How to Live Your Best Coffee Life - Pensacola, FL
Those who follow my military girlfriend journey know that I moved to Pensacola, Florida over a year ago. Over the past year I have been in constant search of cute coffee shops. Listed below are my research findings for the best coffee shops near Pensacola, FL.
Although I don’t like to bring the negative vibes, I included a few coffee shops at the end that I did not love because, as always, I want to be honest.
My Favorite Coffee Shops Near Pensacola, Florida:
1. Jitterbug Beverage Co.
With a cozy vibe and cute interior design, Jitterbug is one of the most aesthetically pleasing coffee shops on this list. Not to mention, it has plenty of outlets and table space for studying on a weekday. However, on the weekends it gets more crowded. You can also sit outside if the weather is nice.
I’ve also noticed that the staff here are usually laid-back and friendly. Especially when I ask a bunch of questions about their fun lattes, which is more often than not. Be sure to ask for a real mug if you care about that!
They have some really unique combinations, for example, last visit I got the Canelazo which has cinnamon and lime. I have also tried the Gray Havens and Lost Language and liked both of those! As I mentioned previously in my Pensacola Date Ideas post, their lattes are very sweet. So I always ask for at least 50% sweetness, or ask for them to make it the least sweet possible. As another plus, they have a wide-variety of sugar-free flavors.
As for food, they have a limited menu. Sometimes they have a kitchen menu for certain items, but often it will just be the baked goods by the register, which are all gluten-free. I’ve only tried the blueberry muffin, but I liked it! If you do want other food, ask what they have because sometimes they have more options.
2. Fosko Coffee Barre
Fosko is one of the most popular coffee shops in Pensacola and for good reason. It’s right on Palafox in downtown Pensacola. Fosko has good coffee and they have more food options than most coffee shops, plus they have crepes. Not only is the aesthetic nice inside, but there’s also outdoor seating in the back of the coffee shop. If it’s nice weather definitely check that out.
It’s normally pretty crowded, so be aware of that. If you are going to study you may want to go early and get a spot. I’ve linked their website here.
3. Craft Gourmet Bakery
I recently found Craft Gourmet Bakery and I am SO excited that I did because it has GREAT food, good coffee, and it seems off the beaten path which is neat. I highlight the food because the quiche I had here may have been one of the best quiches I’ve ever eaten. Also, the croissants here seem to be authentic French-style which I love.
As for the study atmosphere, there are a few tables, but not as much space to study as Fosko or Jitterbug. It may be doable if you get a table early. Also, there is some outdoor seating here but the vibes are better inside because the bakery is facing a parking lot.
4. Maker’s Cafe & Espresso Bar
Maker’s Espresso Bar gives aesthetic and minimalist vibes. It’s actually a pretty good place to study on the weekdays. I have not been on the weekends, so I’m not sure how loud or crowded it gets. They have limited food, but there are some options. I only had an iced espresso when I went, but it tasted good :).
5. Lamonte Gelato (Also has coffee)
You may be thinking: why is this on this list? I hear you, but it made the list because we were dazzled by Lamonte Gelato! Firstly, this spot has authentic Italian gelato (you can sample up to two per person) and locally-roasted coffee.
Secondly, what’s very unique about this spot is the location. It’s located in the Historic Sacred Heart Hospital in East Hill, one of our favorite neighborhoods. We went at night and it was definitely a VIBE. The staff were also super friendly.
There are some tables, but not too many so it may not be the best place to study. But it’s a great place to get a late night dessert and coffee.
6. Coffee and Eye Guy (Coffee Guy Cafe) – Honorable Mention
Coffee and Eye Guy is so interesting! Basically, it’s a guy who can take care of your eye and coffee needs at the same time LOL. The eye part of the shop is attached. However, the vibe inside is fun and energetic. They have many options for coffee and some baked goods and light lunch items, like wraps and some sandwiches.
There is also a good amount of table space. I have not personally studied there, so I’m not sure how many outlets there are. Also, I went on a weekend and it was crowded and a bit loud. It may not be as cute as some of the other places on this list, (especially because there’s a bunch of merchandise everywhere) but it’s lively and they have a lot of different cake and coffee options, which I liked.
7. The Drowsy Poet – Honorable Mention
I listed the Drowsy Poet as an honorable mention because there were some things I did not like about this coffee shop, but there were also redeeming factors. Firstly, they had a lot of sweet baked good options, sugar-free flavors, and the coffee was good. However, the quiche we ordered was not what we expected and we really did not like it. There did not seem to be any egg in it at all, so be careful with that. Additionally, the food came on paper plates with plastic silverware. Generally, I enjoy getting real plates and utensils, but have not tried asking so maybe they give you real plates and utensils if you ask.
Nevertheless, the staff were super energetic and friendly, so the atmosphere was nice in that way. There was also plenty of table space. So this is a good place to study.
List of Coffee Shops in Pensacola, Florida to be Cautious of:
I want to preface this by saying that just because I did not have a good experience or did not like what I ordered at these places does not mean they are not good coffee spots. I just wanted to share my negative thoughts for each so you can decide.
1. Leisure Club
I got a croissant and cold brew, so I can’t speak to the kitchen food. But, the croissant seemed like it was just taken out of a package and heated up. It did not seem fresh. The cold brew was fine, but we sat outside and it was just in a parking lot, which is not my favorite.
2. Bad Ass Coffee
This shop was cute enough, and the coffee was fine, but I got a bagel with just cream cheese and it was very expensive for what I got. I don’t feel like the atmosphere or food/coffee is worth the price.
3. Bodacious Café
We got a quiche here and it was almost $10 and it was very small. The Julia Child breakfast sandwich was bigger and cheaper, so maybe opt for that. They did let me exchange the small slice of quiche for a breakfast wrap and that was better. The atmosphere is okay, but it’s combined with a shop and merchandise, which I did not love.