I’ve become quite the coffee connoisseur since starting college here in Tampa and having time to explore. I’ve lived here for one semester now, so I’m surprised at how many coffee shops I’ve been able to visit. I’m from Kansas City, where there are lots of coffee shops, especially in the downtown area, but I think Tampa is so cool because every time I visit a brand-new coffee shop, there’s no doubt that there will be a unique aesthetic at each location. Not to mention that I can walk for about ten minutes from place to place here, making it much easier to discover new places. Going to a coffee shop truly helps me relax, whether I’m stressed, have work to do, or just need to escape my room for a little while to feel less confined. And, while I could visit the library, the centers, and lobbies of various buildings, or even outside, I believe the atmosphere of a coffee shop simply cannot be compared. It is a place that, while technically off-campus, allows me to forget that I’m in school, which I occasionally need. Additionally, it’s a location where I don’t feel isolated. In addition, I am constantly surrounded by new faces and diverse people, not just students. Following all of that, these are my top five favorite coffee shops I’ve been to here in Tampa!
- Oxford Exchange: I genuinely love the environment at Oxford. Seeing a large number of visitors, business people, and even people who are young and old. This is my go-to location for a nice coffee and a comfortable environment to unwind and get some work done.
Location: Oxford Exchange, 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
- Downtown Social: I believe that this location’s vibrant aesthetic is the best and makes it so much fun to visit. It’s not only the lighting, the cool seating, or the aesthetically pleasing wall art; it is one of my favorite spots to unwind and where I can grab a tasty treat and a good coffee.
Location: 1000 W Kennedy Blvd Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33606
- Lady and The Mug: This coffee shop, in my opinion, is a great place to acquire a drink that is served in a pretty interesting fashion and also has a really cute aesthetic. The food and drinks on the menu are all delicious and even have unique names. I love seasonal drinks, especially in the fall, so when I heard that “Spice, Spice Baby” was a pumpkin-flavored drink, I knew I had to get it. It came in a pretty adorable glass with whip cream on top.
Location: 510 W Grand Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
- Kahwa Coffee: The variety of food options they had here and the coffee were both excellent. Although I wouldn’t come here to do my homework, I would definitely come back to get a good treat and a really good cup of coffee with a friend.
Location: 808 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602
- Caffeine Roasters: When my family and I arrived in Tampa for the first time prior to my move-in, this coffee shop was the first place we visited. Since then I’ve become a frequent visitor. Along with the fantastic acai bowls, this place has great coffee, and I love talking to the workers because they are all very friendly. It’s a peaceful, not very crowded area to unwind for a while. I have definitely enjoyed this coffee shop since moving here.
Location: 2420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609