Orlando is a city that can be described as Florida’s version of the “city that never sleeps.” There is always something to do, to see, and to try. But with that in mind, sometimes it’s nice to find a space to get away.
Stardust
A place to get into your creative space. A ceiling decorated with lights and fish-shaped papers stringing above coffee enthusiast’s heads. The space is filled with knick-knacks, sketched-on coffee cups, and unique books that customers can flip through during their visit. Take the opportunity while there to hop in the photo booth to have something to remember the experience with.
Coffee Factory And Cafe
If any Orlandian is looking for a tasty and unique cup of Joe, this is the place to go to. Coffee Factory and Café – previously known as Boston Coffee House – mixes and matches coffee drinkers’ favorite flavors to make concoctions that will blow your mind. And if hunger strikes during a coffee run, their tomato soup is one of the best in Orlando.
Duo 58
This non-profit café is still new to the Oviedo/Orlando area. A quaint get-away that benefits the strides of volunteers in Haiti and mission work that they provide. With a staff of volunteers, interns, and expert baristas, this café makes you feel right at home. The coffee shop is accented with nearly all wood and a minimalistic vibe. Local art hangs on the wall and cacti plants sit on the tables. Instagram aesthetic opportunities are through the roof at this location.
Achilles Art Café
Achilles is heaven for the creative minds of Orlando. Though located toward West Orlando, this shop is worth the trip down the 408, not only for the coffee, but the atmosphere. The owner is infamously friendly, outgoing, and eager to welcome new customers into his humble abode. The specialty lattes crafted with the customer’s choice(s) of flavoring is one of the most popular drinks in this hip café.
PSA: Try the cinnamon crumb cake flavor and grab a pastry to go with it. Bomb.com
Downtown Credo
Located in the heart of the Mills District, hipsters and hippies alike will fall in awe of this coffee shop before they can even enter. The most unique aspect of this non-profit coffee shop is that customers decide how much they would like to pay for what they order, although a suggested price is posted. Before anyone gets any ideas of cutting short this altruistic movement, customers should remember where their money is going. This coffee shop is also more of a minimalist atmosphere with dim lights, wooden tables, and various green plants. If you’re short on things to do for the upcoming weekend, check out their bulletin board for tons of ideas – and then some.
Vespr
Vespr is one of the closest coffee shops to UCF that both students and coffee-enthusiasts frequent on a regular basis. Lined with Chemexs, coffee bean grinders, and any and every version of a French Press, these baristas will let you know they are serious about coffee. Many drinks are served in mason jars to help cultivate the contemporary ambiance.
Drunken Monkey
The parking lot of this coffeehouse usually creates as much excitement from first-time customers as the shop itself. The walls are graffitied with colorful art and accented with classic VW vans (which are typically also covered in art). With a mindset that is open to all, the coffee shop has many vegan-friendly options. Actually, if you want a really good cookie, I recommend trying the Anzac cookies during your visit. Healthy and delicious.
Coffee Garden
A hidden gem in Orlando, but yet so close to all of the action, Coffee Garden is located just off of South Orange Avenue – close to downtown. A small and quaint coffee and flower shop hybrid with a parking lot mainly filled with bicycles and a bench encouraging individuals to live “off coffee and flowers”. This shop was recently put on the map in light of the ‘Gilmore Girls Revival’ when these avid watchers threw a watch party for local honorary citizens of Stars Hollow. Rent a bike during your visit, grab a cup of Joe, and maybe a bouquet of flowers for the one you love – or yourself because who doesn’t love flowers.
Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen
Part of the Park Avenue area in Winter Park, Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen is a local favorite. Both indoor and outdoor seating offers beautiful views, good photo ops, and a Winter Park welcome. The best seat in the house to many are the tables outside. Circled around a fountain and between historic buildings, Barnie’s creates an aesthetically appealing environment for all visitors. This coffee shop has a lot more to offer besides a good cup of caffeine. If you visit Barnie’s, order avocado toast and a healthy breakfast bowl to start your day off the right way.