For richer or pour over, Lexington’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. Our city ranks among the top coffee cities in America thanks to factors like cafes per capita and the price of beans.

LEX has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Lexington.

Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.

We don't dare to gatekeep this downtown oasis at The Grove. | Photo by LEXtoday

Perfect for a date

Coffee Times Coffee House, 2571 Regency Rd. | Hidden behind the chaos of Nicholasville Road, this gem features wholesale coffee, tea, light bites, and is connected to Street Scene Vintage. Bonus: Pick up a large variety of coffee beans to take home.

Java Jukebox, Various locations | Woo the music lover in your life by visiting this cafe that encompasses all things tunes, community, and coffee.

Lussi Brown Coffee Bar, 114 Church St. | Cozy, intimate, and atmospheric, this spot has options for both coffee + spirits enthusiasts. We recommend their espresso martini.

Chaotic Good: Coffee, Comics & Games, 545 S. Broadway | Just as the name suggestions, you can sip your brewed beverage while borrowing a board game, or reserve a table for role-playing games.

Cafe Patachou, 4040 Finn Way, Ste. 110 | Enjoy breakfast or lunch at one of Lexington’s newest all-day cafes, where a bottomless coffee bar and hand-crafted lattes keep the caffeine flowing.

On-the-go joe

Dutch Bros Coffee, 234 E. New Circle Rd. | Fast, speedy, and delicious is the name of the game at this drive-thru spot.

7 Brew Coffee, Various locations | If you're looking for a quick caffeine fix and a warm smile, you've found the right coffee shop.

The Human Bean, Various locations | Breakfast, coffee, and convenience — what more could you ask for? We recommend a caffeine-free Little Bean drink for the kids and an clean caffeine bright energy for the adults.

Leestown Coffee, 1416 Leestown Rd. | This local coffee shop features exclusive, seasonal coffees, award-winning cold brew, as well as rotating baked treats.

Plenty of outlets and internet connection

Kenwick Table, 201 Owsley Ave. | If you're looking for plenty of space for heads-down work or a social environment, look no further. At this community-focused coffee shop, you can enjoy various coffees, teas, and cocktails with plenty of seating options.

Old School Coffee, Various locations | While this spot gets filled pretty quick, countless outlets and reliable internet connectivity are just the cherries on top of its warm atmosphere.

Bad Ass Coffee, Various locations | Take a trip to paradise while accomplishing all of your important tasks for the day.

McLeod's Coffee House, 376 Southland Dr. | Funky interiors, a good cause, and warm, hard-working baristas make for the ideal work environment.

Best bites

Dip N Crepe, 3801 Mall Rd., Ste. 135 | Get your sweet tooth fix with one of these loaded, colorful crepes to pair with any one of its coffee options.

Genesis Coffee House & Eatery, 1403 N. Forbes Rd., Ste 130 | Enjoy a full breakfast or lunch along with one of these carefully curated coffee drinks.

North Lime Coffee & Donuts, 101 W. Loudon Ave., 3101 Clays Mill | With a rotating schedule, enjoy a massive assortment of donuts as well as coffee + seasonal sips.

High on Art & Coffee, 523 E. High St. | Bagels, womelette (omelettes made in a waffle iron), sandwiches, coffees, and lattes can all be found here for a perfect breakfast or lunch.

Rise N Brine Chicken Biscuits, 331 Romany Rd. | Good luck trying to choose from its dozens of stacked biscuits and one of the many drinks they have on their coffee menu.

Grounded All Day Cafe, 106 Burke Rd., 125 Cheapside | This family-friendly neighborhood coffee shop boasts a food menu full of bagels, house-made spreads, salads + soups. Note: Its new downtown spot features the same bites and is located right next to the Fifth Third Pavilion.

Where to write your novel

Char, 316 S Ashland Ave | Home to Funky Rooster Coffee Bar by day and fine cuisine and cocktails by night, Char satisfies every craving — all in style, with seamless indoor + outdoor seating, ideal for sipping, dining, or just soaking up the atmosphere.

The Greenery, 206 W. Main St. | A coffee + social space within The Grove, you'll find ample seating + delicious food options in this cozy greenery-covered coffee shop.

Manchester Coffee Co., 576 E. Third St., Ste. 110 | No writer's block here. With plenty of sunlight and outlets, this space will inspire you with its East End surroundings and delicious craft coffee.

Brevede, Various locations | Frolick through the flower bar at its Distillery District location or get cozy in Chevy Chase. Either way, you'll have the ideal environment to sit down with your paper and pen, while tasting delicious European treats and coffee.

Nate's Coffee is your one-stop-shop for a cup of coffee or a bag of fresh beans. | Photo by Andrew Cohen + Nate’s Coffee

In-house roasted beans

4th Level Roasters, 2416 Palumbo Dr., Ste. 110 | This wife-husband-owned roastery offers a wide variety of coffees and teas available for individual and wholesale purchase. Bonus: They won first place in the 2022 Cold Brew Festival.

A Cup of Common Wealth, 105 Eastern Ave. | Take in the sights and sounds of our vibrant city across from Thoroughbred Park, while sipping on Magic Beans roasted coffee.

Common Grounds Coffee House | Various locations | Around since 1992, this original community coffee roaster offers several in-house roasted varieties, including the "Everyone Knows Your Name."

Be the barista

Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.

It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters.
For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
Bloom pour overs like a pro with my longtime favorite Bodum cork grip pour over coffee maker.
These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.

Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.