Guide to Cincinnati, OH’s

Best Coffee Shops

I’m sure that you’ve pieced it together by now that I love coffee. I worked as a barista for a few years & I used to say that it was my dream job. Being around coffee everyday? Are you joking? I had to earn my millenial badge somehow.

Any place we travel, I am always on the hunt for the best coffee shops. For me, a great coffee shop has three things: top quality coffee beans, unique drink options, and an environment that offers you a bit of relaxation as you soak up your morning (or afternoon!) brew. Luckily, Cincinnati has plenty of options that meet all three of these requirements. We’re sharing all of our secrets of our favorite coffee shops in a city we both hold so dear AND we’re giving you the inside scoop when it comes to seating & parking so that you know what to expect before you even arrive.

While you’re in Cincinnati, check out our travel guide with all of our other recommendations for the city to ensure you have the inside scoop on all of the Queen City’s most beloved hidden gems!

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Best Unique Drinks: Haven Cafe

In late 2023, Haven relocated from the Covington side of the river up to Oakley, resulting in a 10-month closure. I am confident that I spent every day of that 10-month closure refreshing their Instagram page for updates because this place is sheer perfection in coffee shop form. Their drinks are unique and beautifully curated. We were hooked from the first time we tried their pandan latte (pandan leaves are used in Southeast Asian cooking similarly to vanilla in American cooking) and we have loved every single flavor that we have tried since! They do have a small food menu (complete with sourdough donuts and yummy english muffin breakfast Sammies!). Limited (paid) street parking is available, but may require a short walk during busy times. Seating is available, but can also be limited during busy times. Trust me that the drinks are MORE than worth these logistics!!

What to Order: Cinny Toast Crunch latte is chef’s kiss. One of my favorite coffee drinks of all time! But, you can’t go wrong with a pandan latte (or anything else really).

Best Atmosphere: Em + Me Coffee (Madisonville)

While I love both Em & Me locations, the Madisonville shop offers ample seating with a gorgeous aesthetic. With a robust food menu and delicious regular drinks, a stop at Em & Me will cure any afternoon blues. Free street parking is available with plenty of indoor seating space and outlets (if working at a coffee shop is your vibe!).

What to Order: A straightforward latte with a beautiful latte pour.

Best Cappuccino: Collective Espresso

One of our favorite Cincinnati traditions has been to stop by Collective Espresso for a morning cappuccino. They source small-batch delicious coffee from across the US and pour their drinks with high-quality steamed milk. Though the shop has limited seating, there is usually a table available to tuck in. It is a quiet atmosphere, perfect if you intend to bring a book or work for a short while. Paid street parking is available within the surrounding blocks, though it may require a short block.

What to Order: Well…a cappuccino.

Best Mocha: Coffee Emporium

One of the largest coffee shop menus in the Queen City can be found at Coffee Emporium, the city’s longest running coffee shop! The coffee is ethically sourced and the chocolate options are plentiful, making it pretty difficult to go wrong when it comes to Coffee Emporium. There is an OTR location available to downtown visitors, but their first location still exists in a quaint 2-story home in the Hyde Park neighborhood just north of downtown. Both locations rely on street parking (paid in OTR, unpaid in Hyde Park), which can be limited during certain times. Ample seating is available at both locations, though this shop is likely to be busy during typical rushes (resulting in brief lines/wait times).

What to Order: Personal fan of the White Chocolate Truffle Mocha, but any of the mocha options are great!

Best Location Options: Deeper Roots

With 4 locations spread throughout the Cincinnati area, Deeper Roots is the best option for travelers on the I-71 corridor! Not to mention, their coffee is top-tier, with plenty of options of bagged coffee for you to take on the road with you, as well. I’m a huge fan of Deeper Roots seasonal menu drinks, which are often unique and always delicious. Since there are multiple locations, parking & seating ranges for each shop. There are 2 downtown locations (Central Ave. & OTR/Findlay Market), as well as options in Oakley & Montgomery.

What to Order: Nitro Cold Brew or a seasonal special. Phil loves Deeper Roots for their macadamia nut milk, so you can always catch him ordering a drink with this dairy alternative.

Heading south from Cincinnati? Check out our guide to the best coffee shops in Lexington, KY!