Searching for your new favorite coffee shop in Lakeland? We’re here to help. Peruse our guide to find the local coffee shop or cafe that works for you — from the cafes where you can get work done to the best roasteries in town.
Specialty drinks
Hillcrest Coffee, 119 Hillcrest St. | Listen to live music while you sip your coffee at this locally owned shop nestled inside a 1925 bungalow. We recommend a seasonal latte — you can even order a pumpkin spice latte year-round.
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, locations vary | This spot offers locally sourced coffee with new menus every season. We’re always craving the Cookie Butter frappe in spring, Cereal Milk shaken espresso in summer, pumpkin spice latte in fall, and Mexican hot chocolate in winter.
Mitchell’s Coffee House, 235 N. Kentucky Ave. | Founded in 1998, Mitchell’s was the first coffee shop to open in Lakeland. It’s been leading the way with its ever-changing coffee menu since then, and we love dropping in for an I Dream of Jeannie latte.
Pressed, 213 E. Bay St. | We’re always im-pressed by the drinks at this combination bookstore + coffee shop. Head here to try flavorful fare inspired by authors, like the coconutty Hemingway latte or the Austen with lavender and hazelnut.
Pour Bear Coffee, 4608 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | Cozy up in this cafe with a mid-century modern design. We recommend the signature Honey Bear latte, made with honey, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Foxtail Coffee, 322 Kathleen Rd. | Keep it simple with the single-source coffee of the day or opt for a drink from the seasonal menu, which could include anything from sweet lattes to espresso tonics. Pro tip: You can also order your espresso over Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream as an affogato.
Best bites
Rogue Coffee, 307 W. Main St. | Don’t sleep on the full breakfast menu or the baked goods made fresh daily in this Downtown West shop. Plus, you can find the viral Dubai chocolate here — if it hasn’t sold out yet.
Divicious Deli & Coffee Shop, 128 E. Main St. | Great for those on the go, this New York-style coffee shop offers Lakeland friendliness over the counter. They boast new iced coffee flavors every week, like chocolate-covered Oreo, rose, and snickerdoodle.
Jona-Bells, 3135 Knights Station Rd. | Get tropical with a Brazilian acai bowl loaded with your favorite ingredients, or opt for light fare like a smoked salmon flatbread.
Saigon Bistro, 1554 Town Center Dr. W. | If you haven’t tried iced Vietnamese coffee here, you’re missing out. This drink is served with sweetened condensed milk, making for a sweet and creamy delight after a meal.
Sweet Cup Cafe, 1401 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | This colorful cafe is open for a quick breakfast or lunch. We also love to sip a latte, cappuccino, or cafe con leche on the patio.
Vegetation Cafe, 1439 E. Gary Rd. | This 100% plant-based cafe is a great choice when you want to grab a delicious + nutritious baked good or made-to-order meal along with your coffee.
Parlor Doughnuts, 351 E. Bay St. | You can’t skip the layered doughnuts here. We think the maple + vanilla pairs perfectly with a honey cinnamon cold brew, and the breakfast sandwich on an unglazed doughnut always hits the spot with a matcha latte.
On-the-go joe
Sora Eatery, 3900 Don Emerson Dr. | If you’re flying out from Lakeland Linder International Airport, head upstairs before your flight for an Americano or hojicha latte along with a breakfast sandwich. Pro tip: You don’t have to be a passenger to visit Sora, and parking is free for up to four hours.
Market on Kentucky, 126 S. Kentucky Ave. | This is the perfect spot to pop into before a downtown meeting or a stroll through the farmers curb market. Step up to the Ice Bar to order an iced coffee, latte, or refresher for a little pep in your step.
Morning Grind, 130 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Grab a pick-me-up before or after your walk around Lake Hollingsworth from this student-run coffee cart on Florida Southern’s campus, just outside of the Becker Business Building. Pro tip: The cart is only open during the school year, but absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?
Sunrise Espresso, locations vary | Follow along on social media to see when + where this coffee truck will pop up next. Find a parking spot and walk up to order beach-inspired coffees like the Salty Sailor or Coastal Caramel.
Perfect for a date
Amonie Jo’s, 401 S. Florida Ave. | If you need the perfect spot for meeting up with a pal, Amonie Jo’s has you covered. This colorful cafe combines good vibes + delicious coffee to create the ultimate spot for a chit-chat or study date.
Kitty Cat Lounge, 946 E. Orange St. | Place your order before heading into the cat room to visit with adoptable kitties. Just here for the hangs? Take a seat in the cozy, midcentury-inspired space and play a board game together over your drinks.
Tea Largo, 4632 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | Grab a board game to play together over cold brew, or share lattes before heading upstairs to create art at Picassoz.
Bright Ice, 1200 S. Florida Ave. | Don’t let this ice cream parlor fool you — it’s also known for its assortment of coffee drinks. This is the perfect place to wind up your date night and linger together a little longer over lattes + a scoop of cookies and cream.
Purrology Cafe, 5343 S. Florida Ave. | This cafe will have you feline the love. Take the pressure off of your first date by sipping coffee surrounded by cats. Pro tip: If you find one you connect with, they’re all available for adoption.
Patriot Coffee employees roasting a batch of beans.
Photo courtesy of @patriotcoffeeroasters
Roasts to boast
Concord Coffee, 1037 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 135 | Did you know you can take your hand-crafted coffee to-go and watch Concord’s beans being roasted right across the way? Pick up a bag or get them delivered directly to your door with this subscription service.
Ethos Coffee Roasters, 132 Lake Beulah Dr. | If you’re looking for ethically sourced beans, look no further than Ethos. Bonus: Ethos does not have a roasted coffee inventory, meaning each bag is as fresh as possible. Find the Ethos booth at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market.
Patriot Coffee, 1117 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 105 | Find these beans brewed at establishments like Born and Bread Bakehouse or Black & Brew. If you’ve become your own favorite barista, you can order online from this veteran-owned coffee roaster.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double-walled glass espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
