Since August marks one year I’ve lived in St Pete, I want to share the top coffee shops I’ve tried in the last year so you don’t have to! As a college student I’m always searching for unique study spots and different coffee shops to share with my friends. St Pete is a lively city with so many hidden gems to discover!
#1 Grove Surf + Coffee
Half coffee shop, half surf shop. This location offers amazing coffee in the cutest glasses and top tier beach attire. Since I’m a college student and blogger, I spend a lot of time working on my computer. Grove is a relaxed and inviting coffee shop on St Pete Beach, perfect for Eckerd students to study at if they thrive in that atmosphere (4 mi away). I’m a big coffee and chai drinker, but I’ve never been a fan of matcha. I recently tried matcha from Grove, and it was so good! They added honey to make it sweater and a little less “earthy.”
#2 The Blend
Whether you are searching for some of the best coffee in town or the perfect place to study, The Blend is one of my favorite stops. Located on US 19 is the primary location with a coffee and wine bar. There are also numerous locations throughout St Pete and Tampa. While you’re there, order the coffee flight of the week! This week I tried the Barbie flight inspired by the new Barbie movie.
Although outdoor seating isn’t available, the business is pet-friendly with several seating options (high top, low top, couches, bar stools). The Blend is a popular option for remote work, studying, casual meetings, and catching up with friends.
The owner of the coffee shop created her blend of coffee over a decade ago on the west coast. Since then, she has relocated to St Pete opening several locations to serve her delicious coffee blend to locals and tourists in the Tampa Bay Area. This location offers free parking for customers behind the building, making it easy to get in and out, while other locations have a drive-through.
#3 Paradeco Coffee Roasters
Named finalist for best designed cafe in the Americas, the coffee shop is located on 2nd Ave NE in Plaza Tower & Courtyard Shops. With a greenery wall and pastel colors, this Instagrammable location’s aesthetic goes unmatched. The cafe offers sandwiches, pastry items, healthy bowls, and great coffee using their own blend. The avocado toast is to die for! My mom stops to get her fix every time she visits! There are also many GF options!
Paradeco doesn’t offer customer parking, but you can park along the street with the ParkMobile App. The coffee shop has a small section of indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy their coffee, chat, or work/study. On your way out you’ll notice the pet friendly business has a dog water bowl for your pets to stay hydrated.
#4 Foxtail Coffee
The Winery vibe and relaxed atmosphere of Foxtail make this location (4th St N) a quiet place to study. With a large seating selection, there is always a place to sit. While there aren’t many food options, I have yet to try an iced coffee I didn’t like from here. Foxtail Coffee is a one-stop shop for coffee, ice cream, and wine. They are known for using ethically sourced coffee beans to serve only the highest quality to customers. Thankfully, outside the coffee shop is a large parking lot for customers, and the business is pet friendly. You can find Foxtail coffee shop locations all over Florida and Georgia.
#5 Bandit Coffee
Minimalist-chic cafe located on Central Ave is a full expresso bar, kitchen, and bakery. Bandit locally sources numerous ingredients from Florida farmers and small businesses. I love the avocado toast with a hard-boiled egg on the side. The flavored iced coffee and chai are always my go-to. Although this is not a dog-friendly coffee shop (indoors), the staff love animals and always bring my dog water and treats to the outdoor seating. The parking lot is also smaller but free for customers.
#6 Crislip Cafe
“The hidden gem of St Pete” is located in the back left of The Merchant on Central Ave. Although the coffee shop is split into a small boutique similar to Grove Surf + Coffee, Crislip gives a completely different vibe. While the seating area is small, the unique art, murals, and service give customers a welcoming experience. The fun coffee names and dog polaroid wall add to the inviting atmosphere Crislip offers its customers.
#7 Cafe Soleil
Cute and quaint French bakery across from St Pete Beach access. I originally stopped at this cafe to see my roommate at work but ended up staying for brunch when I couldn’t resist the menu. The croissant with brie, pears, walnut, and honey is like nothing I’ve ever tried before. I loved it so much that I ate breakfast there for three days straight. This cafe is on the pricier side, but the service is just as amazing as the food and coffee. The coffee served here is from Kahwa, another nearby coffee shop. There is indoor and outdoor seating (dogs allowed outside). The staff loves Millie (my mini Aussie), and they bring her a bowl of water while I wait on my food. Cafe Soleil is a great place to have brunch with a friend!
#8 The Chelsea
Another hidden gem of St Pete on 5th Ave S. This small coffee shop is tucked away on a side street in what appears to be a renovated garage. The secluded area is a hot spot for studying, even though the seating area is limited. I always ask for a surprise drink when I order, and I’ve never been disappointed! Last time I had toasted marshmallow! The Chelsea includes a small gift shop with plants, stickers, and cards. The parking situation is free side street parking.
Absolutely fantastic page… can’t wait to read more! Keep up the great work Madi! Go get’em
love, madie