The Very Best Midwest Coffee Shops: Grab a Cup

I LOVE a good cup of coffee. Well, I LOVE a good latte or iced coffee with a little cream and sweetener. And the Midwest coffee shops are as good as they come! Yes, there are plenty of chains, but I prefer a locally owned coffee shop. To make it easy for you to find one on your travels, I called on some of my Midwest Travel Bloggers to help me compile a list of the very best the Midwest coffee shops we have to offer. I’ve organized them by state for your ease, so without further adieu…

Iowa

Block 10 at 1921 City Hall – Sheffield, Iowa

• 309 Gilman Street – Sheffield, Iowa

Located in the historic and vacated City Hall of Sheffield (population 1172), you’ll find Block 10, owned by Randy & Holly Coffee. This building has been beautifully restored and not only serves as a coffee shop for this community, but also an event rental space. They offer baked goods, hot breakfasts, and a large variety of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more for lunch! Whatever you choose from the menu, I guarantee it will be delicious!

Inspire Cafe – Dubuque, Iowa

• 955 Washington Street – Dubuque, Iowa

Inspire Cafe is located in the heart of Dubuque’s Millwork District.  Open 7 days a week, between 7am – 3pm, they offer a wide range of drinks as well as a breakfast and lunch menu and a cozy atmosphere (free WiFi too)!  My personal favourite is the White Mocha with a shot of raspberry syrup!  On the last Sunday of every month, they host an English Afternoon Tea with: finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, a selection of mini cakes and pastries and the choice of coffee or a pot of tea!

Read more about Inspire Cafe from Between England & Iowa HERE!

Rustic Brew – Hampton, Iowa

• 117 1st St. NW – Hampton, Iowa

Located in downtown Hampton, Iowa, you’ll find Rustic Brew. Owned by Kathy & Joel Heuer, Rustic Brew is your ideal place to grab a cup of coffee in Hampton. They offer a small menu of baked goods for breakfast including delicious muffins and scones to pair with your coffee. In addition, they offer lunches and suppers on Thursday & Friday evenings.

While this may appear like a typical coffee shop upon entering, you’ll find it’s not. Coffee and food is Kathy’s part of the business. Joel is in the upstairs brewing up his homemade beers! They often host special events on Friday and Saturday evenings with live music, a special meal, and a time you can enjoy his homemade brews. If you’re in the area, grab a coffee or a beer!

The Broadway – Audubon, IA

• 312 Broadway St – Audubon, Iowa

The town of Audubon has hit the jackpot when it comes to this coffee shop! Not only do they offer amazing coffee drinks, but also muffins, scones, quiches, and donut holes for breakfast! Hot lunch specials are available each day along with gourmet and expertly decorated cakes! Finally, they offer several options of gluten free baked goods for those that need or want them. And, they are AMAZING!

And, if this wasn’t all enough, they have recently renovated the apartment over the coffee shop to be a GORGEOUS short-term rental unit! They’ve finished the apartment in high-end finishes, so you feel spoiled during your stay. Whether you want to rent it for one night or a whole week, it’s up to you! Contact The Broadway to book it! Read more about The Broadway and Audubon!

Central Perk – Estherville, IA

• 12 S 6th Street – Estherville, IA

Central Perk Coffee House is the kind of coffee shop you wished you had in your town! Not only do they have amazing coffee, but they also offer smoothies, shakes and Italian sodas. To take things up a notch  they have a fabulous lunch menu with interesting sandwiches and delicious salads. You can try both with their “pick two” option. You can enjoy all this in their artfully decorated space with a heavy emphasis on wood and cozy spaces to enjoy your beverage and/or chat with friends. Read more from Thrifty Jinxy HERE!

Kansas

Cause Coffee – DeSoto, Kansas

• 33180 W 83rd St – DeSoto, Kansas

While you can find amazing coffee at many coffeehouses across the Midwest, the cup you sip at Cause Coffee in De Soto, Kansas, is expertly-prepared by an all-volunteer staff. From the baristas to the folks bussing tables, the team at Cause Coffee donates their time and talent to give back to the global coffee community. So when you step inside the beautifully restored, 100-year-old building, look for a small chalkboard sign to your left announcing the cause of the month. So far the coffee house has helped a school in an impoverished area of Nicaragua, supported a home for abused children, donated to Kansas City’s homeless community, and established a clean water in Uganda.

Read more about Cause Coffee from Everyday Wanderer HERE!

Michigan

Rose Gold Coffee Company – Kalamazoo, MI

• 220 W Michigan Ave – Kalamazoo, MI

Rose Gold is the quintessential favorite coffee shop: flooded with
sunlight, historic brick walls, plants and art, comfortable seating
(including *two* window seats!), games, a convivial atmosphere, and, of
course, excellent coffee. What sets Rose Gold apart from all the other
great coffee shops in town (Kalamazoo is craft coffee shop central, it
seems) is two-fold: vegan offerings (so very, very delicious, and
welcoming to everyone in town), and extraordinary owners and staff. Stop
by, and you truly WILL feel at home, with friends.

Read more about Rose Gold and other great Kalamazoo coffee shops from Wandering Educators HERE!

C.Oliver Coffee & Flower Bar – Maplewood, MI

• 7401 Hazel Ave – Maplewood, Missouri

C. Oliver Coffee is a brand new coffee shop in a St. Louis neighborhood that is no stranger to coffee.  In Maplewood, there are more than 10 places in a half mile radius where you can grab a delicious cup of coffee.  Like many other community-oriented shops in the St. Louis area, C. Oliver offers coffee beans from Sump Coffee, a local coffee roaster and fellow coffee shop nearby.  While you’re here, you’ve got to try their signature Pink Powder Mocha.  Every cup of this mocha is picture-perfect and crafted with strawberry milk for a unique flavor.  Read more about Maplewood from Greetings from Kelly HERE!

Missouri

Picasso’s Coffee House – Saint Charles, MO

• 101 N Main Street – Saint Charles, Missouri

As the name suggests, Picasso’s Coffee House is a coffee shop for artists.  Here you’ll find live music, artwork from local artists on the walls, and espresso drinks named after some of the greats.  You’ll enjoy the calm environment that is perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee with friends, enjoying a delicious breakfast, or finding a quiet corner to get some work done.  While you’re here, try the Van Gogh’s Milky Way Latte.   Thank you to Greetings from Kelly for adding to the list of the best Midwest Coffee Shops!

Ozark Coffee Company – Sedalia, MO

• 614 S Ohio Ave – Sedalia, MO

What started out as a coffee bean roasting business moved to selling their beans and coffee at the Sedalia Farmers Market, then in a small corner of a pharmacy has turned into an amazing business for Ozark Coffee Company. Having just opened their newest location in historic, downtown Sedalia, they are thriving better than ever! Ozark aims to create high quality coffees. They not only roast their own coffee beans, but they also hand make their flavored syrups! They are truly works of art! Finally, they work with local bakers to offer the very best pastries!

Indiana

Provider – Indianapolis, IN

• 100 Pratt Road – Indianapolis, Indiana

Serving up Tinker coffee, an Indianapolis favorite, Provider offers a late-night coffee spot and unique atmosphere.  From custom espresso drinks to food, and bar drinks, there is a lot of options to choose from.  They have comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, free Wifi, and a bunch of cool baristas! Thank you to Cornfields & High Heels for the submission

Zen Cafe – South Bend, IN

• 1302 High St – South Bend, Indiana

Tucked away in what appears to be an abandoned warehouse, Zen Cafe is one of the hottest coffee shops in Michiana.  Everything is made in-house, from the beans they roast to their homemade syrups, you can smell the aroma before even walking in.  Once inside, sit back and relax at a table or one of the many couches!

Read more about Zen Cafe from Cornfields & High Heels HERE!

The Well Coffeehouse – Fishers, IN

• 8890 E 116th St – Fishers, Indiana

Great knowledgeable and friendly staff. Free WiFi and meeting rooms. The best part is that The Well Coffeehouse uses proceeds to build wells in Africa. Over 23 wells have been built because of the Well Coffeehouse. Thanks to DIY Mama for the submission.

Roscoe’s Coffee Bar – Richmond, IN

• 185 Fort Wayne Ave – Richmond, Indiana

Roscoe’s Coffee Bar & Tap Room is the spot to get your morning coffee when visiting Richmond, IN. Located in the historic depot district, this unique spot offers an industrial feel and delicious organic coffee drinks. The trendy venue offers more than just coffee, it’s also a craft beer tap room & sandwich shop. Thanks to Learning From My Littles for the submission!

Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company – Indianapolis, IN

• 647 Virginia Avenue – Indianapolis, Indiana

Here, you can do well while doing good. This Fletcher Place coffee shop, near downtown Indianapolis, is comfortable and lively. The walls are adorned with local art that rotates frequently to make you feel at home, and the friendly staff serves you a hot cup of coffee or espresso drink from their large drink and breakfast menu.

Plus your money is going to a good cause, as 100 percent of proceeds are donated back to the neighborhood. From the beginning, when Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company began to use the tip cup to provide grants to nonprofits, monies coming in through that source have totaled between $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Thanks to Savvy Traveling for the submission!

Coat Check Coffee – Indianapolis, IN

• 407 E Michigan Street – Indianapolis, Indiana

Coat Check Coffee, owned and operated by Neal, Paul and Audreyalice Warner, is housed in the historic Athenaeum.

With strong, family-orientated roots, Coat Check Coffee welcomes people of all ages to enjoy the historic setting that includes quiet study corners and a more active main seating area.

There is a strong focus on coffee, flavorings and treats made from scratch. The Warner family prides their new establishment on the use of these in- house elements for every featured item. In addition to filtered regular coffee, the shop will also feature a full menu of espresso drinks, a list of house-made flavorings and many pastry items. Thanks to Savvy Traveling for the submission!

Fluid Coffee Bar – Valparaiso, IN

• 159 W Lincolnway – Valparaiso, Indiana

FLUID Coffee Bar, located in downtown Valparaiso, is one of my favorites for a number of reasons; number one being the high-quality coffee they serve. Also, I love the laid back, artistic, friendly atmosphere and unwavering support for local artists.  Read more about Fluid from Flo’s Favorites HERE!

Wisconsin

Daily Dose – Kenosha, WI

• 6010 40th Ave – Kenosha, Wisconsin

In an unassuming area of Kenosha, Wisconsin, you’ll find the Daily Dose! What you won’t find is sub-par food or coffee! This very small and quaint shop is sourcing fresh and seasonal food to not only create delicious food, but food that is one of a kind. Dishes like Ham Pear-Fection are combining average sandwiches with unique accents! The coffee isn’t too shabby either! 😉

Illinois

Heritage Cafe – Chicago, IL

• 1847 East 79th Street – Chicago, IL

This Southside Chicago treasure is unique because of its all-vegan menu of treats and its reputation as a community gathering place. Thanks to Savvy Traveling for the submission.

Heritage Bicycles – Chicago, IL

• Several Locations throughout Chicago including 676 N LaSalle Dr – Chicago, Illinoi

One part cafe and the other locally handcrafted bicycle shop with a welcoming community space and quiet atmosphere. There are several Heritage Outposts located throughout Chicago but this Lincoln Park location is my favorite; they have some of the friendliest baristas in the city and the coolest bikes to admire. Thanks to Flo’s Favorites for the contribution!

Sip and Savor Coffee House – Chicago, IL

• 5301 S Hyde Park; 528 E 43rd Street; 78 E 47th Street; and 2239 S Michigan Ave)

Sip & Savor has four locations in Southside Chicago, with friendly and personable staff and a variety of sweet and savory treats. It’s one of more spacious coffee shops I’ve seen in the city, with a plenty of couch-, table-, patio- and window-seating. It’s definitely a hang-out or a quick coffee-fix type of place for neighborhood residents or for visitors who love to appreciate the beautiful scenery in some of its unique Chicago neighborhoods. Thanks to Savvy Traveling for the submission!

Sip of Hope – Chicago, IL

• 3039 W Fullerton Ave – Chicago, Illinois

I can’t say enough good about Sip of Hope Coffee Bar! They serve coffee from one of my favorite Chicago Roasters, Dark Matter and they’ve created a safe environment for discussing mental health. This coffee shop embodies community support with 100% of proceeds from sales going towards mental health education. Thanks to Flo’s Favorites for the submission.

The Best Coffee Shops in the Midwest

Whether you’re traveling to Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, or beyond, you’re bound to find a good cup of joe! Locally owned Midwest coffee shops are as good as they come! Where will your travels take you for coffee today?!