A Guide to Wichita Coffee Shops

Reverie Coffee Roasters

Stepping through the front door of Reverie’s flagship location on Douglas Avenue reveals a chic industrial ambiance underscored by trendy light fixtures, an elegant tin ceiling, ample seating arrangements, and the tantalizing aroma of expertly roasted java. The attention to detail that has gone into designing this hallmark among Wichita coffee shops with a delightful balance of charm and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, and solo study sessions.

Leslie Coffee Co.

Tucked inside a gorgeous brick building set amidst the historic Delano District – a bustling part of town with shops and restaurants, that was long ago a rowdy rest stop for cowboys driving cattle through the region – Leslie is an aesthetically-gifted space showcasing an abundance of vibrant plants, detailed black and white honeycomb tile floors, emerald tin ceiling panels, natural sunlight, and amenities for a productive cafe day. Moreover, an assortment of scrumptious house-made pastries and unique dishes complement their thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious coffee beverages.

Fairmount Coffee Company

Situated across the street from Wichita State University’s campus, Fairmount provides students and visitors alike coffee drinks made with locally roasted beans, as well as a selection of baked goods, salads, paninis, and wraps made fresh daily. The cozy atmosphere is dappled with wooden tabletops and comfy couches, making it perfect for studying, meeting old friends, and making new ones; stop by on the weekends to enjoy some live music!

Common Grounds Coffee House

Careful or you might just drive right past this adorable hidden gem, it’s a residential-looking abode on Douglas Avenue. That being said, Common Grounds takes “homey vibes” to the next level, with one comfortably furnished ground floor and private study rooms upstairs.

Kookaburra Coffee

Kookaburra is a treat for those Instagram connoisseurs of cuteness ever on the prowl for all things pretty, thanks to its posh suede couches, lush verdure, earthy elements, pink and purple accents, marvelous wooden coffee bar, and photogenic mural just outside. In addition to uniquely flavorful takes on your usual caffeinated favorites, the friendly folks behind the counter here offer handmade sodas, smoothies, teas, and a unique tasting experience that highlights the complexity and decadence of artistically prepared coffee.

Espresso To Go Go

This adorable little outpost on the breezy corner of St. Francis and Douglas is one of the most precious coffee shops in Wichita. What Espresso to Go Go may lack in size, it certainly makes up for with unmatched views of bustling downtown and an intimate common area where guests can mingle with friends and try fantastic signature drinks, such as the chocolate-enriched Scharffenberger Mocha Latte.

R Coffeehouse

Whether you’d like to sink into a chair and appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe, groove to the tunes of a local musician, or flip through the pages of your favorite novel amidst the subtle charm of a cozy neighborhood gathering place, whatever the case may be, R Coffeehouse has got you covered.

Vagabond Cafe

Part coffee shop, part full-service bar, The Vagabond is open until two in the morning most days (or nights, that is) of the week. It does have a slightly divey yet still welcoming feel, complete with dim lighting, comfy booths, art speckled walls, an earnestly stocked bookshelf, and remote work accommodations like WiFi.

Want Bierock Company & Coffee House

Just down the road from the scenic banks of the Arkansas River, Want Bierock Company & Coffee House is known for its organic brisket, smoothies, homemade cinnamon rolls, bierocks (pastry pocket sandwiches with savory filling), and last but certainly not least, exceptional java. While there, check out the library of published information and redaction in their conspiracy corner, curl up on one of the couches, and come to your own conclusions.

Sunflower Espresso

Breathing new life into what used to be a firehouse, this petite hole-in-the-wall cafe carries a wholesome atmosphere featuring potted plants, several stools, a mug-adorned chandelier, and classic cherry red accents. You may even spot Sunflower Espresso’s big red mobile bus at local events and private celebrations put on by coffee lovers, businesses, and non-profit groups!

Java Villa Cafe

A stone’s toss from McConnell Air Force Base, Java Villa embodies that reliable no-frills neighborhood establishment dedicated to turning out the highest quality goods, from coffee to bierocks to scratch-made scones. It’s no wonder they’ve been in business for over two decades and are still goin’ strong!

Sojourner’s Coffee House

A non-profit organization for veterans, Sojourner’s operates on donations only and serves a full coffee bar menu, breakfast, and pastries in a cozy and accommodating setting. Guests order whatever they would like from the menu and in exchange, donate as they feel led. Donations are used to cover expenses, pay for resources and events for veterans and military families, and support Passageways, which provides temporary housing while giving our Heroes the opportunity to overcome the issues that brought them to homelessness.

The Spice Merchant and Company

Located in Wichita’s iconic Mentholatum Building, Spice Merchant roasts intimately sourced coffee several days a week in small batches and serves it as fresh as can be. The store has been open for over four decades and largely resembles a retail market, think shelves stocked with kitchenwares, cards, cute mugs, more than 90 origins and coffee flavors, over 200 teas, and countless flavorsome spices.

Crafted Coffee

Crafted is a neat and relaxed hangout with comfy couches, wooden tabletops, and an ideal study environment; the staff similarly maintains a tempting selection of coffee beverages, tea, smoothies, craft cocktails, crisp beers, sake, fine wines, and poke.

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 treat.

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!

Dutch Bros Coffee

Founded in Southern Oregon in 1992 by dairy farmer brothers Dane and Travis Boersma, Dutch Bros. Coffee is the country’s largest privately held, drive-thru coffee company. For those java purists bewildered that I could include as large a chain as Dutch on this list of Wichita coffee shops, please remember, they’re not very common elsewhere in the United States, so for visitors or newcomers, this energy-rich oasis in the sun will undoubtedly prove a sweet treat.

From early mornings to late nights, some heavenly beverages you may spot being served out of their pull-up window include specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, freezes, teas, and Blue Rebel energy drinks that customers can infuse with their favorite flavors.

Every cup of Dutch Bros. coffee is handcrafted – roasted by hand in the Pacific Northwest, blended by hand, and then ground and pulled by hand, ristretto-style. One more observation worth noting, their employees are relentlessly kind, attentive, and cheerful, at all times, never failing to look like they’re having the moment of their lives while on shift; super fun vibes!

If you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee shops in Wichita, check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Topeka!