This post was most recently updated on January 9th, 2020
If you are anything like me you need to start the day with a good cup of Joe. Why? Because Caffeine = Life. So, whether you live in or are traveling to Fort Lauderdale, you will want to know where to get that morning jolt of caffeine. Fortunately for you, finding the best coffee shops in Fort Lauderdale just got easier.
Although you can find Starbucks on almost every corner I have always preferred supporting independent coffee shops. Places that feel more homey and cozy. Where there is a sense of community. And of course where there is excellent coffee prepared by skilled baristas who know what they are doing.
Thankfully, the Coffee culture in Fort Lauderdale has blossomed recently. With more and more Independent Coffee Shops opening their doors. So, whether you’re looking for a spot to meet friends or to get work done, or to simply pick up some good java to get you through the day, here are fifteen of the best coffee shops in Fort Lauderdale to grab a great cup of Joe.
The Best Coffee Shops in Fort Lauderdale
Whether you’re a S. Florida native or you’re reading this from another part of the country (or the world), I am sure you will find great coffee in one these Forth Lauderdale Coffee shops. And even if coffee is not your preferred drink. Maybe you are into tea or hot chocolate. One way or another, you’re bound to find something to enjoy at one of the spots listed below.
1. Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar – A Coffee Shop in Fort Lauderdale With a Floral Twist
Located right on Las Olas this coffee shop is also part florist and part antique shop. The Parisian inspired coffee shop in Fort Lauderdale serves up locally roasted coffee as well as a variety of sweet and savory tarts, empanadas and exquisite macaroons. They have a whimsical rose wall created with fresh roses from their flower shop which makes a great backdrop for pictures. This is the perfect place to get caffeinated in a pretty floral setting.
Pro tip – get there early to sit at the flower table and please be respectful by not spending to much time seated there as others want to get their picture taken. Also they have a wine bar tucked in the back with a great wine and champagne menu.
1001 E Las Olas Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301 / Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar
2. Brew Urban Café – A Local Coffee Institution and Collaborative Workspace
This Fort Lauderdale coffee shop has a long history from its opening in 2005 including several locations, owners and slight name changes. However, Brew Urban Cafe remains a coffee institution in the ever growing coffee culture in Ft. Lauderdale.
Today, Brew Urban Cafe is part of a unique collaboration called Next Door at C&I. The coffee house is an extension of C&I (a creative agency) and operates next door. Their aim is to bring the community together through art, music charity and amazing coffee.
The coffee they use is by local coffee roaster Wells Coffee Company and is served by expert baristas who love the craft. Some have been part of Brew since its inception.
What makes it unique: Their collaborative effort with a creative agency which shows in its decor. Industrial yet cozy/homey setting. Comfortable couches; wall to ceiling library lined with books; a vintage air streamer; and industrial garage doors that open to the railroad tracks where you can watch the trains go by.
Pro tip – Full liquor bar on Friday and Saturday nights
537 NW 1st Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301 / brewurbancafe.com
3. Café Collective – More Than Just a Coffee Shop
This independent coffee shop in Fort Lauderdale describes itself as a “Creative hub for dreamers, thinkers, artists, and builders” a place where “Culture and Community drive successful ideas”. They are unique because they are not just a Coffee Shop. They are a co-working café with 75 seats and 7 private conference rooms.
One of their best qualities, aside from a good cup of Joe, is Café Collective’s involvement with the community. Since they opened its doors Café Collective has been hosting an array of community events many of which are free to attend. They also offer Wi-Fi, printing, and free parking in a busy downtown area. I love seeing them thrive despite being located right in front of a Starbucks. This is a big win for for independent coffee shops in Fort Lauderdale and beyond.
Pro tip – Check their online calendar for a list of community events you can attend as well as monthly specials.
100 N Federal Highway Suite #C4, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301 / cafecollective.org
4. Calusa Coffee Roasters – A Small Local Roaster Focusing on Quality and Sustainability
Florida’s coffee culture is expanding to include a few local Florida coffee roasters and Calusa Coffee Roasters is one of them. They believe that a successful, sustainable sourcing relies on a personal connection. Therefore, they roast in small batches and visit many of the farms they source from. It is important to them to look for the highest quality while trying to achieve responsible sourcing.
At this Fort Lauderdale Coffee Shop you can enjoy an authentic Italian bar experience complete with expertly pulled espresso drinks and pour over coffees. The location is a bit funky, really close to the highway right off a busy street. However the quality is good. So stop by for a fresh cup or pick up a bag to brew at home.
Pro tip: Closed on Saturday. You won’t find food at this location however this micro-roaster ships fresh roasted coffee beans straight to your door. Anything you order online is roasted fresh that day and shipped via priority mail to ensure freshness.
161 East Commercial Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33334 / calusacoffeeroasters.com
5. Circle House Coffee – Community Based Coffee Shop With a Drive-thru
Honestly I was not a fan of their coffee and the croissant sandwich I tried left much to be desired. The reason they are making my list is because I like what they stand for and I am hoping they will improve their quality.
This Fort Lauderdale Coffee Shop has heart. Their team’s core value is giving back one sip at a time. Circle House Coffee, the new kid on the block in Flagler Village, was founded by retired NFL Linebacker Stephen Tulloch. Stephen has a passion for giving back. He has a foundation to help underprivileged kids and people affected by Cancer and now wants to bring the community together over coffee, food and drinks.
Circle House Coffee partners with local and global charities throughout the year. Each month they select an organization to receive funds from their “Round Up for Charity” program as well as proceeds from their merchandise sales. You can check out their community events and charitable causes on their website.
Pro tip – They have a machine called the ripple maker so you can print any picture on your latte. Using the free ripple-maker app, you send a saying or upload any picture to Circle House’s ripple maker, and then a coffee extract prints it on top of your drink. How cool is that!
727 NE 3rd Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304 / circlehousecoffee.com
6. Expresso Coffee – The Drive-Thru Coffee Shop for Java on the Run
This is a unique Fort Lauderdale Coffee Shop as it is drive-thru only. Popular with locals on their morning rush, Expresso Coffee is charming and serves up a rotating menu with a variety of coffee flavors and menu items such as smoothies, bagels and sandwiches that are perfect on the go.
Pro tip – they are known for serving a variety of flavors of drip coffee despite the expresso in the name. They are quick and great on the go option however do not expect a frothy barista style coffee with latte art.
1900 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
7. Grind Coffee Project – The Fort Lauderdale Coffee Shop That Helps you Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
What started as a home roaster and espresso bar in their garage has now evolved into this Fort Lauderdale coffee house staple. Pushing you outside your coffee comfort zone they do not offer cream or sugar so you can learn to appreciate the complexities of a well brewed cup. If you prefer your Java creamier or sweeter they do offer varied lattes and milk based drinks as well as interesting flavors like Nutella & Sriracha. However, you will be getting these served to you from behind the counter prepared by expert baristas.
Pro tip – This is a pet friendly Fort Lauderdale Coffee Shop with dog friendly seating on the outside patio.
599 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 / grindcoffeeproject.com
8. JB&C Juice Bar and Café – The Healthy Alternative
This instagrammable café is a newer addition to the Flagler Village coffee scene. They had a vision to create a place that was inviting and offered fresh and healthy options, and made it reality. Their coffee menu is actually limited but they do serve Well’s Cold Brew and Hot Brew. However, if you are craving fruit bowls, healthy smoothies and avocado toast then this is the place to go.
Pro tip – They are open to modifications to any of their menu items to accommodate vegan and vegetarians.
924 N Flagler Dr Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 / jbcflorida.com
9. Oakland Coffee & Juice Bar – Simple and Affordable Cafe
Recently discovered this small family owned coffee shop and absolutely love that the prices are affordable – at least when compared to the local competition. They use Argyle Coffee which is another local Fort Lauderdale Coffee Roaster (One I have yet to visit and will add to this post once I do).
Asside from great pricing and variety of menu items, what immediately stood out to me was the friendly service. They were attentive and made sure I was satisfied with both food and drink. Only complaint is they served my coffee in a to go cup even though I told them it was not to go. I always prefer drinking coffee out of a mug plus it is better for the environment.
At the moment the location is small but they are expanding to offer more seating, including an outdoor covered patio. You can go inside and sit or order from their cafeteria style window and take your coffee to go.
201 East Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334 / oaklandcoffeeandjuicebar.com
10. Press and Grind Café – The Juicery and Coffee Bar
This independent coffee shop is family owned and community driven. As their name indicates Press and Grind serves up smoothies and pressed juices as well as coffee. And don’t worry, you won’t need to survive on a liquid diet. As a matter of fact, in this Fort Lauderdale Coffee Shop you won’t go hungry. They have a variety of pastries, smoothie bowls, sandwiches and salads.
Press and Grind also does their coffee right, each cup is brewed to perfection. They serve classic espresso drinks, signature espresso drinks, as well as a variety of brewing styles such as: french press, cold brew, and nitro brew.
474 N Federal Hwy, Ft Lauderdale FL 33301 and new location coming soon at 1300 SE 17th St, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 / pressandgrindcafe.com
11. Sip Java Co – Better Coffee, Better World
This independent fort Lauderdale Coffee Shop believes in fairtrade, organically grown and environmentally sustainable coffee. Their slogan is “Better Coffee, Better World” and they are doing their part to achieve it. Sip Java Co serves up their Java in a comfortable environment with indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of parking. Additionally, their menu offers more than just coffee with delectable food options in case you are hungry.
Pro tip – Try one of their signature drinks like my favorite the “Electric Shock” with caramel sauce, a hint of vanilla and cinnamon – a perfect combination! And if you are in a hurry you can order online and have it ready for pickup when you arrive.
638 N Federal Hwy Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304 / sipjavaco.com
12. SwitchBox Coffee – A Specialty Coffee Roaster (Sadly They Closed)
I love local coffee roasters. It means that I can purchase fresh coffee to brew at home and make my at home experience all the better. Switchbox wants you to have the best possible cup so they source farmers across the globe and then roast in house in small batches.
They are very careful in the roasting process to maintain the ideal temperature in order to develop complex flavors, sweetness and clarity that result in the perfect balanced cup. Expect SwitchBox to have anywhere from three to five single origin coffees, which will rotate with the seasons and availability
The space is large and comfortable with indoor and outdoor seating. They also offer a few simple food/pastry selections to accompany your beverage of choice.
Although this blog is about the best coffee shops in Fort Lauderdale Switchbox is also a great option for tea lovers. They offer a Hario Tea Globe for slow-brewing loose leaf tea.
3446 NE 12th Ave, Oakland Park, FL 33334 / switchboxcoffee.com
13. The Alchemist – The Science of Coffee
Is it magic or science? Either way the baristas will be turning coffee beans into delicious concoctions. Located in the heart of Wilton Manors, this small Fort Lauderdale coffee shop has everything going for it. Good food, great drinks and incredible indoor/outdoor space. Their delectable food selection includes a variety of what they call “Slicers” (Open faced sandwiches), salads, pizza, specials and a brunch menu.
The Alchemist offers a tranquil patio that is surrounded by plants making you feel like in your in a garden oasis. The indoor area is eclectic with a Bohemian feel. This is the perfect place to hang out with friends or a date! And one of the best coffee shops in Fort Lauderdale.
Pro tip – They have gluten free desserts for my celiac and gluten intolerant friends! Also if you love iced coffee but hate that it gets watered down quickly in the South Florida heat then this is the place to order it. The Alchemist serves their iced coffee with coffee ice cubes so you can keep your coffee ice cold but tasting great.
2430 NE 13th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 / thealchemist.cafe
14. Warsaw Coffee Company – A Restaurant With a Coffee Bar
Located within the walls of Milk Money Bar and Kitchen, Warsaw Coffee Company is moving away from coffee shop and becoming a full service restaurant. Therefore, what used to be one of the best coffee shops in Fort Lauderdale is now no longer a place you come to just for coffee. So do not expect to come here for the regular coffee shop vibe. It is no longer a place to sit and hang, study or work while sipping on good java. This is a place you come for a meal that culminates with a good cup of coffee.
815 NE 13th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 / warsawcoffee.com
15. Wells Coffee Company – A Fort Lauderdale Coffee Roaster
A successful kickstarter campaign in 2013 helped Wells Coffee Company become who they are today. This artisan coffee company roasts their own and serves up one of the best cups of Java in Fort Lauderdale.
Wells Coffee Company is a roaster, wholesaler and retailer all in one. They partner with businesses who want to up their coffee game and provide them with the very best beans. They also sell directly to the public through their shop and via a subscription package. In their very modern/industrial looking shop you can purchase a variety of handcrafted specialty coffees such as lattes, espressos, nitro cold brew and a very special house made horchata cold brew that is a must try. I highly recommend trying this Fort Lauderdale coffee roaster.
737 NE 2nd Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304. / wellscoffees.com
Bonus – Rose’s Coffee Bar – The luxury Hotel Coffee Experience
This Fort Lauderdale Coffee Shop is set inside the Dalmar Hotel and serves up LaColombe coffee in their specialty coffee drinks. Additionally they have some light bites including vegan and gluten free options. This one did not make my official list because it is inside a hotel and I have not tried the coffee yet. I prefer to support the smaller independently owned coffee shops that either source/roast their own coffee or use coffee from other local small roasting business. However, its nice to find a hotel that is not using Starbucks and seems to be serving a good cup of Joe. Maybe one day I will give them a try and see what they are all about.
299 N Federal Hwy Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 / rosescoffeebar.com
Pin and Save for Later: Best Coffee Shops in Fort Lauderdale
Have you tried any of these? Which is your favorite? And if you are local and have some favorite Fort Lauderdale Coffee Shops I did not mention please let me know so I can go check it out.
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15 comments
We like Starbucks for the predictability of the environment and guarantee of good wifi. But whenever we have a choice, we like to seek out the local spots. Especially ones like the Cafe Collective that have co-working space. Hubby always heads to a new place with his list of coffee shops to try. I will pin this one for our next visit to Ft Lauderdale. A coffee shop with flowers and a wine bar sounds perfect for all times of day. Always love to find a drive through that has real great coffee. So interesting to know that there are so many good local coffee roasters.
I feel like we were a bit late into the coffee game here but it is growing quite a bit in recent years. The roasters are an added bonus an lots of local business are using them for their coffee supply. Really exciting to see the the coffee culture grow here. Hope you get to try a few on the list on your next visit and let me know I could meet you there.
I hail from a predominantly tea major place where we relish Tea mostly . But i do agree with the fact and support the independent coffee brewer in town over global chains. I love the fact that each cafe is either themed around music , books or some particular interest which gives a lineage to the coffee lovers to explore their interest . Oh btw, that drive through cafe is such a steal . I love the concept coz in Kolkata we are yet to have one .
Wow! thanks for taking us on a coffee whistle stop of Fort Lauradadale. I’m not a massive coffee drinker but do like a cup a day and there seems to be a great selection on the d red able here. You can always get the popular brands like Starbucks but I prefer to sample the local cafes when I travel. Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar surely takes my fancy. The others products sold in these little cafes do have their own signature touch as well. Great to see the coffee culture grow. Thanks for sharing
I am so happy that the options are growing with more great coffee shops everywhere
I’m such a sucker for a good indie coffee shop. It’s not only about the coffee (which has to be good) but the relaxed vibe and pleasant decor. The Florist one and the Alchemist appeal!
Yes good coffee and great atmosphere makes for a winning combination
Wow so many exotic coffee shops in Fort Lauderdale. JB&C Juice Bar and Café – The Healthy Alternative is on my first choice as they optimize food for vegan and vegetarians. And being vegetarian, I would opt for JB&C. Circle House Coffee – Community Based Coffee Shop With a Drive-thru has wonderful mural art on its walls. Also it is good that it run many charity programs.
Lots of places now offer options for vegetarians and vegans. I also like when they offer options for those with gluten issues and other allergy issues.
I love finding places with decent coffee, which can be harder than you think sometimes. Lots of the coffee in your post look pretty good, nice textured milk, no foamy bubbles. Atmosphere is important as well, so not sure I’d go for a drive-thru coffee but I guess its good to have options.
Yes it is all about options.
Oh yes, I simply love coffee – black, cappuccino, latte whatever! And yes I also agree that we should support the local joints more and more, and especially when I am travelling. I look for local coffee joints whenever I am in a new place. It gives me a flavour of the locality. All the coffee shops here look and sound great. Some of the backstories are also quite interesting. Grind Coffee Project sounds interesting to me.
Its great to support local whether coffee shops or restaurant or however you can. I am trying to do this more and more as well when I travel. If you ever come to visit let me know and we will go out for some good coffee
I am not a huge coffee lover but like to indulge in cafe hopping sometimes. Fort Lauderdale seems to be beaming with plenty of cafes, and all are so charming. The flower table at Ann’s florist cafe would be my first pick anytime.
They all seem like really cool coffee shops to try out but I like the sound of the Parisian one, Ann’s Florist the best. How lovely would it be to combine a florist shop with a coffee shop! Also, being a coffee lover, I’d love to step out of my comfort zone and try something different! Grind Coffee Project sounds really cool for that reason.