburg
7. Grassroots Kava and Coffee House
Once you visit Grassroots, you’ll find yourself coming back on the regular. It is constantly filled with tons of people who have figured out that same thing. It’s a two-story, artsy kava and coffee bar. You can work either downstairs or upstairs. The downstairs is a little more collaborative, while the upstairs is quieter and better for decluttering your email inbox. Finding a seat can be tough if you come later in the morning, so plan to come early to secure your spot.
Grassroots offers their own blend of beans that is roasted locally in Tampa Bay. Their menu doesn’t stop at coffee. They are also known for their kava, kratom, kava cocktails and teas.
957 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
6. Craft Kafe Downtown
Craft Kafe makes the list for their amazing menu, location and amount of seating. Located on a bustling corner at Central and 2nd Street S., Craft Kafe’s interior is not very large but they make up for it with a very large outdoor shaded seating space. They do have two locations in St Pete with their second being on Central and 66th Street N.
Gluten-free baked goods are their specialty — all of their items are gluten free. This is one of the few shops on the list, too, where you can get a full breakfast and lunch. My personal recommendation would be to try out the Chicken Avocado Cream Sandwich.
200 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
5. Black Crow (Old Northeast)
A staple in the community, Black Crow provides a comfy and eclectic space to sit and spend your most productive hours of the day. Although I do love both of their locations, the original Old Northeast location makes the list because the downtown location does not have wi-fi available for the public.
Black Crow roasts and sells all their own beans out of their Grand Central location. They offer some of the more unique brews here for every kind of morning you are having, whether it needs a decaf roast or my favorite Jet Fuel. They are very mindful to always have food items that cater to different dietary preferences. You also haven’t lived until you’ve had one of their Crowssants.
The environment when you walk in is always welcoming. It doesn’t look like your typical workspace but it feels homey when you settle into your spot. You can also use Black Crow as your way to stay plugged into the community. Local event flyers are posted around, so you’re always in the know.
722 2nd Street N., St. Petersburg
4. Grove Surf + Coffee
The perfect spot for both locals and tourists. If you’re over closer to the beach, Grove Surf + Coffee is a super unique shop to visit. If you like the beachy relaxed vibe, you’re going to like Grove. Grove doubles as a coffee shop and surf shop, selling Bandit roasted coffee and some of your favorite surf apparel brands. There aren’t many spots in St. Pete where you can shop for beachwear while you wait for your latte.
All of Grove’s coffee syrups are made in-house so you can’t get their unique coffee flavorings anywhere else. They keep seasonal drink specials on a solid monthly rotation so if you like variety they will always have something new for you. They have plenty of baked goods to go around, too. Pricing is fair with a standard 16-ounce coffee coming in at $3.75.
Guest wi-fi is strong so you can definitely get some work done. Seating can be limited because of Grove’s popularity so if you plan on working, try and come in earlier in the day or later in the afternoon.
7370 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach
3. Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails
Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails is a must visit in downtown St. Pete. This is a spot you could spend all day in. They have very comfortable seating and strong wi-fi. The coffee menu is extensive, and if you’re feeling up for a midday cocktail, they’ve got you covered. Food is limited, but the quiche and baked goods they do have are “chef’s kiss”.
Later in the afternoon, Intermezzo transitions out of the coffee shop and into the cocktail bar. While the vibes stay the same, they do typically open up their outdoor seating and turn off the wi-fi. Intermezzo is on the move, however they won’t be moving too far. Sometime this summer they will be moving about 100 yards up Central Avenue to the location that used to hold The Independent Brewery.
1111 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
2. Pete’s Bagels
Pete’s Bagels (also known as Pete’s General) is the perfect spot to add to the remote worker’s rotation. Located near the Grand Central District on 1st Avenue S., it’s just close enough to downtown to be near your favorite spots, yet being off of Central Avenue, it’s not too crowded. I would say that it’s most popular days are on the weekend, so you don’t have to worry about fighting for a seat on weekdays.
If a huge variety of coffee options aren’t important to you then Pete’s menu is perfect. They have quality “MADE” hot drip coffee, cold brew and three different lattes. Their bagels are worth the visit, as well. I highly recommend the Spicy Pete.
2361 1st Ave S. St. Pete
1. Paradeco
Paradeco tops the list for so many reasons. You’ll be blown away by the decor when you first walk in. It’s straight out of some trendy influencer’s Instagram (in a good way!). Everything aesthetically inside is very well done. If you’re a fan of pastels and modern design, you’ll really enjoy doing your work here.
Their coffee is roasted in-house. Sometimes you’ll even be lucky enough to be there when they are roasting, and if you like their roast you can pick up your own bag on your way out. The menu options are vast, with a ton of choices for all diets. If you’re someone who craves a fancy picturesque latte, you’ll be able to get your fix here.
There is a decent amount of seating for all different group sizes, but you will need to plan to come in early to have your pick. Paradeco really created an artsy yet comfortable place for the community to enjoy and is frequented by many.
111 2nd Avenue NE, #101, St. Petersburg
Now this list doesn’t feature all of the amazing coffee shops that St. Pete residents frequent. One of our favorite things about this city is that it’s full of so many different people with different vibes. You can find whatever style of coffee shop or work space, if you just get out of the
Sam Baker and Bella Arango can be reached at sambaker153@outlookcom
