A coffee connoisseur or coffeeholic - call me what you wish. I’ll claim the title because whether or not you drink lattes as much as I do, I’m the one with a caffeine Tampa guide. For those that can’t relate, you have to agree that there’s something enticing about the craft of coffee, if not simply the atmosphere of it.

Here are some of my personal favorite shops in Tampa Bay, that are a 50-minute drive.

Buddy Brew Coffee | 1605 W. Snow Ave. | 420 W. Kennedy Blvd. | 2020 W. Kennedy Blvd. | 400 N. Tampa St. Suite 110

Located in Hyde Park Village, at The Oxford Exchange + on Kennedy Blvd, this Tampa roaster is one I always come back to. From the Italy imported marble at The OE to the smell of roasted coffee beans at the original cafe on 2020 W. Kennedy. Their motto - Brew Good. Do Good. - is the ultimate driving force behind all they do.

In case you’re at Tampa International Airport, make sure to swing by their new cafe at Airside F before your flight. I may or may not have gone through additional terminal security just to get a latte.

And in case you’re wondering, you can also find Buddy Brew in Downtown Sarasota, at Publix and Whole Foods locations, and at their Brew Truck cruising around the Tampa Bay area.

Foundation Coffee Co. | 1607 N. Franklin St. | 10020 Carr Rd.

Mixing both the indoor + outdoor, this shop believes in spaces that allow customers to sit and relax. Their 1920’s brick building on Franklin is in the heart of Tampa Heights, just four blocks from downtown Tampa, and connects to their partner company CAVU, an event space available for rent. The Riverview location is inside a custom-built trailer, overlooking a private patio, fire pits + water features. Did I mention it’s pet-friendly?

Foundation Coffee is also one of the businesses coming to Sparkman Wharf in 2020, the new Water Street development in place of Channelside Bay Plaza. Mark your calendars.

The Blind Tiger Cafe | 1901 E. 7th Ave. | 4304 N. Florida Ave. | 934 S. Howard Ave.

First starting in historic Ybor City, The Blind Tiger was given its name from the feel of a speakeasy. They offer a wide selection of merchandise and coffee supplies. There’s even kombucha and German-inspired “root beer floats” offered.

Caffeine Roasters | 2420 W. Kennedy Blvd. | 212 E. Cass St.

Recently established in 2016, Caffeine Roasters already has two locations - one conveniently in downtown and the other a 1,800 sq. ft. roastery with 40+ seats and a drive-thru. Some all-time favorite beverage selections include a Cold Brew infused with hints of orange, an Aero Cappuccino (think frothy + sweet, like ice cream), and a Sparkling Coffee, which is a combination of espresso and ginger ale.

Bandit Coffee Co. | 2662 Central Ave., St. Pete

This coffee shop is maybe too aesthetically pleasing to the eyes (if that’s even possible) and comes with a St. Pete mural. You’ll meet many commuters coming to spend an afternoon here so bring your homework, company meetings + favorite people here. Make sure to also grab a local treat with your coffee from their collab selection. They’re too good to resist!

Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails | 1111 Central Ave., St. Pete

The 1950’s and 1960’s European inspired cafe serves as both a coffee shop and craft cocktail bar. It’s simple. Cafe beverages are available until 5 p.m. and cocktails are offered after 5 p.m. The space is even open for bookings with the bright + fresh lounge accommodating up to 80 people and the lot offering a memorable ambiance for receptions + parties up to 200 people.

Union by Commune + Co | 1910 N. Ola Ave.

Located inside the famous Armature Works ( a #mustvisit on its own), this coffee and tea bar is found in the 22,000 sq. ft. industrial Heights Public Market, a neighborhood market + food hub. They have handmade specialty drinks, such as the horchata latte or coffee cola, along with fresh croissant donuts, quiches + savory pizzettas made on the daily.

Buttermilk Provisions | 2653 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel

From caramel to chocolate syrups, granola + jams, this shop makes everything from scratch. Even their donuts are freshly baked to pair with your coffee or tea. What isn’t made in the shop is sourced from another local establishment just one or two hours away. So enjoy your yogurt parfait, chia pudding, or nitro cold brew from the shop that emphasizes on artisan provisions.

To all my coffee sippers out there, may you find the coffee shop aesthetic that moves you. Let us know what your favorite Tampa Bay shops are in the comments below.

And stay caffeinated my friends.

- Jessica