For richer or pour over, Lexington’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. Our city ranks among the top coffee cities in America thanks to factors like cafes per capita and the price of beans.
LEX 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 Lexington.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Fall menu highlights
Leestown Coffee, 1416 Leestown Rd. | This local coffee shop features exclusive, seasonal coffees, award-winning cold brew, as well as rotating baked treats. | Sip on cozy fall favorites like Pumpkin Spice, Caramel Apple, Black Sesame, White Chocolate Praline, and their house-made Apple Chai-der.
Old School Coffee, Various locations | While this spot gets filled pretty quick, countless outlets and reliable internet connectivity are just the cherries on top of its warm atmosphere. | Kick off fall with a classic Pumpkin Cold Brew, spice things up with a Mexi Mocha, indulge in Pralines & Cream, and give the unique Bus Monitor a try.
The Greenery, 206 W. Main St. | A coffee + social space within The Grove, you’ll find ample seating + delicious food options in this cozy greenery-covered coffee shop. | Its fall menu brings all the autumn vibes with a Tiramisu latte, Toffee Coffee, and Apple Chai-der.
North Lime Coffee & Donuts, Various locations | With a rotating schedule, enjoy a massive assortment of donuts as well as coffee + seasonal sips. | The fall menu features the Pumpkin Pancake cold brew, S’mores Latte, Honey Nut Latte, and Chai-der — all perfect for the season.
This list highlights just a few of Lexington’s fall offerings — menus are still rolling out, so be sure to ask your favorite barista about what’s new.
Perfect for a date
Coffee Times Coffee House, 2571 Regency Rd. | Hidden behind the chaos of Nicholasville Road, this gem features wholesale coffee, tea, light bites, and is connected to Street Scene Vintage.
Java Jukebox, Various locations | Woo the music lover in your life by visiting this cafe that encompasses all things tunes, community, and coffee.
Lussi Brown Coffee Bar, 114 Church St. | Cozy, intimate, and atmospheric, this spot has options for both coffee + spirits enthusiasts. We recommend their espresso martini.
Chaotic Good: Coffee, Comics & Games, 545 S. Broadway | Just as the name suggestions, you can sip your brewed beverage while borrowing a board game, or reserve a table for role-playing games.
On-the-go joe
Dutch Bros Coffee, 234 E. New Circle Rd. | Fast, speedy, and delicious is the name of the game at this drive-thru spot.
The Human Bean, Various locations | Breakfast, coffee, and convenience — what more could you ask for? We recommend a caffeine-free Little Bean drink for the kids and an clean caffeine bright energy for the adults.
7 Brew Coffee, Various locations | If you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix and a warm smile, you’ve found the right coffee shop.
Plenty of outlets and internet connection
Kenwick Table, 201 Owsley Ave. | If you’re looking for plenty of space for heads-down work or a social environment, look no further. At this community-focused coffee shop, you can enjoy various coffees, teas, and cocktails with plenty of seating options.
Chocolate Holler, 101 W Loudon Ave., Ste. 162 | Recently celebrating a grand reopening, this Lexington favorite inside Greyline Station is known for its specialty hot chocolates and vibrant student workspace, making it the perfect spot for productivity.
Bad Ass Coffee, Various locations | Take a trip to paradise while accomplishing all of your important tasks for the day.
McLeod’s Coffee House, 376 Southland Dr. | Funky interiors, a good cause, and warm, hard-working baristas make for the ideal work environment.
Best bites
Dip N Crepe, 3801 Mall Rd., Ste. 135 | Get your sweet tooth fix with one of these loaded, colorful crepes to pair with any one of its coffee options.
Genesis Coffee House & Eatery, 1403 N. Forbes Rd., Ste 130 | Enjoy a full breakfast or lunch along with one of these carefully curated coffee drinks. Note: Genesis is currently closed for renovations.
High on Art & Coffee, 523 E. High St. | Bagels, womelette (omelettes made in a waffle iron), sandwiches, coffees, and lattes can all be found here for a perfect breakfast or lunch.
Rise N Brine Chicken Biscuits, 331 Romany Rd. | Good luck trying to choose from its dozens of stacked biscuits and one of the many drinks they have on their coffee menu.
Grounded All Day Cafe, 106 Burke Rd. | This family-friendly neighborhood coffee shop boasts a food menu full of bagels, house-made spreads, salads + soups.
Cap off graduation with colorful photos. | Photo courtesy of @adventuresinourtinylife
Where to write your novel
Char, 316 S Ashland Ave | Home to Funky Rooster Coffee Bar by day and fine cuisine and cocktails by night, Char satisfies every craving — all in style, with seamless indoor + outdoor seating, ideal for sipping, dining, or just soaking up the atmosphere.
Third Street Stuff, 257 N. Limestone | The eccentric shop is perfect for anyone looking for a jolt of inspiration, creativity, and of course, caffeine.
Manchester Coffee Co., 576 E. Third St., Ste. 110 | No writer’s block here. With plenty of sunlight and outlets, this space will inspire you with its East End surroundings and delicious craft coffee.
Brevede, Various locations | Frolick through the flower bar at its Distillery District location or get cozy in Chevy Chase. Either way, you’ll have the ideal environment to sit down with your paper and pen, while tasting delicious European treats and coffee.
In-house roasted beans
Nate’s Coffee, 125 Cheapside | This downtown spot not only services businesses around Lexington, they also sell a charity blend that supports community organizations.
4th Level Roasters, 2416 Palumbo Dr., Ste. 110 | This wife-husband-owned roastery offers a wide variety of coffees and teas available for individual and wholesale purchase. Bonus: They won first place in the 2022 Cold Brew Festival.
A Cup of Common Wealth, Various locations | Take in the sights and sounds of our vibrant city at either of these locations, while sipping on Magic Beans roasted coffee.
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 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 pour overs like a pro with my longtime favorite Bodum cork grip pour over coffee maker.
- 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.
