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Local coffee shops and cafes to try in Dallas

If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.

The outside of a coffee shop with the words "Merit Coffee Co." on the building in red lettering. The building has a large, garage-like window looking into the shop.

Merit’s Deep Ellum location offers indoor and outdoor seating. | Photo via @meritcoffee

For richer or pour over, Dallas’ coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. In fact, Dallas ranks among the top coffee cities in America thanks to factors like cafes per capita and the price of beans.

The Big D 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 Dallas.

Roasts to boast

Cultivar Coffee Roasting Co., East Dallas | Enjoy the local, house-roasted coffee at Cultivar. Head to Goodfriend Package next door for a sandwich or enjoy a pastry at the coffee shop.

Native Coffee Co., Farmers Branch | Native Coffee Co. serves beans that come from a variety of carefully selected roasters + utilizes a Scandinavian roasting style in an effort to highlight all flavors of the coffee.

Pax & Beneficia Coffee, Victory Park | This shop’s coffee is freshly roasted at its Grapevine location, and it makes homemade artisan syrups that you can also purchase online. Bonus: Pax & Beneficia has four other locations in the DFW area.

Merit Coffee Co., Multiple locations | Merit’s coffee is roasted fresh on a custom-built roaster from Germany + offers a consistently solid cup of joe. The San Antonio-founded business also serves up tacos and pastries at some locations — we recommend the Deep Ellum shop.

Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters, South Dallas | If you’re interested in what goes on behind the scenes of roasting, grinding, and brewing your cup, this is the place to be — grab some of the house-roasted coffee and ask all of your burning questions at the coffee lab.

A croissant sandwich on a plate with several berries. On the top of the croissant is a dusting of powdered sugar and inside are several sliced strawberries.

Besides delectable baked goods like this, Sugar & Sage also offers a sweet outdoor area.

Photo by Kathy Tran via @sugarandsagebakerydallas

Best bites

Sugar & Sage Bakery, University Park | No stop at this patisserie and coffee bar is complete without picking up one of the pastries, like the Cinnamon ‘Cruffin’ Brioche Feuilleté or Apricot Verbena Danish. Sugar & Sage brews beans from Dallas-based roaster Noble Coyote Coffee.

The Meteor Dallas, Design District | This spot that puts a modern spin on the retro diner is also part bike shop. Stop in for burgers, breakfast tacos, pizza, plenty of pastries, and a few vegan-friendly options.

chimlanh Coffee Shop, Cedars | The first Vietnamese coffee shop in Dallas proper, chimlanh is located inside of Sandwich Hag. Enjoy a cup of coffee made with the traditional phin drip brewing method + a bahn mi sandwich from James Beard-nominated Chef Reye.

Civil Pour, Walnut Hill | Known for its Cuban sandwiches + solid coffee and beer offerings, Civil Pour is also a great place to hang out or get some work done. The shop has plenty of seating and an outdoor patio for when the weather’s nice.

A parking lot and the outside of a coffee shop with brick detailing. On one window of the shop, the word "Wayward" is printed, and on the other is a cowboy tipping his hat. There are a few tables and chairs sitting outside of the shop.

If you’re looking for a cozy vibe, Wayward is the perfect spot.

Photo via @waywardcoffeeco

Where to write your novel

Black Rock Coffee Bar, Multiple locations | Black Rock offers a range of hot, iced, or classic beverage selections. The drinks are as unique as the seating space, providing for plenty of room and comfort on furnished mid-century wood and leather seating.

Funny Library Coffee Shop, Design District | You won’t feel like you’re inside of a hotel at this funky, vibrant spot that’s part coffee shop, part work space. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi, coffee, pastries, and brunch menu while lounging in one of the comfy-yet-colorful chairs.

The Wild Detectives, Bishop Arts District | This bookstore, bar, coffee shop, and event venue is a prime spot for late-night writing sessions. Gather inspiration from the books on sale while sipping a cup of no-nonsense coffee, wine, beer, or a cocktail until closing time at 12 a.m.

Magnolias Sous Le Pont, Harwood | This modern and cozy spot serves coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and salads at its shop with local art on the walls. We recommend grabbing a spot in the cozy couch nook that’s just slightly tucked away.

Houndstooth Coffee, Multiple locations | This Austin-based chain has three Dallas locations — we recommend the Walnut Hill shop, thanks to its separate seating area that’s usually pretty quiet. Note that outlets can be a bit harder to come by at Houndstooth.

Staycation, Richardson | Located a bit further north from downtown Dallas, this cute little coffee shop tucked into a house on the corner of Polk and Texas streets serves up locally-based Viewfinder Coffee. If you need a true “home away from home,” this is your spot.

Wayward Coffee, Multiple locations | How we long to sit and write at the window seat of Wayward’s Oak Cliff location each day. If that’s not your vibe, no worries; this cozy local shop features a variety of seating and tasty drinks.

The inside of a coffee shop from a high angle behind the coffee counter. The floors are pink and there is a mother and child sitting at the table and chairs.

Juju’s coffee started as a roaming truck before expanding to a brick and mortar in 2023.

Photo via @jujuscoffee

On-the-go joe

The Coffeehouse at Bonton Farms, Bonton| South Dallas is no stranger to a good cup of coffee. Along with a diverse assortment of coffee is a broad selection of pastries and sweets. Pro tip: Step next door to visit a community garden and eatery.

LDU Coffee, Multiple locations | Need your caffeine rush in a hurry? LDU is so focused on being fast, it mentions the word twice in its promise: “fast, fun, friendly, and fast.” The spot is an Australian take on Italian neighborhood espresso bars and offers its quick services at five Dallas locations.

La La Land Kind Cafe, Multiple locations | With its Instagrammable yellow aesthetic, La La Land makes for the perfect quick java junction. Try “the queen” avocado toast with mashed avocado, cream cheese, everything seasoning, chili flakes, and lemon.

White Rock Coffee, Multiple locations | Thanks to six (soon to be seven) locations, White Rock has got North Dallas neighborhoods covered. And this local roaster goes beyond convenience — KRUPS named White Rock one of the top 15 coffeehouses in America.

Juju’s Coffee, East Dallas | This cute, tiny coffee shop on La Vista Drive is the perfect spot for a morning pick-me-up. We can’t help but smile when we see the pink flooring.

Hola Cafe, Multiple locations | With its newer (and larger) Oak Cliff location + an Uptown spot inside of an office building, Hola Cafe is a popular local coffee shop. Bonus: Cars can park in the office driveway for 15 minutes or get free parking in the garage for 30 minutes.

The interior of a coffee shop showing a line of small desks with chairs, where two people are sitting with laptops. To the left are more, larger tables. At one of these tables, a group of four is sitting together.

Herb’s House is popular among remote workers and students — it’s also located near SMU.

Plenty of outlets and internet connection

Ascension Coffee, Multiple locations | While most of Ascension’s coffee shops offer plenty of seating + Wi-Fi, we particularly love the White Rock location’s vibe. If you go on the weekend, though, be prepared for a busy brunch.

Herb’s House Coffee + Company, Northeast Dallas | This spot is a remote work haven — it’s decked out with multiple seating options (all with outlets nearby), big tables to spread out, Wi-Fi, a printer, and even conference rooms for rent.

Toasted Coffee + Kitchen, Lower Greenville | Toasted features a large, airy space to work with plenty of tables to grab a seat, though we recommend a spot along the wall if you’re hoping for outlet access. Bonus: A coffee shop and kitchen, Toasted has a pretty hefty food menu, too.

Window Seat Coffee, Lower Greenville | Need a vacation? The small airplane-inspired interior will make you feel like you’re working from the skies — with Wi-Fi that’s a lot easier to access.

Sip Stir Coffee House, Multiple locations | We recommend bringing your laptop to the Uptown location for a space with warm lighting, a range of seating options, and a solid cup of joe. Try the butter beer latte.

George Coffee + Provisions, Coppell | In the suburbs near the DFW Airport lies this charming, picturesque coffee shop. The space offers ample indoor and outdoor seating — including separate corners and rooms, so you can spread out — with plenty of outlets and Wi-Fi.

Full City Rooster, Cedars | Enjoy an excellent cup of coffee in this shop’s hip, laid-back atmosphere. The space features lots of cool artwork on the walls, but for those averse to dead animals, note that it also has its fair share of mounted heads.

Buzz & Bustle, Northeast Dallas | Located in The Village neighborhood, Buzz & Bustle provides everything you need to get through a day’s work — coffee and sandwiches, a grab + go bodega, pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The inside of a coffee shop with white brick wall and a coffee bar. On one wall is a large, yellow neon lighted "F" sign. Next to the coffee bar are three swinging chairs hanging from the ceiling. In the space are also a large table with yellow chairs, a couch with tables, and leather seats.

If you’re up for a coffee walk, Fairgrounds is located near the Katy Trail.

Perfect for a date

Ralph & Rose, North Dallas | We wish you luck getting out of this bright and sunny coffee shop without purchasing some of its cute home decor or knickknacks. On nice days, enjoy the spacious outdoor seating and try the popular fig jam and green apple grilled cheese.

Cafe Duro, Lower Greenville | Also a wine shop, Cafe Duro is the perfect place for a coffee date to turn into a longer evening. It doesn’t hurt that the space’s interior feels romantic, intimate, and like you’ve just transported to Europe.

Opening Bell Coffee, Cedars | A popular open mic night spot, Opening Bell is a great place to bring a date for coffee + entertainment. The eclectic shop also features various neon signs, lights, and art.

Fairgrounds Cafe Dallas, Oak Lawn | On a nice day, lounge in the spacious outdoor seating area at this Midwest-based shop’s only Texas location. If you prefer being indoors, snag two of the three hanging seats inside to sip and swing together.

At-home brewing

Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.

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