For richer or pour over, Chattanooga’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning.
The Scenic City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Chattanooga.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Try out these different roasteries around the Scenic City.
Photo by @meanmugcoffeeroasters
In-house roasted beans
Velo Coffee Roasters, 509 E Main St. | This spot doubles as a roastery and coffee shop that serves anything from its drip coffee to shaken iced lattes. Bonus: Check out the outdoor patio that has seats in the shade and sun.
Mean Mug Coffeehouse, locations vary | This shop has been roasting its own beans since 2017. You can get a cup of specialty coffee and have a bite made from scratch. The apple butter cinnamon rolls were even featured on “Cheap Eats.”
Goodman Coffee Roasters, 1110 Market St. + 3913 St. Elmo Ave. | Goodman has been making a good cup of coffee since 1995, becoming one of the first specialty coffee shops in Chattanooga, and has been roasting its own beans since 2016.
Mad Priest Coffee Roasters, 1900 Broad St. | This quirky spot lives by the motto “get mad, stay blessed,” and strives to be socially and environmentally conscious. Stop by for a coffee, and stay to learn about the coffee bag recycling rewards program.
Cadence Coffee Co., 11 E. 7th St. | Head to this spot for a traditional cup of specialty coffee made with beans roasted through its sister branch Mayfly Coffee since 2022.
Chattanooga Coffee Co. (Chattz Coffee), 2627 Broad St. | Operating as one of Chattanooga’s oldest roasters, this women-owned business offers various espresso and non-espresso drinks on its menu.
Culture Coffee Co., 610 Georgia Ave. | Located right by UTC’s campus, this cozy spot freshly roasts its beans weekly and offers specialty lattes, traditional espresso drinks, and more. Bonus: UTC students get 10% off.
Prehistoric Perk Coffee Co., 2 W. Aquarium Way | This roasting company and shop is veteran-owned and offers small-batch single-origin coffee. Stop by to try a drip or nitro cold brew.
Red Owl Coffee Co., 7737 E. Brainerd Rd. | Stop by this Georgia-based coffee house’s only Tennessee location for freshly roasted and brewed drip, lattes, and even a bite to eat.
Spend a day with that someone special at these local spots.
Photo provided by @sleepyheadchatt
Perfect for a date
Niedlov’s Bakery & Cafe, 215 E. Main St. | This cafe is perfect to go alone or with someone special and features a beautiful patio area where you can enjoy a cup of coffee. You also have to try the food that is made in-house and paired with its very own artisanal bread.
Sleepyhead Coffee, 735 Broad St. + 2602 E. Main St. | This coffee shop is filled with vibrant colors and drinks to match. Take your date to the small lounge area in its downtown location, or try out the zero-proof bar at the newer Main + Dodds spot.
Canopy Coffee and Wine Bar, 814 Scenic Hwy. | Enjoy the company of someone special in a relaxed atmosphere while sipping on coffee, or try something stronger from its wine or cocktail menu. Afterward, you can walk around to the nearby Lookout Mountain overlooks.
Rembrandt’s Coffee House, 204 High St. | Spend some time walking around Chattanooga’s art district and stop in the European-style cafe for a coffee. It has indoor and outdoor patio seating that is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings.
Stone Cup Cafe, 208 Frazier Ave. | With various seating options inside — including an upstairs that has cozy couches — and outside seating overlooking the river, this spot is a great place to have a conversation over a cup of coffee.
Allgood’s Used Books and Coffee, 2420 Glass St. | Take that special someone to spend an afternoon perusing bookshelves, and enjoy a cup of coffee the way you like at one of the tables inside.
Local Coffee of East Ridge, 4104 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge | Try out this neighborhood coffee shop that is known to host events, from live music to gallery showings.
The Hot Chocolatier, 1423 Market St. + 5525 St. Elmo Ave. | Don’t let the name fool you, not only does this local joint specialize in all things chocolate, it also has a full coffee and espresso bar. Treat your date to something extra sweet. Note: Stay tuned for the Market Street location to reopen.
Asheville Dispensary, 202 Manufacturers Rd. | Head to the NorthShore area to try out the herbal elixir bar inside this dispensary — with a large seating area with cozy couches, sip on loose leaf teas, coffees, cold brews, and more. Bonus: Keep up with special live music nights via Instagram.
Caffeine Addicts, 7819 Nashville St., Ringgold, GA | This coffee shop and cafe offers drinks, sweet treats, and food within its community-driven space. Pro tip: Bring that special someone to one of the monthly Clean Comedy Fridays.
Don’t have time to stop? Check out these spots.
Photo by @pixsbyzo provided by @be_caffeinated
On-the-go joe
Be Caffeinated, locations vary | Don’t have time to stop? No problem for this spot, where you can find a drive-thru at all of its locations. The beans are roasted by its sister company, New Wave Coffee Roasters. Bonus: The Northshore location has patio seating if you want to stay awhile.
Lola Beans Coffee, 105 McDonald Dr. + 4482 Ellis Cir. NW | This family-owned drive-thru offers a variety of drinks, including specialty drinks, Italian soda, infused teas + “cream freezes.”
Oaks Coffee House, 2916 Silverdale Rd. | Order inside or from the comfort of your car for this spot’s coffee selection of specialty drinks and food. Want to take the smell of the coffee shop home with you? Check out these locally-made candles.
Sourdough Cuppa Joe, 6707 Hixson Pk., Hixson | The name says it all with this shop known for its bread and coffee. Bonus: You can order NANA’s Frozen Custard — which closed in 2012, and this store has since partnered with the owners to ensure the flavors stay authentic.
Sunnyside Cup, 3008 Broad St. | This drive-thru only hut offers coffee made from the local beans at Goodman Coffee Roasters and serves select food items from Niedlov’s.
Up/Down Coffee Bar, 1220 King St. | Calling all downtown pedestrians, this shop, located inside The Moxy hotel, has a walk-up window for to-go orders.
Sit back and relax with a specialty latte.
Photo provided by @burlaepprintandpress
Espresso yourself
Burlaep Print and Press, 801 E. 11th St. | This spot operates as an apparel print shop as well as a coffee shop in its warehouse-style building. With lots of seating and outlets, it serves as a great place to work while sipping on coffee.
Noogan’s Coffee Market, 1201 Broad St. | Stop in daily for breakfast and lunch offerings, and order off of the large drink menu. This spot offers different styles of seating to hang for a while.
Frothy Monkey, 1400 Market St. | Head to the Southside for an airy, wide-open space adjacent to the Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo, and stay around for a bite from the full-service kitchen.
Milk & Honey, 135 N. Market St. | Grab breakfast or lunch with your cup of coffee from this cafe-style restaurant that serves up anything from drip coffee to caramel macchiatos.
Together Cafe, 801 S. Orchard Knob Ave. | If you’re looking for the cozy cafe experience, this space offers it through its signature latte offerings and comfy seating. Bonus: A portion of each sale goes towards ending human trafficking.
The Livingstone at Amani ya Juu, 420 S. Willow St. | This small cafe in Highland Park offers classic coffee drinks and teas. Enjoy yours while shopping handmade items from Kenya and Uganda.
The Lantern Coffee Co., 757 E. MLK Blvd. | Operated inside the downtown Young Life building, you can order various specialty lattes, pour-overs, and more.
Uncommon Coffee Bar, 1795 Reggie White Blvd. | With a mission to connect the community to craft coffee, you can expect “beautiful, transparent, and complex coffees. No blends. No dark roast,” when stopping by.
Provisions at The Edwin, 102 Walnut St. | Whether you’re a guest at the hotel or popping in on your morning walk, you can grab your morning joe (roasted locally + regionally) and your breakfast or lunch at this spot.
Wired Coffee Bar, 5707 Main St., Ooltewah | Located in the heart of Ooltewah (~20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga), this local shop has been operating since 2014. Bonus: Check out the co-working space.
Where to cool off
Buenos Dias Coffee Cafe, 802 Chickamauga Ave., Rossville, GA | This Mexican-inspired cafe serves up drip coffee, iced coffee, agua frescas, plus delicious bites like waffles and crepes.
Squirrel Rabbit Coffee Bar and Creamery, 514 Tremont St. | Take a seat inside this cozy coffee bar, and order a specialty coffee drink — bonus if you pair it with the cafe’s artisanal gelato, sorbet, or Italian ice.
The Green Bean Coffee Co., 806 E. 12th St. + 2265 Gunbarrel Rd. | Looking for a healthy jump start to your day? Try out this plant-based wellness menu to get the caffeine you need, plus all the benefits.
Southern Squeeze, 1301 Dorchester Rd. | Whether it’s a coffee, juice, or smoothie you’re after, this plant-based cafe has it all — we recommend trying out one of the wellness lattes.
Plan an event with these traveling coffee enthusiasts.
Photo provided by @spillthebeanschattanooga
Events and pop-ups
Spill the Beans Coffee Truck, locations vary | Known for being a Chattanooga Market regular vendor, owned by Chattanooga Coffee Co., this truck serves all of the classics and can be found at various events around town.
Honeymoon Coffee, locations vary | This specialty mobile espresso bar is bookable for weddings and other events in the Chattanooga and Cleveland area.
Red Eyed Rooster Coffee Co., locations vary | Serving craft espresso and frappe drinks, you can find this coffee truck around town (locations listed on Instagram) or try booking it for your next event.
Good News Roasters, locations vary | This mobile cafe serves all organic beans, syrups + milks to Hamilton County and surrounding areas.
Clamberskull Coffee, locations vary | Fresh off the pot, Chattanooga’s newest mobile coffee bar will be serving specialty drinks around town — stay tuned for where to find them.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters. For a whole bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady, while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with the elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
