A Guide to Dallas Coffee Shops

Merit Coffee Co.

A locally beloved hallmark among Dallas coffee shops, Merit offers guests a pleasant experience underscored by an overall modern, open, and airy environment dappled with ample cushioned seating, natural sunlight, and dashes of greenery. While a superior setting for productivity would be difficult to imagine, aside from optimum functionality, the attention to detail that has gone into designing this cafe 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.

Merit scours the globe in search of the best coffee beans before ultimately having them delivered to a facility where they roast test batches, cup, taste, adjust, test some more and finally establish the perfect roast for the beans. Rest assured, the folks here take their java sourcing, roasting, and brewing methods as seriously as they do their picturesque aesthetic.

La La Land Kind Cafe

This charming old home surrounded by a classic white picket fence can be found nestled in the community of Lower Greenville serving 100% organic goods and mentoring and employing foster youth that are aging out of the system. For all the Instagram connoisseurs of cuteness out there, search no further as La La Land showcases a stunning mix of modern and homestead decor, as well as boasts vibrant accents set against minimalistic white walls, hardwood floors, plush armchairs, a fireplace, and last but not least, an aesthetic brick-paved sideyard where furry four-legged friends are welcome.

Davis Street Espresso

Davis Street Espresso’s outdoor setting boasts an alleyway with vintage red brick walls on each side, cute furnishings dappled throughout, romantic light bulbs strung overhead, and one decommissioned bus that’s retro-fitted with bench-style seating parked in the back. Venturing inside reveals creative textured surfaces, walls boarded up with colorful wooden planks, remarkable wooden tables and booths, fresh java that’s been expertly roasted by Oak Cliff Coffee, and all the markings of an establishment that devoted coffee connoisseurs and hipsters alike can appreciate. Keep in mind, they do not have WiFi.

Fiction Coffee

The gorgeous coffee bar at Fiction’s East Dallas store is surrounded by plenty of modern furnishings, trendy light fixtures hanging from above, and exposed brick, textured, and smooth surfaces on each side. The posh decor serves as an accomplice to daringly innovative, rewardingly delicious seasonal coffee beverages such as a szechuan honey mocha latte with an orange blossom spritz known as the Joy Luck Club Latte.

White Rock Coffee

White Rock’s recently opened store in Preston Center – a premier commercial hub known for harboring trendy boutiques and restaurants – is truly sensational. It showcases an inviting modern atmosphere with nautical tones, artistic light fixtures, and plenty of seating arrangements. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or professional meeting arranger, any of White Rock’s several Dallas coffee shops have got what you’re looking for.

Hola Cafe

Over near the intersection of Davis and Tyler, the unassuming exterior of Hola Cafe is marked by five letters in bold black font reading “COFFEE.” Little would passersby know that just inside the front door is one of the most petite but also aesthetically gifted coffee shops in Dallas. Think all-white and some textured surfaces, including the elegant paneled ceiling, then throw in a dash of jet black artisan furnishings, touch of vibrant verdure, coffee with superb presentation, and finally, the greatest ingredient of them all, you!

Jennifer grew up and lived in Honduras for 13 years, while there, she’d help her grandmother harvest and sell java beans to locals. After moving to the United States and dreaming of opening her own “perfect” coffee shop, she now co-owns Hola Cafe with her husband Daniel, a full-time musician for Christian artist, Marco Barrientos.

La Reunion

Residing within a gorgeous red brick building, La Reunion shares its namesake with the earliest European settlers in what is now Oak Cliff. A cognate, it is instantly understood in many languages as the meeting place. Coffee house by morning, swanky cocktail bar by evening, and producing positive energy what seems like every waking hour, the folks behind the counter here have managed to harness that brilliant intersection of classy and cozy, culminating in what may just be your next culinary love affair.

LDU Coffee to Go

Started by two brothers from Australia who got swept up in the local music, tacos, brisket, and incredible craft beer Texas has to offer, LDU serves coffee made with the best American machinery, a little European flair, and a healthy disrespect for trend and tradition. Their location on North Fitzhugh Avenue has become a fixture among East Dallas coffee shops, thanks in part to its airy atmosphere, ample light wooden furnishings, and of course, the always friendly service.

White Rhino Coffee

Destined to become your home away from home, White Rhino ethically sources and diligently roasts coffee derived from the world’s premier growing regions in small batches, ensuring the best expression of each bean’s individual flavor profile.

Their bright and sophisticated space features lengthy wooden slab workbenches, plush couches, plenty of cushioned seating, a bookshelf stocked with titles and trinkets, a stage for local performers in one corner, and textured surfaces from the walls to the ceiling to the front counter – let’s not forget the blue chair speckled outdoor patio.

Murray Street Coffee Shop

Near and dear to the heart of Deep Ellum, Murray Street Coffee Shop was established in 2005 and has served as a welcoming setting where the community can gather over fresh coffee ever since. Though quaint, the space has plenty to offer, such as two upper mezzanine areas, comfy seating, several tables dappled throughout, and good vibes that creative people find stimulating – thanks in part to world-class art and an eclectic mix of music ranging from Chopin to Calexico, Kendrick Lamar to Robyn.

Furthermore, they feature locally roasted fair trade coffee beans as well as have extraordinarily good pastries and sandwiches with ingredients gathered fresh daily from sources such as Jimmy’s Italian Grocery, Rudolph’s Meat Market, and several bakeries and artisanal bakers.

Houndstooth Coffee

Another jewel situated in Lower Greenville, Houndstooth features a colorful bohemian atmosphere with warm earthy tones set against minimalistic white walls, ample wooden furnishings, iconic teal stools, vibrant plant life, and convenient amenities for a productive cafe day.

Their coffees, teas, beers, wines, and pastries are sustainably sourced from both local and national partners, along with some of the finest estates, farms, and provinces around the world. Feel free to satisfy your early morning cravings with their wide variety of delicious breakfast tacos, which include traditional, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Sip Stir Coffee House

The frequented home of posh global bistros, lively sports bars, upscale cocktail lounges, a vintage trolly, and trendy boutique window fronts lined with chic western wear, Uptown has developed into a premier Dallas neighborhood – and near the center of all the action that unfolds along bustling McKinney Avenue is none other than a dashing java respite called Sip Stir. Whether organizing a business meeting, gathering with friends, or planning a first date, the airy, modern ambiance here will surely prove an exceptional backdrop.

If you’re in the mood for a quick bite, Sip Stir provides you with a variety of fresh-baked pastries and house-made, kind-hearted vegetarian eats.

Magnolias Sous Le Pont

Magnolias: Sous Le Pont, meaning “Under the Bridge” in French, is indeed located under a bridge in the Harwood District. Since opening, this adorable escape among Dallas coffee shops has placed an artistic emphasis on customer experience. A step inside their iconic blue storefront graced by vibrant green verdure offers patrons plush chesterfields, ample tabletops, local art adorning the walls, an array of everyday essentials, handmade gifts, quirky cards, and even a calendar full of events; lest we forget the artisanal coffees, delectable breakfast options, fresh sandwiches, and salads.

Otto’s Coffee & Fine Foods

Named for a former Adolphus Busch brewery employee who became the general manager of The Adolphus hotel in 1928, Otto’s is an upscale Viennese-style cafe serving local Full City Rooster Coffee Roasters coffee, along with teas, sodas, and a full lunch and breakfast menu.

Grab a seat in the refined space, finished with dark wood and polished marble tabletops, or head to the grab-and-go service window on Commerce Street to get your morning coffee and a hot Liege waffle in a hurry. Pair your coffee with one of their delightful pastries made fresh daily by an in-house pastry team.

Handbuilt by European craftsmen in the early 20th-century, The Adolphus was the passion project of Anheuser-Busch co-founder Adolphus Busch. Since its opening, the Beaux-Arts hotel has welcomed such esteemed guests as presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George HW Bush, as well as British royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

Weekend Coffee

Tucked inside a revitalized, neo-gothic landmark in the heart of downtown, also known as The Joule Hotel, this little gem among Dallas coffee shops serves coffee brewed using Durham-based Counter Culture roasts. Weekend flourishes at the endpoint of the origin to cup process, and whilst the knowledgable staff enjoys intimately sourcing their products, they further enhance visitors’ coffee experience by having top quality brewing methods and providing an easy-going, artfully designed atmosphere complete with foodie centric retail offerings.

Opening Bell Coffee

Snuggled in the basement of the South Side on Lamar Lofts (the Historic Sears Roebuck Building), Opening Bell is quite possibly one of the city’s best acoustic live music venues, with shows most nights, as well as a beloved coffee shop. Whether you’d like to sink into a couch or chair and appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe, groove to the tunes of a local musician jamming out on-stage, or silently work amidst the subtle charm of a cozy neighborhood gathering space, whatever the case may be, they’ve got you covered.

Flying Horse Cafe

Situated at the base of the Magnolia building – built in 1921, the 29-story structure was the first high-rise in the United States to have air conditioning and was the city’s first skyscraper at more than 400 feet high – Flying Horse Cafe has itself become a tradition for locals, tourists, and travelers alike. Their coffee is sourced from the world’s premier growing regions and gets roasted in small batches to produce a one-of-a-kind signature blend.

Adorning the red-accented walls beside their ample comfy seating arrangements is a rotating art gallery showcasing creative expressions by area artists, a pleasant nod to the deep culture Dallas has to offer.

Stupid Good Coffee

Somewhat hidden and perched on the second floor of the Pacific Place building at 1910 Pacific Avenue, Stupid Good Coffee offers guests elevated downtown views complimented by espresso drinks, sweets, and root beer in a quaint art-adorned space.

Herb’s House Coffee + Company

Just a stone’s throw distance from the George W. Bush Presidential Center, Herb’s offers a functional work environment known for having a spacious open floor plan, plenty of comfortable seating, all the necessary amenities associated with a productive cafe day (ie. WiFi, charging outlets, chill atmosphere), and even bookable private conference rooms.

Their beans are the highest quality arabica beans available, carefully selected from coffee farms in Colombia and Brazil. After being shipped to partner roasters in the United States, they are blended into two distinct flavors: the House Blend – dark roast, with a hint of chocolate, nutty and mellow flavors – and a Signature Blend – medium roast, with a combination of floral, wine and bright flavors.

Civil Pour

A bright cafe in lofty contemporary digs, Civil Pour was started by Nellie and Chad Montgomery, the founders of Texas’ largest beer festival, the Big Texas Beer Fest, and is a glorious combination of specialty coffee shop, great beer bar, sandwich shop, and growler-filling station. The coffee program here features a rotating cast of hand-selected roasters, the tapwall boasts rare, seasonal, best-of-style beers curated by their well-seasoned team of industry veterans, and on display are scrumptious baked goods made by a local pastry chef.

Mokah Coffee & Tea

Harboring the sort of visually pleasing yet edgy ambiance found in an alternative rock hit music video, this non-profit gem is dappled with an abundance of comfy couches, tabletops, and artistic flair; the eclectic atmosphere makes for a great place to study, meet with friends, or just relax for a bit. Aside from delicious takes on your traditional early hour favorites and signature beverages, Mokah also has frappes, smoothies, pastries, and teas.

Native Coffee

One of the furthest north coffee shops in Dallas, Native was founded based on the idea to live in a constant state of inspiration and passion. Not just to create something good enough to pass, but to keep creating, and with this in mind, they’ve designed a welcoming bohemian-esque yet sophisticated space that artists, students, deep thinkers, adventurers, and coffee connoisseurs alike are sure to appreciate. The team here has developed relationships with global roasters that work directly with coffee farmers who are producing some of the most exciting tasting coffees in the world.

Urban Blend Coffee Co.

Urban Blend is in the lobby of Antioch Church in the heart of the historic West End district of downtown. Situated directly on the DART station platform and across the street from El Centro College, it is easily accessible from anywhere in the heart of the city, passengers traveling to or from the DFW airport on the DART also find it especially convenient before or after their flights.

Combine the unique industrial era ambiance with the soul-stirring aroma of handcrafted coffee, several comfy couches, numerous tabletops, and an upper mezzanine area, and this venue is sure to become a favorite stop on your morning routine, and some days, maybe even the perfect tranquil escape for a productive study session or getting lost in the pages of a great book.

Cultivar Coffee Roasting Co.

If you truly love and appreciate the art of java, there may be no better option than Cultivar, the team here is passionate about responsibly sourcing the world’s finest beans, as well as roasting and cupping every coffee in celebration of the hard work that coffee producers have put into their crop year-round.

Cultivar’s quaint lounge area offers bar-top seating, locally sourced pastries, and breakfast sandwiches per their roommates at Goodfriend Package.

Union

This gem among Dallas coffee shops has transcended its role as a neighborhood cafe and entered pillar of the community status. First things first, Union dedicates at least $25,000 each year to support Oak Lawn UMC’s efforts to care for unsheltered neighbors in Dallas.

Aside from their charitable efforts and spoken word nights, one can expect to encounter a beautiful brick building complimented by a grassy lawn area, and once entered, a minimalistic environment accentuated by modern elements such as sleek furnishings, an upstairs conference room, speedy WiFi, and coffee beans that are beyond fair trade and freshly roasted and brewed.

Ascension Coffee

Located in the Design District – an industrial-chic enclave known for its fine-art dealerships, polished furniture showrooms, and colorful stores selling high-end textiles – Ascension procures an elevated dining experience complete with specialty, slow-roasted coffee, a well-curated wine list, and what’s been dubbed the “Best Brunch in DFW!”

The cafe’s menu boasts simple ingredients and innovative flavors, moreover, everything is made in-house (down to the salad dressings and sauces) and baked daily so your taste buds will ascend to new heights.

Funny Library Coffee Shop

Taking up residence within the Virgin Hotel, the folks here have replaced the usual “Shhh’s!” of a traditional library with “Hahaha’s!” Pop in and take a seat in this stylish yet snug communal workspace, pull out your laptop, or grab a book off the shelf. Cozy up and enjoy a few belly laughs induced by walls adorned with funny artwork, then fill your belly with some delicious La Colombe coffee, a pastry, or any other fresh and healthy lite bites readily available. And if you laugh so hard you snort a little, it’s a judgment-free zone. Promise.

If you enjoyed this guide to the best Dallas coffee shops, be sure to check out our list of the Top 15 Coffee Shops in Fort Worth!