A Guide to Topeka Coffee Shops
Circle Coffee Co.
Located just two blocks over from Washburn University and nestled inside one beautifully renovated building that formerly housed a laundromat, this gem among Topeka coffee shops is run by a dynamic husband and wife duo who got their start slinging java from a mobile cart. These days, their aesthetically-gifted brick and mortar store treats visitors to a bright bohemian atmosphere with warm earthy tones set against minimalistic white walls, ample wooden furnishings, high exposed ceilings, and vibrant plant life.
The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious seasonal coffee beverages, hearty buns, and fresh baked goods (vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free items available). While a better environment for productivity would be difficult to imagine, aside from optimum functionality, the attention to detail that has gone into designing Circle Coffee with a delightful balance of comfort and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, or solo study sessions.
The Steam Engine
Situated down at the end of a strip mall showcasing gorgeous brick-lined storefronts, The Steam Engine’s touches of verdure, warm tones, wall art, comfy seating, and overall good vibes procure an ambiance picture-perfect for zooming through work, getting together with friends and family, or just kicking back and enjoying a tasty seasonal beverage, like the lavender and vanilla enriched Spring Fling or salted caramel and cinnamon hinted Snickerdoodle.
Classic Bean
Whether you’d like to sink into a couch or armchair and appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe, quietly work amidst the familiar charm of a cozy neighborhood gathering space, or groove to the tunes of a local musician at the Fairlawn Plaza location, whatever the case may be, Classic Bean has got you covered.
Dialogue Coffee House
A stone’s toss from scenic Crestview and Big Shunga parks, Dialogue’s interior features earthy accents, plenty of chic wooden furnishings, touches of greenery, fun board games, and amenities for a productive day.
The inspiration for the name Dialogue comes when thinking about the way we communicate with one another, while for some people that is by verbal exchanges, for others it may be sign language or even body language cues. That being said, the shop has an employee base of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, giving everyone a place to be part of the conversation, without the definition of one’s abilities.
Milk & Honey Coffee Co
A recent addition to the ever-budding index of Topeka coffee shops, Milk & Honey serves locally roasted Blue Jazz Coffee in a homey setting accentuated by comfy couches, relaxing armchairs, tabletops, art-adorned walls, speedy WiFi, and handwritten inspirational messages on coffee sleeves. When it comes to food, they have homemade breakfast burritos and sandwiches, deli sandwiches, a chef salad, and scrumptious baked goods such as scones, muffins, and cookies. The signature Milk & Honey coffee is the perfect blend of espresso, steamed (or Iced) milk, and a light touch of locally grown unfiltered honey; that’s not to mention the other flavored lattes and smoothies!
Judees Coffee
Judee’s is an extension of the overall experience at God’s Storehouse – a church that operates a thrift shop. Whether before or after perusing through some vintage merch, treat yourself to your usual morning delight at an outrageously good price, on that note, rest assured, they handmake all their syrups and pastries in-house.
PT’s at Wheatfield Village
PT’s hometown cafe is located in Wheatfield Village at 29th & Fairlawn, at the western end of the Shunga Trail. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for those who want to stay for breakfast, lunch, or a leisurely coffee break – as well as a drive-thru for those on the go – the place has something for everyone.
Juli’s Coffee and Bistro
Near and dear to the heart of downtown, Juli’s resides within the historic Tinkham Veale building and provides guests a spacious abode dappled with comfy booths, warm tones, elegant metallic ceiling tiles, and crafty salt and pepper shakers. The menu comes loaded with delicious breakfast and lunch fare ranging from mouthwatering paninis to salads to breakfast burritos made with house salsa to the popular Train Wreck, which is an open-faced biscuit sandwich smothered in sausage gravy.
CoffeeHead
This hidden gem among Topeka coffee shops can be found tucked inside the Conoco gas station on 29th Street. Making the most of their quaint yet wholesome space, Coffeehead has a few seating arrangements and serves locally roasted coffee from Messenger, along with organic teas, sandwiches, bagels, croissants, pastries, and other foods. Their roommate may be fueling automobiles, but in another yummy way, the folks behind the counter here keep the surrounding community energized and moving forward.
World Cup Coffee
Situated in the middle of an unassuming strip mall, World Cup offers guests coffee as well as sweet and savory crepes amidst homey digs with art-adorned walls and ample seating arrangements.
Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee is a drive-thru franchise that has been serving world-class coffee for more than 20 years. The menu features an array of specialty espresso beverages, single-origin coffee, fruit smoothies, Red Bull Infusions, Cold Brew, baked-from-scratch pastries, and savory breakfast options ranging from breakfast burritos to hot sandwiches. The Caramelicious is their signature drink, you can’t go wrong with ordering this rich, velvety, caramel gem.
This rapidly blossoming java business started out in 1998 as a single drive-thru coffeehouse in Bellevue, Nebraska clinging to the following principles: find a great location and stay committed to high-quality drinks, speed of service, and a BIG smile. Since those humble beginnings, Scooter’s has grown to over 300 locations in 21 states across the nation!
Caribou Coffee
Though Caribou has stores throughout Kansas, you may have spotted their lone Topeka operation in the Hy-Vee grocery store on Wanamaker Road. Along with mochas, lattes, and bubble teas, they got toasted bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and baked treats.
If you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee shops in Topeka, check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Lincoln, Nebraska!
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 or website.