Your guide to Lakeland’s coffee shops

If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.

A hot pumpkin spice latte on a table next to a succulent, photographed from the top down.

If there’s one thing we Lakelanders are passionate about — it’s our coffee.

Photo by @concordcoffee

Table of Contents

For richer or pour over, Lakeland’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. In fact, you can find a java joint in most neighborhoods in town.

Swan City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Lakeland.

Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.

Iced coffee at Hillcrest Coffee

Cheers from Hillcrest Coffee, one of Swan City’s coziest coffee shops. | Photo by LALtoday

Photo by LALtoday

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.

Mitchell’s Coffee House, 235 N. Kentucky Ave. | Founded by the Harvey family in 1998, Mitchell’s is a Lakeland institution known for its sweets and ever-changing coffee menu.

Pressed, 213 E. Bay St. | We’re always im-pressed by the drinks at this combination bookstore + coffee shop. Head here for a flavorful coffee inspired by classic literature and new releases.

Two plates with sandwiches, salads, and soups

You can accompany your coffee with some fresh food + pastries at Black & Brew.

Photo by LALtoday

Best bites

Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, locations vary | This spot offers locally sourced coffee + fresh, seasonal food (we love the strawberry praline salad). Pro tip: You can order ahead for drive-thru pickup at the Southside location.

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. | This new cafe offers more than coffee. Order an açai bowl with your favorite ingredients, a fresh salad, or a bakery item.

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.

Someone holds an iced latte from Andrew's Coffee in front of a palm tree.

When you need a quicker than quick pick-me-up, Andrew’s Coffee has you covered.

Photo by LALtoday

On-the-go joe

Andrew’s Coffee, 3601 S. Florida Ave. | Speed is the name of the game at this newly rebranded drive-thru shop formerly known as happyfastdelicious. All the coffees and seltzers are completely customizable, with unique flavors like cookie butter, yuzu, or huckleberry. Order online to have your drink ready to go as soon as you arrive.

Jude Coffee, locations vary | This couple-owned mobile coffee cart makes drinks on the go, so keep your eyes on their social media to find upcoming pop-ups. You can also book the cart for weddings, local events, and parties.

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?

The interior of Amonie Jo's Coffee.

This coffee spot features a colorful interior that perfectly matches its flavorful menu.

Photo by LALtoday

Perfect for a date

Amonie Jo’s, 401 S. Florida Ave. | If you’re needing 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.

Ax-Caliber, 204 E. Orange St., Ste. 102 | You probably know this spot for its ax-throwing lanes, but did you know it also serves up drinks from its coffee house? Get caffeinated with a coffee flight before challenging your date to an ax-throwing competition.

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.

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.

Coffee roasters at patriot coffee

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.

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