A Guide to Auburn Coffee Shops

The Bean Coffee Shop

Located near the breezy corner of Glenn and Dean, this hallmark among Auburn coffee shops offers guests a bubbly retro ambiance underscored by wooden tabletops, plush couches, patterned armchairs, funky murals, cozy nooks, delectable homemade desserts ranging from ice cream to cinnamon rolls, and photogenic beverages that come in crafty coffee mugs. The attention to detail that has gone into designing The Bean with a delightful balance of throwback charm and modern utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, or solo study sessions.

Coffee Cat

Mere steps from Auburn University’s campus, Coffee Cat serves ethically and intentionally sourced goods amidst bright offbeat digs dappled with eclectic furnishings, earnestly stocked bookshelves, touches of greenery, creative expressions, and accommodations for studying. Though the talented folks behind the counter here are more than capable of concocting tasty takes on your usual morning ritual, consider trying a decadent signature drink such as the vanilla, orange peel, and cinnamon hinted KINGPIN or Harry Styles Latte – a fan favorite, indeed.

Uniq Coffee

A recent addition to the ever-budding index of Auburn coffee shops, Uniq is an aesthetically gifted gem, given its warm earthy tones set against minimalistic white walls, lush verdure, chic furnishings, art pieces, and amenities for a productive day. The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious signature beverages, along with a wide selection of popular teas, scrumptious pastries, and more lite bites at a reasonable price.

Ross House Coffee

Breathing new life into a historic, 111-year-old home boasting one beautiful wrap-around porch, Ross House Coffee showcases traditional elements combined with contemporary flair, as well as several different rooms, which are ideal for hosting bible studies, baby showers, company parties, or just a gathering with friends for no special reason other than to enjoy fellowship and good times.

The Well

To those Instagram connoisseurs of cuteness ever on the prowl for all things pink and pretty, search no further than The Well, which is snuggled amidst the storybook storefronts lining downtown Opelika. Upon strolling through the front door, an enchanting scene will unfold before you, one graced with plush couches, art-adorned exposed brick walls, trendy light fixtures, trinket-speckled bookshelves, vibrant verdure, and dreamy corners intended for meaningful quality time. Rest assured, they take their coffee as seriously as the gram-worthy design, pioneering one-of-a-kind adaptogenic drinks like the Lunar Latte and Salted Caramel Latte.

Fun fact: adaptogens are herbs believed to strengthen the immune system, increase overall vitality, and support the body’s ability to deal with stress.

Coffee Mafia

Whether you’d like to sink into a couch or armchair and appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe, stop in for a pick-me-up on your way to work, attend an artistic event like the Winter Makers Market, share a favorite poem at poetry night, or peacefully study amidst the reliable comforts of a treasured neighborhood gathering place, whatever the case may be, Coffee Mafia has got you covered.

Ristretto Lounge

Based in Opelika, Ristretto Lounge is a unique combination of Korean, Japanese, and Aussie coffee cultures, what’s more, the warm, bright, and relaxing environment has several different work areas, including individual standing desks and group tables all positioned around outlets so you won’t have to worry about finding a charging spot. Located on the ground floor, the cafe has music playing, along with all the white noise you’d expect from a traditional coffee shop. If peace and quiet are more your desire, the upper floor provides a subdued setting with a panoramic view of the bustling scene below.

Well Red

Just down the road from Auburn University, Well Red occupies an adorable blue cottage with an alluring front porch surrounded by lush gardens and shaded patio seating arrangements. This is the sort of cozy abode where you can peruse through row upon row of literary inspiration before settling into a well-manicured reading nook, treat yourself to a delectable dessert and glass of fine wine, learn about community-oriented events and local book clubs, or just kick back and enjoy an exquisitely crafted mug of joe while basking in the whimsical charm of an indie bookstore.

Side Track

Another Opelika gem, Side Track is a “pay what you can” concept showcasing an offbeat bohemian vibe accentuated by weathered floorboards, chic wooden furnishings, potted plants, minimalistic white walls, trendy light fixtures, and a coffee bar at center stage.

One Bike Coffee

One Bike serves meticulously brewed coffee, tea, pastries, paninis, and hope to those living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Concerning the latter, 100% of profits are given to local charities and put towards providing bikes to individuals in the surrounding community living with MS through the One Bike Foundation.

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

A wonderful setting for words with friends, long study sessions, or just a good old-fashioned java break, Bitty & Beaus serves a variety of hot and cold coffee beverages, along with cafe bites.

Amy and Ben Wright, the founders of this human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop, are the proud parents of four children – Lillie, Emma Grace, Beau and Bitty. Lillie was born with autism, and Bitty & Beau were born with Down syndrome.

With over 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities unemployed nationwide, the Wrights believe that Bitty & Beau’s Coffee creates a path for people with disabilities to become more valued, accepted, and included in every community.

The original shop opened in January 2016 in Wilmington, NC, and employed 19 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, since then, they’ve grown to over 23 shops across 12 states with over 200 employees.

Mo’ Bay Beignet Co.

Mo’Bay is built on a mama’s special beignet recipe for her family, and her tradition of using her special syrups to “add a little love to them.” Less than three years after opening the doors to her first brick and mortar cafe in Historic Downtown Mobile, AL, there are now seven cafes and two food trucks, a mix of corporately owned and franchised. Stop by for a snack while exploring the area or grab a sweet treat for that special somebody on your way home.

If you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee shops in Auburn, check out our list of the Top 5 Coffee Shops in Montgomery, Alabama!

I do not claim to own any of the images used in this article, unless otherwise noted, they are sourced from each business’s Facebook page, website, or Google account.