Being from Seattle and addicted to coffee, people often question me about how the Orlando coffee scene compares to the mecca of modern coffee, Seattle. At first, moving to Orlando about ten years ago, I had a hard time finding a good quality coffee shop that felt like home.
Most places seemed to be trying to do a hybrid coffee, wine or food- not a good relaxing hang out where you can go and get a coffee and read a book. It seemed like any time a new coffee shop that I might like would open up, it was doomed to close down within 6 months.
I know what you are thinking… there was always Starbucks. While Starbucks will always hold a special place in my heart, they haven’t been a true Seattle coffee shop since they introduced the Verisimo.
Knowing a thing or two about a properly crafted beverage, it is hard for me to return to a café if I receive a poorly made latte. While some places didn’t provide a quality product, others didn’t have a relaxing environment. I am glad to say now that there are few great coffee options in the area that have that Seattle coffee shop vibe I miss. Here is a quick rundown:
Editor’s Note: Most photos are supplied by Momlando and she is neither a coffee purist nor snob. She drinks iced drinks because it’s 10,000 degrees outside right now. So the photos do not match the latte quest discussed.
Foxtail Coffee Co. (Multiple locations throughout Central Florida)
Farmhouse:1282 N Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Drive-thru: 478 N State Rd 434, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Like a Starbucks that actually makes good coffee. Their Foxtail Farmhouse is interesting and feels more like an experience than a coffee house. They have a nice outdoor space where the kids can run around like maniacs while I sip my latte. Also, I love their drive-thru! I don’t always want to unpack the kids and bring them in when I need coffee.
1307 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
First a truck on Par St. and now a full kitschy little shop that’s just like one you might encounter as you get a little outside Seattle, like if you went on a day trip to Port Townsend or Vashon. It’s not a place you can go hang out, but definitely has some of the northern exposure feels.
Mills50: 1011 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
East End Market: 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
At the Mills50 location, coffee is great, and excellently made. But the vibe is a little too sterile to feel like a Seattle coffee shop. It’s always an option for when I am in the area, but Lineage doesn’t seem built for producing drinks during the rush, or for relaxing long hours. If I’ve got the kids with me, the East End Market location gives them room to run around outside through the patio and gardens, always a plus.
706 W Smith St, Orlando, FL 32804 (Credo is also at the Florida Hospital Health Village & North Quarter on Orange Ave.)
A great place to get an excellent latte. It’s got a total downtown Seattle coffee shop feeling to it. For me, it would be more of a meet someone for coffee type place rather than a bring a book type place as it can get a little loud. They’ve got a ‘pay what you want’ model set up and different initiatives to make an impact on our community.
146 W. Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (Multiple locations in Winter Garden & Clermont)
Too bad they are all the way in Winter Garden because Axum feels just like the coffee shops I used to go to in Seattle. The drinks are great, and they are built to handle a rush. They also have a great space for relaxing and meeting friends. If it was just a little bit closer I’d be there all the time.
Pro tip: Stop by Little Blue Donut Co. (223 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789) and get a latte and their Salted Carmel Donut. You won’t be disappointed!
Know a coffee shop that needs a Dadlando review? Let us know in the comments!
