Do you remember your first sip of coffee? I remember when I was little I used to hate coffee, the taste was too bitter. However, over the years, something about that bitter taste grew on me. Coffee quickly became a sacred ritual within my life, and that love of bean juice spilled over into connections with some of my dearest friends. It didn’t take long before coffee became the background to some of my most treasured moments. We make it a point to try a local coffee roaster in every city we visit (because we’ve tried them all in Cincy). Cincinnati’s coffee scene holds a special place in our hearts: from early dates at The Coffee Peddlar to long conversations over lattes at Deeper Roots, each cup has been an important aspect of our lives.

What makes this city so special? It’s not just the expertly brewed drinks; it’s the feeling behind each sip. Places like Deeper Roots, Coffee Emporium, and Collective Espresso aren’t just cafés; they’re vibrant, community-minded hubs that blend great coffee with local art, music, and intentional connection.

In this post, we’ll walk you through our favorite roasters and cafés; sharing the flavors, and spaces that make Cincinnati’s coffee story one we’re proud to be part of.

Featured Local Roasters

• Coffee Emporium (Downtown & Hyde Park) – Cincinnati’s oldest, artisanal roaster and café.
• Deeper Roots Coffee (OTR, Oakley, Downtown) – Roasted in-house, sustainable sourcing, cozy atmosphere.
• Urbana Café (Pendleton, Walnut Hills, Findlay Market) – House-roasted beans and small bites.
• Funny Farm Coffee (Lawrenceburg, IN) – Riverside coffee roaster with a beautiful small town vibe.

Featured Shops

• The Coffee Peddlar (Harrison, OH) – Located just outside Cincinnati, warm atmosphere with outdoor seating.
• Sitwells (Clifton) – Bohemian atmosphere with a vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu. Certainly a hidden gem in the Cincy coffee scene.
• Roh’s Street Café (Clifton Heights) – A lovely community driven nonprofit, regularly hosting volunteers and community events.
• Wyoming Community Coffee (Wyoming, OH) – Female-owned café dedicated to community, locally sourced goods, and a welcoming space.
• Highland Coffee House (Hyde Park) – A longstanding spot known for coffee, food, and cocktails. This is another hidden gem, loved for its nostalgic charm and late-night hours.

Funny Farm Coffee Company

Unique riverside roastery and coffee shop with a cozy small town vibe. Pair your coffee with a trip to the library or a walk along the Ohio River. 

• Offer many (delicious) panini and drink options
• Menu favorites: Veggie melt, avocado toast, french toast latte
• Gorgeous outdoor seating 
• Sell locally and globally made goods 

Amack’s Well

While decently far from the city, it’s still “well” worth the mention. Located in a historical and spacious building, Amack’s Well is the heart of this cozy Indiana town. Amack’s Well pays homage to the first settlers of Batesville; Teunis and Nancy Amack. The Amack’s built their home and dug a well about a block from where the coffee shop stands today, hence the name Amack’s Well. 

• Downstairs and upstairs seating
• Menu favorites: Honeybee Latte, milk steamers, locally made sweets
• Baked goods and small bites
• Local art for sale

Coffee Peddler 

Our favorite! This shop was established in 2010 and has been growing ever since. The Peddler has been the setting of many after-school hangouts and coffee dates in our relationship, so it definitely has a special place in our hearts. It’s also convenient that the Coffee Peddler is right down the street from our apartment!

• Delicious drinks and locally made sweets
• Menu favorites: Apple pie latte, lavender vanilla latte, cinnamon roll
• Indoor and courtyard seating
• The sweetest staff!

Sitwell’s Coffee House

Along time Cincy staple on Ludlow Ave in Clifton. This eclectic shop doubles as a cafe and bar as well as a coffeehouse. Their menu is full of unique bites, from a tofu bahn mi to argentinian empanadas, there is something for everyone at Sitwells. Be sure to check out their live music!

• Artsy and grungy vibe
• Perfect for college students in the area
• Menu Favorites: Tofu bahn mi, chai latte, cheese and cauliflower empanada 

Wyoming Community Coffee

Known as “wycoco” to the community, Wyoming Community Coffee provides exactly what its name suggests; coffee for the community.  Because it’s settled right next to Wyoming Middle School, it serves as the perfect spot for students to hang out after school. The surrounding community is perfect for a scenic walk with your coffee in hand. 

• Spacious seating
• Menu Favorites: Pot of Gold Latte, cold brew, hand pies
• Work/event space in separate building nextdoor 
• Sell their own bean blends

Highland Coffee House

Highland Coffeehouse is the perfect place to recommend to a Cincy newcomer. It perfectly embodies the city’s unique night life with its charmingly crowded seating and chaotic decor. Graffiti from visitors of past and present fill the walls of this old building. While most people hunker down for a good study session, it’s almost impossible not to get distracted by the poems and art left behind by previous guests. 

• Open from 3pm to 2:30am during the week, and 1pm to 2:30 on weekends
• Very close to the University of Cincinnati
• Menu Favorites: Mulled cider, chips and salsa, white chocolate raspberry latte
• Patio and indoor seating

Coffee Emporium

A city staple and roaster with year‑round and seasonal blends—don’t miss Fiona’s Blend, named after the baby hippo at the zoo. It’s great for grabbing beans or a signature drink alongside pastries and savory midday options.

• Both storefronts have their own unique vibe, both equally as quaint!
• Their Over the Rhine location is in the midst of the shopping district
• Menu Favorites: Glacial Mocha, Chiller chai, pasta salad
• Beans sourced sustainably and ethically from all over the world 

Deeper Roots Coffee

Known for its homey vibe (like family kitchen vibes) and roasted‑in‑house beans. There are multiple locations across the city but all house the same deliciously brewed beans. Deeper Roots is committed to taking care of their employees and their communities. 

• Sustainability is a big priority to this roastery 
• They’ve had an established relationship with Guatemalan bean farmers since 2011
• Menu Favorites: Honey Bear Latte, on tap Kombutcha, Holy Moly Mocha 
• They sell the coolest merch!

The 86

A non-profit coffee shop right across the street from UC main campus. Since 2011 this shop has been almost only run by volunteers, most of them being college students. The 86 has done a wonderful job of providing a welcoming space for their community.

• They sell many different products from locally owned businesses
• Wonderful place to volunteer and give back to the community
• Menu favorites: Cold Brew, local kombucha, 86 cider, locally baked goods
• They have a storefront within the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

Rohs St

Settled within an old church, Rohs St is a beautiful and spacious coffee shop in the neighborhood of Clifton. This shop is also run by volunteers frequently and has been committed to serving its community for over 20 years. Rohs St is dedicated to social justice movements and fair trade practices. 

• Rohs St is a 501(c)3 non-profit
• Many local shops and restaurants are located within a short walking distance
• Menu Favorites: Dirty Chai, Lavender kombucha, iced caramel latte  
• Open later than most shops (9pm)