We highlighted the first six of the 12 best Central Florida coffee shops last month and are wrapping up the list with the final six.
Foxtail Coffee Co. | Winter Park
It’s no surprise that Foxtail Coffee is on our list of best Central Florida coffee shops. Foxtail Coffee is a huge success thanks to the two lifelong friends who began roasting their own coffee in 2016. They’ve since rapidly expanded from their original shop in Winter Park to 40 locations and counting. At any of their shops, you can expect great pastries, iconic brews, several cold brews on tap, adorable fox-adorned merch, and an assortment of teas. Pro tip: try their matcha latte with lavender bitters.
Although you’ll find the same great coffee at every location, we hold a special place in our hearts for the flagship store on Orlando Avenue in Winter Park. This location is right next to some other local favorites like Buttermilk Bakery and has a large parking lot, nice outdoor seating with turf, and plenty of indoor seating. In 2018, this location expanded to include the Farmhouse, where they serve small bar bites, beer and wine, and experimental coffee offerings.
Lineage Coffee Roasting | Audubon Park
Lineage Coffee Roasting was created by two coffee-passionate friends who traveled the world to explore coffee and develop the best local roast. Now they supply beans to many local coffee shops, but you can try their brews at one of their two locations. Their newer and larger location is on Mills right next to Lazy Moon Pizza. Unlike their flagship location, this spot is spacious, with ample seating to get work done.
Their original shop is in the East End Market, a food hall inspired by Central Florida’s local farmers and food artisans. It’s a great spot to get a sweet treat or dinner with friends. Parking can be a challenge on the weekends, as it gets very busy. However, on a normal day, you’ll have plenty of parking options in the lot or nearby street parking. Seating is also extremely limited, but they have a great outdoor area to enjoy. Besides heading to Lineage, we recommend trying a few of the following highlights:
- Cocktails from The Neighbors
- Mochi donuts from Dochi
- Ramen from Domu
- Grilled cheese from La Femme du Fromage
- The best avocado toast in the city from Farm & Haus
- The most decadent chocolate chip cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse
Lobos Coffee Roasters | Audubon Park
Lobos Coffee Roasters is relatively new to the Orlando coffee scene, but customers immediately fell in love. Located in the heart of Audubon Park where an old gas station once stood, the location is extremely convenient. They have a parking lot and many options for parking around the block when that fills up. Inside you’ll find plenty of seating and there’s a tranquil outdoor patio in the back.
They have alcoholic drink options, fresh orange juice, many craft coffee drinks, and a great selection of food. Try one of their paninis, or even better, stick to the toast with butter and jam. From triple berry to strawberry champagne, to orange marmalade, their jams are a delight to the senses.
New General Café | Winter Park
Tucked away off the busy Park Avenue in Winter Park, you’ll find a little storefront with charming patio furniture and a window for to-go orders. Once inside New General Café, you’ll see plenty of natural wood tables and a little market in the back. Parking is free, whether you choose to park in the parking lot out back or find street parking on the bustling main road. Unfortunately, the cafe closes at 3 p.m., so this spot is not designed for getting work done later in the day. They are open during the Winter Park Farmers’ Market located just a few blocks down Park Avenue.
The food is health conscious, featuring ingredients like tofu, squash, kale, sprouts, and more. The recipes can almost be too creative, typically including too many ingredients. However, there are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. Besides great coffee, they have many other unique drinks like the delicious turmeric golden latte and their popular CBD-infused blue majik latte. Surprisingly noteworthy, their cups are made of repurposed coffee husks and can be bought at the in-store market.
Robinson Room Coffee | Downtown Orlando
The Robinson Coffee Room is on the first floor of a 19th-century historical building commissioned for Norman Robinson in 1884. This old-school brick building has been heavily renovated to create a modern and well-lit space. With white furnishings and plenty of plants, it’s a beautiful space to work or gather with friends. The coffee room is open late, until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The cafe offers fun specialty coffees and unconventional drinks like the cinnamon toast crunch cereal milk latte. Besides coffee, they have plenty of bottled beverages and alcohol, including cocktails, beer, and wine. Join them for happy hour Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m for $2 off specialty cocktails. They also have a huge selection of food and pastries, like all-day brunch, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and snacks. Don’t miss their truffle parmesan thick-cut sidewinder fries served with thyme aioli.
If you want to keep enjoying the space, you can head upstairs to The Robinson Disco Room (previously cocktail room) open until 2 a.m. This mid-mod cocktail bar has great seasonal cocktails and food. Since this spot is right in the middle of Downtown Orlando, parking is usually paid and located a few streets away.
Vespr Coffee Bar | UCF Area
The last coffee shop on our list, but certainly not least, is Vespr Coffee Bar located in a shopping plaza near Waterford Lakes in the UCF area. They have ample free parking and lots of seating inside, although it’s usually full of college students. This family-owned spot is the perfect place to get work done or maybe play a few of their card games.
Besides the usual suspects, they have some really creative and modern coffees like the Smoke Stack. You can also expect some unique seasonal beverages like their current “Spooky Szn” drinks. Besides coffee, they have nonalcoholic drinks like lemonade, matcha latte, and London fog, and a few beers. Over the years they’ve invested more in their food and pastry offerings. The Olde Hearth sourdough paninis and the Phat Ash cookies are some of their most popular items.
