Hi, I’m a new mom and I have a love for coffee, espresso, and all things caffeinated. I also happen to work remotely for my day job. This means I get pretty up close and personal with all the marvelous coffee shops here in Columbus, Oh. I feel like the Columbus coffee scene has exploded almost as much as the local beer scene in the past few years. I don’t hate either of those things.
With the addition of so many great Columbus coffee shops, there have been some wonderful programs for additional support. The Columbus Coffee Experience is a way to experience 13 local coffee shops with a little added bonus. Stop by the Experience Columbus Visitor Center near Huntington Park or at Easton Town Center to pick up a booklet. Then, get started on your Columbus Coffee Trail with three of my favorite shops.
This Short North based shop is beautiful, communal and has the best garage door lighting in all the Columbus land. On warm days, this lovely shop has their giant garage door open with all the gorgeous light and air streaming in on their giant wooden tables and comfy couches.
Their inviting atmosphere is full of groups of people sharing tables, chargers, and conversation. If you are lucky, there might even be a cute pup or two who stop on by while their owner gets their caffeine fix.
Not only is their shop beautiful and full of fantastic people, their beverages are top notch. They have sweet little menus at the register with an outline of their coffee and espresso beverages. But, their baristas are also super educated and passionate and want to give you something you’ll love. If you are stumped, they will lead you in the right direction. Or, just try the vanilla latte because it’s marvelous.
Speaking of baristas, I can be a bit of a brat about customer service and it makes me fall in love with or absolutely hate a restaurant/coffee shop/etc. (working in food service since you were 14 will do that to ya). This may be why I absolutely adore Mission Coffee Co. Their team is so passionate, kind and a little bit sarcastic which is the perfect blend in my book.
Ah. This place. It’s my happy place. It was the first coffee shop I took my daughter when she was born. We had weekly (maybe more) baby/mama dates here while I was on maternity leave. While the aforementioned shop doesn’t have a huge array of breakfast treats, Fox in the Snow kills it in the bakery department. Good thing they are opening another location next year in German Village.
I mean, just look at the spread. They have their standards like the cinnamon roll and biscuit with jam. But, they also offer seasonal galettes and muffins which are usually my go-to. If pastries aren’t your thing (like The Beard), Fox in the Snow offers up a beautiful egg sandwich that leaves me wanting more every time. Just be sure to order without bacon if you are avoiding meat!
While you can get the typical coffee or latte at Fox in the Snow, they also offer up some fun caffeinated beverages. Their espresso shake is like an adult milkshake minus the booze. Full enough of sugar and caffeine to get you through the day and lead you straight into a solid nap.
When you dine in, be sure to bring a friend or two for some conversation. Similar to German Village staple, Pistacia Vera, they do not offer wi-fi. Instead, they encourage you to read, talk, eat and share your moments together. Just another reason to fall in love with this little spot in Italian Village.
I’m pretty sure that this place doubles as an office for about 45% of Grandview (plus me) and I totally understand why. With three locations (and a few Cup O Joe‘s, they are the original staple in Columbus coffee. They have a boastful menu of caffeinated drinks and fantastic food made in house.
Note: Grandview has a full breakfast and lunch menu but German Village and North Market offer a much more limited menu of muffins, pastries and breakfast bars.
The baristas at Stauf’s are quick and efficient, especially on a days when it’s 9am with every table full and a line halfway out the door. They power through those lines, so don’t be scared if you see a full house. Plus, they are always accommodating with your milk, decaf, syrup, etc. selections. During my pregnancy, I still went here on a more than weekly basis but was erring on the side of less caffeine. They never batted an eye with my requests.
While their coffee is wonderful — especially their ever changing flavored blend for the day. Hey there, Celtic Grogg! I need to give them a shoutout for their food. It’s amazing. I have tried to recreate their blueberry muffin a few times, but I’m never as successful. It must have unicorn tears in it or something. I devour it in record speed. They also offer a breakfast sandwich on a homemade biscuit that is so full of butter, that I feel like Paula Deen and I love every minute of it.
I’m clearly a sucker for latte art and they pretty much nail it every time. I firmly believe it’s a strong marketing tactic to make your beverages and/or food so absolutely gorgeous that people can’t help but photograph it and share to the masses.
Well, there you have it! Our favorite Columbus coffee shops. Do yourself a favor and head out on the Columbus Coffee Trail and take advantage of these marvelous and caffeinated spots.
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