As we take a trip around the world and talk about coffee culture in different countries, we can’t leave out the United States!
The following text lists how Americans drink their coffee and the best coffee spots in each state.
History of coffee in America
Coffee arrived in North America in the mid-17th century, brought by the British. After the events of the Boston Tea Party in 1773, people became less inclined to drink tea as it was seen as unpatriotic. After the Civil War and World Wars, coffee became more popular than tea.
American soldiers frequently drank coffee to help them stay motivated during a war.
The westward expansion and Gold Rush era of the United States saw a further increase in coffee consumption, as it became a popular drink among gold miners.
The American coffee culture
In the United States coffee culture, there are two completely different ways of consuming coffee. The prevalence of large coffee chains is a significant part of American coffee culture. These businesses are ubiquitous throughout the United States.
Coffee cups with logos are common sights in daily life, usually carried by people of all genders, ages, and at any time of day.
These chains are the creators of the big size coffee cups that Europeans would be horrified to see. The coffee cups that these chains create are much larger than what Europeans are used to, and they would be horrified to see them. You can get coffee just by saying what you want in America, and some stores even have drive thrus for people who don’t have time to get out of their cars.
The shops are also popular because the customers can order whatever they want and create their own drink to their personal preferences.
The best coffee shop in each state
You might be wondering what the best coffee in America is, now that you know all about the United States’ coffee history, American drink preferences, and culture.
Looking for the best coffee shop in your state? Our Best Coffee Shops list for 2022 has you covered! We chose coffee spots that were very unique. Have an idea for more locations? Leave a comment.
1. Alabama – Turbo Coffee
This coffee shop is hidden behind a barber shop. The café focuses on serving unique coffees from a different specialty roaster each month.
2. Alaska – The Green Coffee Bean Company
This coffee shop and roastery has a cozy atmosphere and provides coffee and coffee beans from all over the world. They offer light, medium, and dark roasts throughout the year.
3. Arizona – Regroup Coffee and Bicycles
This coffee spot is unique because it has an espresso bar and a high-end bicycle shop with repair store in one!
4. Arkansas – Onyx Coffee Lab
This cafe features coffee and delicious pastries and has multiple locations in Arkansas. The company offers brewing classes to teach customers about coffee and brewing.
5. California – LAMILL Coffee
This coffee roaster has multiple locations in California and the Los Angeles area. They specialize in coffee. The company takes care to produce a high-quality cup of coffee by following their Coffee Care program.
6. Colorado – Everyday Joe’s Coffee House
This forgein-esque cafe is run by kind-hearted volunteers and not only does it have excellent coffee, but it also serves the neighborhood and community. The space is often used for a variety of events, such as community events, concerts, and art installations.
7. Connecticut – Espresso NEAT
This coffee bar and roaster only serves coffee beans that are single origin and in season.
8. Delaware – Brewed Awakenings
This coffee house is visited mostly by a younger crowd and offers different types of coffees. It also has seasonal drinks during the holidays. It’s a great place to relax or get some work done.
9. Florida – Downtown Credo
The non-profit cafe features a unique donation based pay system as well as quality sourced coffee beans and can be found in three locations.
10. Georgia – Independent Grounds Cafe
This cafe not only serves delicious coffee and pastries, but it mostly employs people with special needs and disabilities.
11. Hawaii – Brue Bar
This cafe has a modern design and uses beans from a single source to make its drinks by hand. The coffee shop also offers to-go coffees with emoji sleeves.
12. Idaho – Slow By Slow Coffee Bar
This coffee shop prides itself on taking the time and care to do everything right, especially when it comes to coffee. The coffee shop has designs that are both beautiful and textured, as well as espresso-based drinks.
13. Illinois – Oromo Cafe
This is no ordinary coffee shop. The coffee shop has coffee, tea, and food that contain superfoods and nutrients. Visit our coffee shop for a quick caffeine fix and to pick up one of our immune-boosting teas!
14. Indiana – Bind Cafe
This is a coffee shop that also serves as a community space. The bookstore features books on social issues and language learning. Bind Cafe is a place where people can connect with each other over coffee and learn about different cultures.
15. Iowa – High Ground Cafe
This cafe has a range of different organic coffees and teas for you to choose from. At this restaurant, you can enjoy a meal with a glass of wine or beer, as well as sweets and pastries.
16. Kansas – Black Dog Coffeehouse
This coffeehouse is a perfect place to catch up with buddy. At this cafe, you can enjoy coffee and smoothies as well as delicious food like pastries and breads from local bakeries.
17. Kentucky – Broomwagon Coffee
This coffee shop is also a bike shop and a beer garden! If you’re looking for a place to relax and grab a coffee, this is the place for you. You might even end up leaving with a new bike!
18. Louisiana – Cafe Du Monde
This coffee stand is original french and offers coffee and beignets. These restaurants are open all day and night, so you can satisfy your cravings at any time.
This is a community cafe where locals can come together. There is a coffee for everyone at this cafe, best enjoyed with a delicious baked good.
19. Maryland – Artifact Coffee
This coffee shop has an espresso bar, coffee bar, tea bar, and kitchen, so you can get everything you need in one place! Coffee cupping sessions are held for those who want to participate.
20. Birmingham, Alabama – Seeds Coffee — Homewood
“This place is a hidden gem. Despite the lack of awareness about this coffee shop, everyone who visits it, likes it. Coffee is flavorful, and the ambience relaxing.
Not a Starbucks feel, which makes it unique. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll definitely want to try this place out! The prices are very reasonable.
21. Fairbanks, Alaska – The Crepery
“Best crepe and cup of coffee I’ve ever had. The food here is really good! I’m from California and I’m impressed. Matthew D. says he had the Nutella and berry crepe and enjoyed it.
22. Goodyear, Arizona – Enroute Coffee and Tea House
“Can’t believe I haven’t left a review sooner. This is my absolute favorite place! I have been going to the same coffee shop for the past six months, ever since I had my baby at the hospital and demanded an iced coffee. My fiancé came back with this coffee and I have been hooked ever since!
They’re just really great all around. When it comes to food, they always have something fun and new to try.
I’ve told a lot of my friends about this place and now they all go there regularly too. If you’re looking for a great place to go, Des G. says that you can’t go wrong with a place that has everything on point!
23. Danville, California – Medleno Coffee Shop & Roastery
“Such a nice, small coffee shop! Stopped in on a Saturday morning. Staff was super friendly and conversational. They made sure that I was pleased with my drink after they had made it. The prices here are much better then other coffee shops.
The coffee shop uses large ice cubes instead of small ones to avoid making the coffee too watery. They also use a generous amount of ice and offer oat milk as an alternative to dairy. I would come back if I am ever in the area again.
24. Denver – QuinceEssential Coffee House
“THIS IS A HIDDEN GEM!!!! The customer service here is out of this world! They use a system where they keep track of your frequent drink orders in an old-school library catalog, and I’m not gonna lie, I get excited to have my ritual of pulling my card out and ordering my coffee (the little things).
The food here is stellar. I usually order the quiche with an iced pistachio drink (half syrup, all their homemade syrups are on the sweeter side). You can feed the ducks and chickens by paying a quarter in the back! I’m seriously obsessed with this place.” —Yelper Christine N.
25. Norwalk, Connecticut – Cafe Aroma
“Found this place on Yelp as one of the top places to stop in around town, and not gonna lie, at first when I stopped in, I was disappointed because I’ve been to many coffee shops that had a more calming, uplifting environment, but once I met the owner, he changed my mood on everything.
He welcomed us warmly, shaking our hands and asking if it was our first time there. We said yes. He said he would be happy to make us something special to drink. He said he would bring it to us at the table. I was 100% satisfied with his surprise.
He knew that I liked almond milk hazelnut vanilla lattes, and my friend had an iced espresso, which is their signature drink. He invited us to come back, thanked us for our visit, and gave us a free coffee for being kind customers.
I would have left if it weren’t for him. He made the experience unforgettable. 10/10 would come back. Plus, the coffee is perfect.” —Yelper Isabelle S.
26. Bethany Beach, Delaware – Drifting Grounds
“First time here and I have nothing bad to say. I ordered a caramel iced latte and it was really good.
I love how this place is responsible and they donate 25% of their profits to social and environmental causes! I would love to live in this area because I could go every morning!
27. Fort Lauderdale – Calusa Coffee Roasters
Calusa started as a wholesale roaster seven years ago, and has since opened up their own shop to better promote their delicious coffee. Every day is a new origin of coffee. They beans from all over the world, including Ethiopia, Italy, Costa Rica, Sumatra, Guatemala, and more.
The baristas at the coffee shop are very passionate and knowledgeable about coffee. The coffee is superb. Bold, aromatic, and robust. The latte and iced latte were both delicious. No sugar needed.
The interior is cozy and decorated well. The house is split into two sections. The coffee shop roasts beans for wholesale on the right side of the room, and serves coffee to customers on the left side. Highly recommend.” —Yelper Derick D.
28. Decatur, Georgia – Golden Drops Café
“I don’t think I’ve ever done this, but I am writing this review in the moment. Y’all, I was looking for a café. I drive past this place all the time but recently saw all the good reviews and thought, ‘Might as well.’ LET ME SAY IT RIGHT NOW:
The golden coffee with soy is, is, is…everything. It’s fair trade. It’s SO YUMMY. In addition, the nicest owner creates and serves it. I don’t want to share this place with anyone. It’s so special to me that I’m selfish about it. I want it to stay quaint, new, and cozy.
Although the part of me that wanted to keep my business open by myself won out, the desire to share my discovery with the world was stronger. Shelby S. had a wonderful time at this café because it felt very authentic and simple.
29. Lihue, Hawaii – Rainbeau Jo’s
The service was soooo good,” I was worried we were lost when we first arrived because the location was a bit strange, but the inside was really cute. The service was amazing. They make the food and drinks from an indoor food truck. Lots of seating. Great customer service, food, and drinks. The iced dirty chai was perfect – not too sweet.
I enjoyed my lox bagel, and it was obvious that it was made from scratch. The staff was very helpful and informative. They told us about a great hike with some amazing views. Highly recommend!” —Yelper Marlena M.