10 Best Coffee Shops in Downtown Tallahassee

Downtown Tallahassee is home to some of the best coffee spots, each offering unique vibes, high-quality drinks, and community-focused spaces. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just a coffee enthusiast, here’s a quick look at the top 10 coffee shops:

1. Lucky Goat Coffee: Known for in-house roasted beans and a welcoming atmosphere. Try their cold brew growlers or single-origin options.
2. Catalina Cafe: Fair-trade coffee and house-made pastries. Don’t miss the Signature Latte or Loaded Avocado Toast.
3. RedEye Coffee: Combines ethical sourcing with community impact. Popular for its Blackberry Royale Iced Tea and Artisanal Lattes.
4. Black Dog Cafe: Offers organic, fair-trade coffee with vegan options in a cozy, dog-friendly space.
5. Ology Coffee Co.: A blend of coffee expertise and community vibes, with unique locations and carefully sourced ingredients.
6. Argonaut Coffee: Creative drinks like the For the Bees latte and fresh food options like Hipster Toast.
7. Vino Beano: European-inspired coffee shop by day, wine lounge by night. Perfect for live music and socializing.
8. Square Mug Cafe: A family-owned spot with organic coffee and a homely feel. Great for morning coffee or evening wine.
9. All Saints Cafe: Artistic energy meets inventive drinks, like their Seven Deadly Sins cold brew cocktails.
10. La Florida Coffee & Wine: Combines specialty coffee and wine in a bright, inviting space perfect for all-day visits.

These coffee shops go beyond just serving coffee - they’re community hubs that cater to diverse needs while supporting local businesses.

Quick Comparison

No matter your preference, downtown Tallahassee’s coffee scene has something for everyone.

1. Lucky Goat Coffee

Lucky Goat Coffee has been a key part of Tallahassee's coffee culture since 2005, when Ben and his wife moved to the area from Atlanta . Originally focused on wholesale and distribution, it has grown into one of downtown's favorite coffee spots.

The café roasts its beans in-house, ensuring every blend meets specialty-grade standards with a score of at least 80 on the 100-point Q-scale . Its downtown location offers a welcoming atmosphere that pairs perfectly with its top-tier coffee.

Here's a glimpse of their menu:

The café's bright, naturally lit space with cozy seating makes it a great spot for working or catching up with friends. Monthly featured flavors, like February's Crème Brulée, keep the menu fresh and appealing for regulars.

"I don't think our brand would exist without Tallahassee and the community. They've created it. We owe a lot to the community. I think that we're a big small town as a lot of people know, so to have something that is actually made local and served local that the community has gotten behind that. It's been an honor to be a part of that." - Ben Pautsch, Owner of Lucky Goat Coffee Company

Lucky Goat emphasizes ethical sourcing and local collaborations , further solidifying its place as a community favorite.

Customer favorites include their cold brew growlers, available at all locations, and a rotating selection of local pastries and snacks. Whether you're enjoying their signature Billy Goat Breakfast Blend or exploring single-origin options like Ethiopia Aricha ($20.00) or Costa Rica Cerro Azul ($18.00), Lucky Goat consistently delivers high-quality coffee with every cup.

2. Catalina Cafe

Catalina Cafe is known for its dedication to fair-trade sourcing and expertly roasted beans, all done in-house . Their menu offers a wide range of coffee drinks and food options, with standout items like the Signature Latte ($7.00) and the Catalina Cold Brew ($6.00). Other popular choices include the Café con Leche ($5.75) and the Mazagran ($6.00).

The cafe's focus on quality extends to its house-made pastries and freshly prepared sandwiches, making it a favorite among locals .

"Local Coffee Roaster, Superb Baked Goods, Quality Ingredients, Awesome Sandwiches!" – Catalina Cafe

With its warm, welcoming vibe, Catalina Cafe encourages customers to relax and enjoy their meals. It boasts a strong 4.6/5 rating from over 330 reviews, often praised for the high quality of both its drinks and food . Beyond its cozy cafe experience, Catalina Cafe has made its mark in Florida's coffee scene by wholesaling its specialty roasted beans and beverages to other coffee shops and restaurants throughout the state .

3. RedEye Coffee

RedEye Coffee stands out as a business with a mission. Based in Tallahassee, they focus on ethical practices while supporting their local community. Their coffee is sourced and roasted locally, ensuring quality and sustainability.

Over the years, RedEye Coffee has made a real difference, reinvesting more than $1 million in ethically traded coffee and donating $100,000 to organizations that empower others. Now owned by Independence Landing, a local nonprofit, every purchase helps fund culinary training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while also ensuring fair pay for coffee farmers.

This thoughtful menu reflects RedEye’s dedication to both quality and community. Beyond the drinks, the shop provides a welcoming space perfect for casual meetups, study sessions, or simply enjoying a quiet moment.

"It's not about the coffee... I believe we serve the best coffee in Tallahassee, and we're trying to create the best story in coffee, anyplace. But it's about the people."
– Mark McNees, Founder and CEO of RedEye Coffee

RedEye Coffee isn’t just about beverages - it’s about creating connections. Their catering services, flight events, and grazing boxes have also gained attention, making them a key part of the Tallahassee community. They’ve successfully combined great drinks with a mission to make a difference.

4. Black Dog Cafe

Black Dog Cafe, often called the "Home of the Caffe Cubano", is a downtown Tallahassee favorite, offering coffee made from organic, locally sourced fair-trade beans by Groundworks Coffee and Memli Lab.

The menu has something for everyone. You’ll find everything from classic espresso drinks to inventive specialty beverages. For those with a sweet tooth, their fresh pastries include croissants (plain, chocolate, almond), muffins, scones, and chocolate chip cookies. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available, making it a welcoming spot for various dietary preferences.

The cafe’s cozy atmosphere, paired with its dog-friendly policy, makes it a great choice for anything from a quick caffeine fix to a leisurely visit. Plus, their professional catering services can bring their offerings to your special events.

What really sets Black Dog Cafe apart is their expertise in crafting beverages. Whether it’s their blended iced drinks like the Mocha or Banana Caramel, or classics like Cafe Latte and Caffe Mocha, every sip showcases the depth and quality of their carefully sourced beans.

5. Ology Coffee Co.

Ology Coffee Co., launched in June 2017 as part of Ology Brewing, has carved out its place in downtown Tallahassee. With its roots in crafting fine beverages, this spot brings a fresh perspective to the local coffee scene .

Each of its locations offers a unique atmosphere. The Coffee Pop-up and Midtown spots exude a laid-back vibe, while the Northside location, featuring FoodLab, pairs Ology's drinks with a thoughtfully designed food menu . These spaces reflect Ology's focus on quality and fostering a sense of community.

Their dedication to quality is evident in their careful ingredient selection and sourcing, ensuring top-tier beverages every time .

Ology Coffee Co. has also grown beyond Tallahassee, opening a branch in Tampa .

6. Argonaut Coffee

Opening its doors in Cascades Park in November 2019, Argonaut Coffee has become a go-to spot for both classic and imaginative coffee drinks. Their menu includes standout options like the For the Bees (a blend of lavender and honey) and the Medici Mocha (dark chocolate paired with orange peel). For those with specific dietary needs, they offer alternative milk choices such as Minor Figures Oat, Pacific Soy, and Milkadamia Macadamia. Whether you're in the mood for a perfectly crafted espresso or a smooth cold brew, their coffee program has something to suit your taste.

Beyond drinks, Argonaut Coffee offers a selection of fresh food to complement your beverage. You can enjoy pastries priced between $3 and $6, hearty breakfast sandwiches for $9.85, or their popular Hipster Toast for $10.35. Their house-made biscuits, available in plain ($5.70) or savory ($5.95) versions, are a hit with regulars.

For those seeking something different, Argonaut also serves creative drinks like the Namaste (turmeric and honey) and the Cinnamon Horchata (a mix of vanilla, cinnamon, and spice). With locations in Cascades Park and TOC, Argonaut Coffee has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

7. Vino Beano

Located at 1309 Thomasville Road in Midtown Tallahassee, Vino Beano offers a European-inspired coffee experience with sleek, modern decor and carefully designed lighting that creates a sophisticated atmosphere.

By day, it’s a lively coffee shop; by evening, it transforms into a laid-back lounge. Here’s a quick look at what Vino Beano serves throughout the day:

The outdoor patio, complete with a live music stage and professional sound system, adds to the appeal. According to Justin Ghazvini:

"We're creating a good, vibrant atmosphere there and trying to keep it professional and targeting more of that 26 to 46 demographic as opposed to 25 and under"

Inside, you’ll find quiet corners perfect for studying or working, while the outdoor seating near the stage is ideal for socializing. The venue truly shines in the evenings, hosting events like live a cappella performances and more .

8. Square Mug Cafe

Square Mug Cafe brings a cozy, neighborhood feel to Railroad Square Art Park. Unlike the polished atmosphere of Vino Beano, this family-owned spot, led by Donna Elliot, focuses on creating a welcoming community space. Known for its local and organic menu, it's a standout in downtown Tallahassee.

The cafe partners with Sweetwater Organic Coffee, a B-Corp Certified supplier, ensuring ethically sourced beans. Donna's favorite? The Ethiopian Sidama, which she recommends for a standout Americano .

Square Mug Cafe caters to both students looking for WiFi and locals wanting a relaxed place to unwind. Donna describes her vision perfectly:

"I wanted to make a space that felt like home with good food, familiar faces, and, of course, coffee."

9. All Saints Cafe

All Saints Cafe brings a mix of coffee culture and artistic energy to downtown Tallahassee. Partnering with All Saints Public House, they’ve crafted a menu filled with inventive beverages.

The cafe’s creativity shines through its drink offerings, especially the 'Seven Deadly Sins' cocktail series, which features bold cold brew cocktails. You’ll also find a carefully selected wine list, with glasses priced at $7–$11 and bottles ranging from $28–$44. One standout is their signature cold brew cocktail, made with brown butter fat-washed Watershed Vodka and coffee liqueur . With high-quality beans and meticulous brewing, All Saints Cafe carves out its own space in the downtown scene.

10. La Florida Coffee & Wine

Situated in Kleman Plaza in downtown Tallahassee, La Florida Coffee & Wine combines a bright, inviting atmosphere with a strong sense of community. This spot seamlessly blends specialty coffee and a carefully chosen wine selection, creating a space that feels both casual and refined.

The menu highlights locally roasted, single-origin coffee beans alongside a handpicked selection of wines like Venta Morales tempranillo, Terra Noble's Carmenere, and Solena Estate pinot gris. For something a little different, their cocktails mix cold brew with vermouth or prosecco, offering a creative spin on classic drinks .

La Florida goes beyond just drinks. With extended hours during Session and a flexible space for private events, it caters to a wide range of visitors, from downtown residents to government workers and students. Owner Jean Uthmeier captures the venue's mission perfectly:

"It should be a place to break bread, loosen ties, clench your thirst and relate to people in the community" .

Conclusion

Downtown Tallahassee’s coffee shops showcase the energy and creativity of local entrepreneurs while strengthening the community. Just a short walk from City Hall, 17 locally owned cafés contribute to the local economy , shaping the city’s identity along the way.

These coffee spots don’t just serve drinks - they reinvest in the area and support wider goals. Take RedEye Coffee, for example. They use profits to fund humanitarian efforts and prioritize ethically sourced, bird-friendly beans from small farmers .

Each café also meets different needs, making downtown a lively and diverse space. Whether it’s students looking for study corners or professionals holding meetings, these venues play a key role. CEO Elias Mathes highlights their impact:

"Supporting local businesses is essential to our downtown's success. Entrepreneurs and business owners are making significant investments in storefronts, restaurants, and entertainment venues, contributing to the economic vitality of the area."

More than just coffee shops, they’ve become community spaces that champion local art, sustainability, and inclusivity. Lucky Goat Coffee sums it up perfectly:

"Expertly crafted coffee doesn't have to feel exclusive."

These cafés reflect the vibrant energy of downtown Tallahassee, blending business success with a strong sense of community.

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