Do you ever wonder where LAL chefs, roasters + restaurateurs eat and chill when they’re not busy feeding others? What about where they find their caffeine fixes? Our team asked local tastemakers for their coffee, baked goods, and savory bites go-to locations in TPA + ORL.
Grab a pen + notepad (though, honestly it’s 2018 and your phone will probably suffice) and jot down four of your new favorite Central Florida hangouts for eats + drinks.
Amélie | Manager | Concord Coffee
By definition, the word concord means “together in harmony and peace.” This landmark craft coffee shop, espresso bar + coffee subscription service in Lakeland focuses on quality craft coffee and community. From pour overs to cold brews to hot chocolate and avocado toast, patrons can sit and sip in modern, minimalist comfort.
Amélie’s picks
“When in St. Pete, my favorite way to start the day is a shot of espresso from Bandit, spend the morning at the beach, head to lunch at Bodega, and finish the day with a cocktail or glass of wine at Intermezzo.”
This coffee shop is maybe too aesthetically pleasing to the eyes (if that’s even possible) and comes with a St. Pete mural. You’ll meet many commuters coming to spend an afternoon here so bring your homework, company meetings + favorite people here. Make sure to also grab a local treat with your coffee from their collab selection.
🍽️ Bodega
A St. Petersburg eatery that has built a reputation for Latin street food. The restaurant prides itself on fresh ingredients and food made to order. Organic, vegan + vegetarian options and smoothies, juices, beer and wine include only a few of Bodegas options.
The specialty craft bar and coffee shop draws inspiration from 1950’s + 60’s European and American cafés. Their balanced cocktails, such as the golden mylk, are eclectic. This drink includes turmeric-infused vodka, almond milk, honey, cinnamon + black salt
“If I’m spending the day in Orlando, no matter where in the city, I’ll find my way to Lineage or Deeply for coffee.”
Lineage Coffee Roasting is a craft coffee roaster in Orlando passionate about uncovering the nuances and complexities of the coffee they source, roast, and serve, and telling the stories behind them.
Deeply Coffee offers roasts from Tampa’s King State, tea from Spirit Tea, baked goods + waffles. They also serve beer and wine in the evenings. Every first Wednesday of the month they have a nat wine tasting at 5 p.m.
Chris McArthur | Founder | Black and Brew Coffee House + Bistro | Patriot Coffee Roasters
Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro served its first customers in 2006, and since has been a hub to Lakeland at its location downtown and at the Lakeland Public Library. Patriot Coffee beans, which come from all over the world, are served at Black and Brew + can be purchased from 400 Publix stores.
Chris’s picks
“Their roast perspective is much different than ours, but their Scandinavian still coffee always hits.”
Established in 2016, Caffeine Roasters has two locations – one downtown and a 1,800 sq. ft. roastery with 40+ seats and a drive-thru. Beverage selections include a Cold Brew infused with hints of orange, an Aero Cappuccino (think frothy + sweet, like ice cream).🍽️ Easy Luck in Orlando
“We don’t visit Orlando as much, but we are very excited for the guys at Easy Luck who just opened. They have a rotating menu of micro roasters and have a bunch of vegan and vegetarian food options.”
Located on the Milk District, this bodega coffee shop provides coffee and to-go beverages, snacks and specialty toasts, pickled items and jellies. Food options include items like their Russell’s Joyland, which is toast with ricotta, goat cheese, lemon confit, chiffonade basil, black pepper + red pepper flakes.
Benjamin Vickers | Founder + Baker | Honeycomb Bread Bakers
Honeycomb is a stone hearth bakery in Lakeland, FL. Their passionate local artisans hand craft breads, pastry, and dessert for many of your favorite local restaurants and cafés. Bring home naturally-leavened bread for your family by reaching out to them online, or by visiting one of their Pop-Up Bake Sales.
Benjamin’s picks
☕ Buddy Brew at Oxford Exchange
“The fancy feeling of sipping a Buddy Brew cappuccino at Oxford Exchange can’t be beat!
From the Italy imported marble at The OE to the smell of roasted coffee beans at the original cafe on 2020 W. Kennedy. Their motto – Brew Good. Do Good. – is the ultimate driving force behind all they do.
🍽️ Pinky’s Diner on Bay-to-Bay blvd. in Tampa
“I love good local diner food and when I go to Tampa, Pinky’s Diner on bay-to-bay blvd always has perfect food and friendly service.”
This small cozy diner offers a wide, beyond-the-basics menu of comfort food for breakfast, brunch and lunch. The family owned restaurant boasts blueberry oat pancakes, South Carolina grits + more.
Any restaurants or roasters in Tampa or Orlando you swear by? Let us know your secret spots.
-Kaylee + Emily (LALtoday Intern)
