Best Coffee Shops in Columbus (2025)
The Roosevelt Coffeehouse
Cafe · Uptown District
A nonprofit cafe where every latte supports anti-trafficking, clean water, and hunger relief. Frequently praised by Ohio Magazine and Experience Columbus for creative seasonal drinks like the S’mortado and its measurable community impact.
One Line Coffee-Short North
Coffee shop · Short North
This independent roaster’s Short North bar is a “theater in the round,” putting craft and education on display. Cited by Experience Columbus and regularly appearing on Columbus Underground best-of lists.
Brioso Coffee
Coffee shop · Uptown District
A downtown stalwart roasting in the Discovery District with a second coffee bar nearby. Praised by local critics for consistent espresso and seasonal menus; a repeat mention in Columbus Underground reader polls.
Third Way Coffee House
Coffee shop · Valleyview
Westgate’s community hub with a social-enterprise bent—covered by Columbus Underground for its relocation and programming. Expect thoughtful pours, local art, and an approachable neighborhood vibe.
Florin Coffee
Cafe · North Linden
A small roaster-café in South Linden known for bright, carefully sourced coffees and local collaborations. Noted by Axios Columbus for partner cold brew and frequently included in local roundups.
Black Kahawa Coffee: roastery + bar
Coffee shop · Uptown District
Downtown roaster-bar connecting Columbus to East Africa with Zanzibar-spiced drinks and nitro cold brew. Widely covered by Columbus Underground and Breakfast With Nick after opening at Broad and High.
Jennings Java Artisan Coffee Roasters
Coffee shop · Columbus
Merion Village roaster that grew from bottled and draft cold brew to a full-service cafe. Highlighted by Breakfast With Nick and 614NOW for its community-funded buildout and careful espresso.
Kafe Kerouac
Coffee shop · University Area
A campus fixture blending coffee, books, vinyl, and nightly events. Beloved by students, artists, and local critics; late hours make it a reliable stop for caffeine and culture.
Royal Flamingo Coffee House
Coffee shop · Harrison West
Award-winning micro-roaster’s playful cafe inside I Like It Like That Bar in Grandview. Earning nods from Columbus Underground and Breakfast With Nick for creative “super fun” drinks and competition medals.
Global Gallery Coffee Shop
Coffee shop · North Clintonville
Clintonville’s nonprofit fair-trade coffeehouse since 1991, doubling as an arts venue. Profiled by Columbus Underground and supported by community partners for its cultural programming and equitable sourcing.
Cafe De Nook
Coffee shop · Mile on High
A tiny downtown charmer near Columbus Commons serving careful espresso, custom brews, and pastries. Recommended by the Columbus Commons blog and loved by office regulars for sincere service.
