Iced lattes have become my newest obsession. So when I first came to Columbus, I set out to find the perfect vendor.
It can be a lot of work to go to each and every coffee place in a given area to find the right match for you, and sometimes walking into a new environment potentially filled with coffee snobs can be intimidating.
So here is a list of the top four coffee shops in Columbus that I’ve tried — and loved — so you don’t have to do the work! What better way to enjoy the warm weather than to go for coffee runs? And luckily, Columbus offers a large variety of coffee shops that are within walking distance from campus.
- Stauf’s Coffee Roasters
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Stauf’s currently has six locations around Columbus, but my favorite of their shops is located on Neil Avenue and has the eye-catching exterior of an old brick church building. This character matches the interior, as the integrity of the stained-glass windows and wooden beams of the old church are maintained within.
This is one of my go-to coffee places. If you live on South Campus, then this coffee shop could become your go-to as well.
Indoor seating is currently unavailable due to COVID-19, but the outdoor seating, when the weather permits, is open.
Stauf’s has great, rich lattes, approaching coffee from a more artisanal angle. Their menu is large and easy to understand, which is greatly appreciated by the average coffee consumer.
My favorite item on the menu is the Milky Way espresso with oat milk. The sharp, slightly bitter taste of the espresso mixes perfectly with the caramel and chocolate accents. Getting it iced and then walking to Goodale Park is the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.
- Cielo Cafe
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Located on High Street just across from the Ohio Union, Cielo Cafe is the perfect place to grab a latte and study at the same time. Inside, the establishment offers tables in the front and back of the shop, socially distanced in order to keep customers safe while also maintaining the ideal aesthetic for studying.
Cielo offers a wide range of milk substitutes and flavors unique to the establishment (such as “the Brutus”), which can be used to create the perfect drink.
I like to go to Cielo to meet with friends or do school work, and it makes me feel productive and cute at the same time — the ideal coffee shop experience. My go-to order? A 16-ounce iced latte with oat milk and an Asiago bagel with cream cheese.
- Roaming Goat Coffee Company
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If you’re looking for a takeout coffee place in the Short North area, then Roaming Goat is one of the ideal spots. The shop is located on High Street, next to Prologue Bookshop. They offer a smaller menu of coffees and teas, but don’t let the mini menu deter you. Each drink is made with quality ingredients and offers impressive caffeine strength.
Take it from me, I once ordered a 24-ounce latte and didn’t feel tired for about six hours — an impressive feat for a regular coffee drinker.
Along with the other shops on this list, Roaming Goat serves specialty beans that are sustainably sourced. I always appreciate transparency when it comes to coffee beans because it makes me more aware of my impact on the environment.
- One Line Coffee
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One Line Coffee is located on High Street in the Short North area as well. One Line Coffee is the perfect place for a quick cold brew on your walk into Columbus. It is the cutest spot, and when you walk in you can see exactly what the baristas are doing and how they make your drink. I love witnessing this cool process.
As of now, the shop is open for takeout only; if you’re in the Short North and feeling thirsty, this is a great option. My favorite items to order are the traditional iced latte and the maple latte (if I’m feeling fancy).
They also offer sustainably sourced coffee beans and have informational posters about their beans decorating the interior of the store. It’s a fun thing to read about while your drink is being made from those same beans.
Why limit the enablers of your coffee addiction to just Starbucks? Why not instead go the extra mile to try different roasts and flavors at similar price points? This list is not exhaustive, and there are so many more coffee places in Columbus to try.
Who knows? Maybe the perfect summer activity for you can be to compile your own list of coffee shops!