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Coffee is the fuel for our working days, and often for our weekends too. Dating in a cafe is a great idea, especially on a first or second date in Orlando. In fact, Orlando was ranked as having the most coffee shops per capita according to WalletHub.
But, it can be difficult to filter through Orlando’s countless coffee shops. If you’re looking for a unique coffee experience, beyond the basic, this list is for you. After a lot of caffeine, I’ve put together this list of the must-visit unique cafes in and around Orlando.
Stardust Video & Coffee
Site: Audobon Park – 1842 Winter Park Rd, Orlando, Florida 32803
Connect with your creative side at Stardust Video & Coffee. This place is legendary, with the most artistic and quirky atmosphere of any Orlando coffee shop. It’s a café, a dive bar and an art studio all in one. Stardust is an Orlando must-see that everyone should visit at least once. They are open late in the evening and some nightly events are chargeable. Check it out during the weekly Audubon Park Community Market, which takes place every Monday evening in the Stardust parking lot.
Cafe-bar at Monroe
Site: Creative Village, Downtown Orlando – 448 N Terry Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
The latest concept in cafes is an experience that ranges from coffee to lounge to lounge from sunrise to sunset. The Monroe is the star of the production of this concept. Many remote workers cite the Monroe as their favorite place to spend the whole day, starting with unique coffee creations and ending the day with wine, a cocktail, or a snack from the restaurant. This is an elegant but accessible café-bar with a lounge atmosphere in the evening.
Foxtail Coffee Co. – Howell branch location
Site: Casselberry / Winter Park – 2451 Howell Market Ln Suite 1105, Winter Park, FL 32792
Even though I love Foxtail Coffee, most of their locations are like many other cafes. However, the location of the Howell branch on the outskirts of Casselberry near Winter Park is special thanks to its Kelly’s house ice cream counter as well as some offerings from Ravenous Pig. The atmosphere is suitable for work or romance, with plenty of space inside and a nice little patio. Get an affogato if you want the delicious combination of espresso and ice cream. Or stay for wine, craft beer, and afternoon and evening bar bites.
The dairy
Site: The Milk District – 201 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
The location of Foxtail’s Howell branch paved the way for The Milkhouse. The concept of combining Foxtail Coffee with other local offerings is further expanded at The Milkhouse. Much like at the Howell Branch location, Foxtail is joined by Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream and The Ravenous Pig. In addition, Bagel Bruno and Cicchetti by Bruno offer many delicious bites to accompany your coffee. Or if you want to relax, grab an Espresso Martini made with Foxtail espresso or one of the many other handcrafted cocktails from the full bar. It is the perfect place for a trifecta of coffee, cocktails and conversation.
Austin’s cafe
Site: Winter Park – 929 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a Seattle cafe as you walk into Austin’s Coffee in Winter Park. Comfortable seating allows you to be surrounded by books and artwork while sipping fresh roast, fairtrade, shade-grown, and organic coffee. Or enjoy tea, beer or wine. The food menu is extensive, especially for lunch and dinner. Attend open mic nights, poetry slams, live jazz performances and more throughout the week.
Minch Coffee at the Orlando Cat Cafe
Site: Clermont – 532 Cagan Park Ave, Clermont, FL 34714
What could be cuter than sipping coffee with your sweetheart while snuggling up to the kitties of the Orlando Cate Cafe? Welcome to Minch Coffee, named after the town of Arba Minch, a town in Ethiopia known as the birthplace of coffee. The cafe is attached to the Orlando Cat Cafe, where you can book to play with the adorable cats and kittens available for adoption. Savor a variety of specialties and espresso drinks served in classic European style or keep it simple with filter coffee or tea. If you want to play with cats, it is best to book online in advance at this unique cafe for cat lovers.
Citrus Coffee at the Florida Citrus Tower
Site: Clermont, inside the Florida Citrus Tower – 141 S Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34711
It’s my favorite cafe on this list in terms of something truly unique, and something only Central Florida can offer. The Florida Citrus Tower is a classic Orlando attraction that has been around since 1956. Once upon a time, it offered panoramic views of Florida’s endless citrus groves. Although these groves have given way to modern developments, the views are still spectacular.
Citrus Coffee is located in Lobby Square and offers a small menu of coffee, tea, and refreshments. I enjoyed the Orange Creme Latte, with a sweet citrus flavor and a unique taste that you can’t find elsewhere. Enjoy coffee and a chat in the adorable café with plenty of chill out areas as the history of the tower decorates the walls. You can also have your coffee up to the top floor of the Florida Citrus Tower. There is a charge of $ 11.00 per person to get to the top.
Brasserie Café Palette
Site: Historic Downtown Sanford – 105 W 2nd St, Sanford, FL 32771
Palate Coffee Brewery is a premium, mission-based coffeehouse located in historic Sanford town center. All profits are devoted to the abolition of human trafficking. On the menu you’ll find traditional filter coffee, espresso drinks like lattes, unique seasonal flavors, and even kombucha. There is plenty of space inside this cozy boutique, and a few sidewalk tables and chairs.
Spread the social house
Site: Apopka – 40 E 5th St, Apopka, FL 32703
Plant lovers will be in paradise at Propagate Social House, which is teeming with living plants and greenery. The atmosphere is relaxing, welcoming and sociable. The menu is delicious with plenty of budget options, as well as some forgiving choices. Get a traditional coffee, an espresso drink, a specialty latte or may I suggest the Cold Whipped Coffee. Wine and tea are also offered here along with made-to-order grazing boards. Check the Event calendar for events such as plant exchanges, live music, outdoor movies and pop-ups.
New Town Cafe
Site: Downtown Lake Mary – 124 N 4th St STE 1500, Lake Mary, FL 32746
While the atmosphere at New City Coffee isn’t that unique, I couldn’t resist including this Lake Mary cafe due to their coffee thefts. Throughout the year, they offer seasonal coffee flights, with four small cups of specialty coffee. There are four flavors in each flight, available hot or iced, and you can switch to an alternative milk like oat milk for a little extra. Wouldn’t it be cute to share a flight of coffee and an order of one of the specialty toast that come with two slices of toast and mounds of toppings? Smoothies, tea and milkshakes are also offered.
DUO58 community café and café
Site: Orlando – 2842 S Alafaya Trail, Orlando, Florida 32828
DUO58 is more than a typical coffee. The cafe and their catering business are built to benefit the community. Coffee is the main vehicle for DUO58’s employment program. The 8 to 12 month program aims to provide life and employment skills to those who are struggling to find or keep a job through part-time work at the cafe. Their catering business helps support Mission of Hope, a Christian missionary program that supports Haiti. Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the cafe with classic dishes like avocado toast, Sunrise Sammy, cheese plate or chicken salad.
Vanessa’s coffee
Site: Two locations – St. Cloud and Lake Nona
Any cafe can offer you food and coffee, but the best unique cafes have a variety of coffee foods and drinks to tempt you. Vanessa’s Coffee Shop has two locations, each offering a range of over-the-top specialty foods and drinks. Any of the sandwiches or Sunrise Tacos are sure to hit the mark, and the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are Instagram worthy. Most specialty coffee drinks have delicious toppings and sweet edges, like Caramel Latte with Nutella & Peanuts.
Ax-Caliber – Ax throwing room and cafe
Site: Lakeland – 204 E Orange St # 102, Lakeland, FL 33801
As if the caffeine in coffee weren’t enough, liven up your date with an ax throwing. Ax-Caliber is a bustling cafe that’s more like a restaurant with its impressive food menu. In addition to ax throwing, there is a new line of virtual pistols with multiple options ranging from virtual targets to zombies, all on screen. Beer, wine, and late-night bites are also available.
Orlando Coffee Tips & Information
- Please check each cafe’s website prior to your visit, as times and offers are subject to change.
- Most of the cafes in this guide have wifi, please confirm on their website and be aware of privacy and security when using public wifi.
- Be sure to ask about milk substitutes and any supplements.
All pictures from Dani Meyering
