A Guide to Chattanooga Coffee Shops
Sleepyhead Coffee
Tucked inside downtown’s historic James Building, Sleepyhead is an aesthetically gifted hallmark among Chattanooga coffee shops, given its warm earthy tones set against minimalistic white walls, chic furnishings, lush verdure (yes, most plants are for sale), soft pink accents, honeycomb tile floors, and neat merch section. The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious seasonal beverages and a fully vegan pastry menu.
Stone Cup Cafe
Venturing through the front door of Stone Cup Cafe reveals a homey ambiance dappled with comfy couches, granite tabletops, art pieces, and light bulbs strung together overhead. The attention to detail that has gone into designing this adorable abode with a delightful balance of charm and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, or solo study sessions.
Velo Coffee Roasters
Nestled in the lively Southside district – a flourishing neighborhood known for its swanky cocktail bars, boutique shops, and Chattanooga Choo Choo, a hotel complex centered on the early-1900s Terminal Station – Velo specializes in roasting small-batch single-origin and estate coffees. They also host cupping classes where partakers can try different coffees and discuss what makes each delectable sip unique.
Mean Mug Coffeehouse
Mean Mug’s original Main Street store helped to pioneer the now burgeoning Southside district, it showcases a golden wear and ease accentuated by artisan wooden furnishings, art-adorned walls, and accommodations for remote work. Java connoisseurs will appreciate the full espresso menu, drip coffee, Kyoto-style cold brew, slow bar options, homemade baked goods, and daytime comfort foods (vegan and paleo dishes available).
Chattanooga Coffee Company
If you truly love and appreciate the art of java, search no further than Chattanooga Coffee Co, which has been a center for coffee culture in the area for over twenty years and is passionate about intentionally roasting the world’s finest beans on-site. Furthermore, they do have a lounge boasting several seating arrangements, as well as the sights and sounds associated with operating a top-notch roastery.
Mad Priest Coffee Roasters
Down at the end of an unassuming strip mall on Broad St and next door to the famous Koch’s Bakery, Mad Priest is a locally treasured hole-in-the-wall haunt known for concocting heavenly seasonal beverages like Winter’s peppermint mocha, Christmas cookie latte topped with sprinkles, and Catch Me if You Can, which consists of gingerbread chai and cardamom bitters. Originally opened to the public in 2016, this little 400 sq. ft. space used to be their roastery + retail space + espresso bar + wholesale pickup all in one! Now remodeled, it’s the perfect grab-and-go coffee spot with free parking.
When it comes to accolades, the team here is constantly involved in Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) conventions and competitions, was named “Runner-Up in TN” in Food & Wine’s Best Coffee in Every State, and one of their coffees has earned two Golden Bean medals.
Together Cafe
Situated on the breezy corner of Orchard Knob and Kirby, Together Cafe offers guests a dreamy two-story setting underscored by well-manicured reading nooks, comfy chairs, wooden tabletops, vibrant plants, and amenities for a productive day. As far as java is concerned, they partner with regional roasters in an effort to consistently showcase a variety of flavors and carry signature favorites like the Milk & Honey Latte, Turmeric Latte, and toasted marshmallow hinted Campfire Latte.
Together Cafe is also on a mission to raise awareness for survivors of human trafficking, that’s why a portion of each sale benefits organizations and non-profits that are working to help restore the lives of survivors and victims of human and sex trafficking.
Goodman Coffee Roasters
Located in the historic neighborhood of St. Elmo and around the corner from a popular railway leading to the top of Lookout Mountain, Goodman’s roasting facility treats visitors to fresh coffee, tea, chai, turmeric lattes, cold brew, and nitro. It has as much seating inside as it does outside, so grab a bite, and a drink, and enjoy the scenery with a friend.
Cadence Coffee Company
Near and dear to the heart of downtown, Cadence provides patrons house-roasted coffee in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere ideal for reading, studying, or just hanging out. Moreover, there is a gathering space that can hold up to 70 people with projection and sound system capabilities available for booking.
Rembrandt’s Coffee House
This European-style cafe has a wide assortment of house-roasted coffees, artisan breads from Bluff View Bakery, delicious cakes, and hand-made pastries. Stop by for a quality pick-me-up before exploring the surrounding Bluff View Art District, relax on the sun-drenched patio and enjoy access to a menu featuring soups, salads, and sandwiches, or snag a sweet treat for that special somebody on your way home, there’s a little something for every occasion at Rembrandt’s.
Culture Coffee Co.
Just a block over from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus, this recent addition to the ever-budding index of Chattanooga coffee shops serves unique specialties such as Turkish and Vietnamese coffee, tea, and refreshing fruit smoothies amidst cozy digs with an abundance of seating arrangements, art-speckled walls, earnestly stocked bookshelves, and a cute gift shop. There’s no shortage of potential for a spot like Culture, it’s your home away from home while adventuring around downtown and a reliable haven equipped with all the makings of the perfect cafe experience, whether that entails flipping through the pages of your favorite novel, meeting with a friend over soul-stirring lattes, or a productive study hour.
Be Caffeinated
What this drive-thru operation on Kent St may lack in size, it certainly makes up for in wholesome hospitality, photogenic appeal, and an intimate outdoor common area where guests can mingle with friends and try some cafe bites. Moreover, they’ve got fantastic signature amalgamations such as the Hazelnut Bliss and white-chocolate hinted Chatahooligan.
Oaks Coffee House
Conveniently situated just off I-75, this gem among Chattanooga coffee shops has a bright bohemian ambiance accompanied by wooden tabletops, cute white chairs, great big windows that let the sunshine pour on through, lively plants, and a large private event space available for booking. In addition to exceptional coffee, the staff maintains a creative selection of eats ranging from avocado toast to mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches to their quinoa power bowl.
100% of Oaks Coffee House’s profits are reinvested back into the community thanks to local partners including Hope for the Inner City, YCAP, Chattanooga Rescue Mission, Widows Harvest, Salvation Army, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Local Schools, and more.
Green Bean Coffee Co.
Whether you’d like to snag a steamy cup of plant-based joe on your way to work or enjoy the nutritional benefits of a beverage enriched with health-boosting ingredients such as maca, elderflower, hibiscus, and beetroot powder, whatever the case may be, Green Bean has got you covered.
Frothy Monkey
Frothy Monkey is an independently owned all day cafe, specialty coffee roaster, and local favorite. The establishment serves breakfast (brunch every day until 5 pm), lunch, and dinner with beverage offerings including coffee as well as craft beer, wine, and cocktails. Food and drinks are made from scratch using original recipes and thoughtfully-sourced ingredients from regional farmers and producers whenever possible.
If you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee shops in Chattanooga, check out our list of the Top 15 Coffee Shops in Knoxville!
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 Google account.