The Best Coffee Shops in Atlanta

Over the years I have become quite the coffee connoisseur. And kind of by accident. I just like good coffee, and honestly, once you have really good coffee, you just can’t go back. I consider Robert and I foodies, and even though we used to think that label was a bit pretentious, we have become exactly what it embodies, so by default, in all its glory… we are foodies. And the same goes for coffee. We like quality and appreciate taste, along with natural ingredients.

It all started with Bantam and Biddy. Well, let me back up. When I was nursing Jackson, I had a favorite drink. I needed to have a Venti sized Oprah Chai Latte from Starbucks. There was nothing else like it, I still miss it very much lol. I didn’t know good coffee so I didn’t know what I was missing. They discontinued it (the regular Chai tastes awful) and with a newborn, I needed to find a caffeinated drink that I loved. Most coffeeshops and especially Starbucks make everything too sweet. I know this sounds ironic coming from someone who is a self-proclaimed sweets lover and cookie addict. But here’s a fact that applies to most everything in my life. I am particular and when it comes to what I like, it has to be a certain way. And I just don’t like ‘too sweet’ believe it or not.

So when I found a wonderful latte when Bantam and Biddy existed (why must all my favorite things go away!?), I was quickly hooked on their beans. They used my now 2nd favorite to Stumptown, Batdorf and Bronson (Dancing Goats blend). They also made their own simple syrup in their store and it was the smoothest and just so good… it was the best coffee fix. Robert and I used to go to brunch on the weekends when the kids were under 1 and 3, and then sip lattes as they would play on the grass at the Avalon. I am mourning Bantam and Biddy’s death as well…

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So if you’ve been following me for any time at all on instagram, you know my favorite coffee beans are Stumptown. It is premium coffee and the taste is just divine. My personal favorite is the Hairbender which most shops that brew Stumptown, brew this specific kind. But they make so much more, and it’s all good!

What makes good coffee? And what do I consider the best coffee shops in Atlanta?

I also look for any kind of cafe that makes their own syrup. And let me tell you, they are few and far between. I just don’t particularly love the taste of the Monin syrup that everyone including Starbucks uses. There is just a bitter aftertaste that stays in your mouth, and most places use wayyyy too much! I am spoiled because the best latte I’ve ever had is in New York, at the Stumptown Coffee shop in the Ace Hotel. If you are ever in the city, please visit, you will think it’s worth it! They make their own syrup (actually they fly in a homemade syrup from California… I’ve asked lol) and it’s so smooth.

I actually learned from speaking with a local coffee shop here in Alpharetta, that anyone that sells Stumptown has to have a certain espresso machine. Like the hardcore major kind. They require the brewing of their beans to be very specific and I just love that!

So in searching all around Atlanta, I’ve come up with a few different coffee shops that I approve of, here are my top 6.

Chrome Yellow:

the greatest coffee shop in all of Atlanta. This is my #1. The syrups are homemade, smooth, different, and they brew Stumptown. The con is that it’s all the way in Edgewood which is literally one hour from my house. Worth the drive, just as good as my NYC latte

The Merchant:

in Lenox Mall, serves Stumptown. Uses generic syrup, but the latte was still smooth and good

Little Star:

in Westside Provisions. They brew Batdorf and Bronson and make a great vanilla latte

Sid and Ann Mashburn:

Westside Provisions. There is a coffee shop inside and they use oat milk and can make cool lattes with all different flavors. They brew a coffee called Methodical Coffee for espresso and Blueboy for the drip. I don’t know much about either and I’m still not sure I care to, but that is still up in the air.

Whitetail Bicycles:

this is a family owned small bicycle shop in Milton/Alpharetta. It’s so cute and worth heading out there for the rustic ambiance. They brew Stumptown only, so they are obviously in tune with what is necessary. The owner is awesome and has invested a lot of knowledge in coffee, so he knows the world of Stumptown!

Nido:

in Vickery Village, Cumming. I do love this coffee shop because of their small plates, everything is homemade, as well as all their latte syrups. They are all good, but I’m not crazy about the beans. The way they prepare their lattes overall has me come back and I’m happy every time I do go.

Shop my favorite coffee accessories, our beloved coffee machine, and best beans:

Shop my Outfit:

If you have a favorite coffee shop in Atlanta you love, or any suggestions to try out, please send them my way. Don’t forget though, there are requirements for a good coffee shop, come be a snob connoisseur with me!