Downtown Coffee Shops Guide
Sure, a city walk is always wonderful, but add a good cup of coffee into the mix and, you’ve got yourself a nearly perfect experience.
Sure, a city walk is always wonderful, but add a good cup of coffee into the mix and, you’ve got yourself a nearly perfect experience.
Here are a few downtown Memphis coffee shops you simply can’t miss! Whether you’re strolling downtown,or need a cozy space to land for a while, these cafés serve up just the kind of warm (or iced) comfort you’re craving.
Crazy Gander: They serve both food and drinks, using responsibly sourced coffee beans to give you the good stuff you need to fuel your day. Plus, the space is wonderful if you want to sit and stay a while.
Hours: Monday - Sunday 7AM - 4PM
Humble Drip: Located on N Main, it’s perfectly placed to help you start your morning off right. Their seasonal menus never miss, and the shop also offers pastries and cakes made by the owner’s mother, along with tea bags from Orange Mound-based brand My Cup of Tea.
Hours: Monday - Thursday 7 AM - 3PM, Friday 7 AM - 12 PM, Saturday + Sunday Closed
Another Sip: Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply in the mood for something a little different, like their house-made lemonades, this local spot has you covered. They serve specialty coffee, feature incredible seasonal menus, and offer delicious treats that will leave you wanting, well… another sip.
Hours: Monday - Sunday 6 AM - 4 PM
Dr. Bean’s Coffee & Tea Emporium: Located inside Stock & Belle on S Main, this coffee shop serves some of the best specialty roasted coffee in the city, and the sit-down area is just as special. With a staff that’s both passionate and knowledgeable about their craft, it’s a spot you’re sure to fall in love with. Whether you’re after a quick a shopping break or a cozy place to work, Dr. Beans is the place to be.
Hours: Monday - Sunday 7AM - 6PM
Boycott Coffee: This adorable spot tastes just as good as it looks. Serving ethically sourced beans to craft incredible coffee and pour-overs, it’s a place you don’t want to miss. The staff are incredibly kind and always happy to share more about their roasting process. While it’s smaller in size, don’t let that deter you from catching up with an old friend and soaking in the charm of the pink space.
Hours: Monday Closed Tuesday - Friday 8AM - 12PM Saturday Closed Sunday 10 AM 2 PM
Hustle & Dough: Located inside the ARRIVE Memphis Hotel lobby, Hustle & Dough is the perfect spot to soak up the charm of the beautifully decorated boutique lobby, get some work done, and enjoy their artisan bakery and espresso-based coffees. Their avocado toast is a must-try, and the staff are lovely, helpful, and passionate about giving you the perfect breakfast experience.
Hours: Monday - Thursday 7 AM - 4 PM Friday - Sunday 7 AM - 5 PM
Hive Bagel & Deli: Want to feel like you’ve stepped into a bakery straight out of New York City? This downtown breakfast spot will transport you there. Rooted in a seed-to-plate concept, Hive uses local, high-quality ingredients to craft fresh bagels and top-tier baked goods. Their menu changes often with the seasons, but one thing’s certain… Everything’s always delicious.
Hours: Monday Closed Tuesday - Sunday 8AM - 2 PM
Memphis Chess Club: Founded in 1877, this location has been reimagined to include a full-service cafè, making it a one-of-a-kind destination within the historic walls of 195 Madison Avenue. When you’re looking for just a little more than a typical coffeehouse experience, this is the perfect place to go. Alongside chessboards and books for fans of the game, you’ll find sandwiches, breakfast pastries, and pizza to keep you fuelled for play.
Hours: Monday - Tuesday 7 AM - 8:30 PM Wednesday - Saturday 7 AM - 9 PM Sunday 8 AM - 8:30 PM
Juiced What You Needed: One of the absolute gems of this city, in my opinion, is Juiced What You Needed. With a vibe that feels like you’ve stepped into an eclectic plant lover’s home, this spot offers fresh-pressed juices, real fruit-infused lemonades, matcha, and a seriously good cup of coffee. Everything is made 100% from scratch and even, even the salmon is smoked in-house. Their menu of unique, internationally inspired dishes that are nourish both body and soul will keep you coming back time and time again.
Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday 7:30 AM - 6 PM Tuesday, Wednesday 7:30 AM - 3 PM Saturday, Sunday 8 AM - 3 PM
Bloom Bakery and Cafe: Start your morning with freshly baked, Asian-inspired treats like fluffy milk bread, mochi delights and golden, crispy egg tarts. The pastries are almost too pretty to eat, but once you take a bite, you’ll be glad you did. This women-owned cafe is perfect for a grab-and-go, handcrafted cup of coffee, or you can settle into their cozy space to sip and savor for a while (I highly recommend it… The smell of freshly baked pastries ALONE will brighten your mood).
Hours: Monday - Friday 7 AM - 4 PM Saturday 8:30 - 4:30 Sunday Closed
French Truck Coffee: Just a short walk from Sun Studio, this relaxed spot brings the community together over freshly roasted coffee in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Committed to quality and sustainability, they serve expertly crafted beverages and locally sourced treats perfect for savouring in their spacious downtown café or taking on the go. Plus, there’s plenty of parking, which is always a win.
Hours: Monday - Friday 7 AM - 5 PM, Saturday - Sunday 8 AM - 5 PM
Qahwa Coffee Bar: Step into this casual downtown coffeehouse, housed in a former bank with a vault-door meeting space, for a unique sip-and-stay experience. Owner Fred Othmani (aka Farhat) brings personality and warmth to every cup, from expertly brewed coffees to fragrant Turkish coffee boiled in hot sand. Pair your drink with a fresh pastry, sandwich, or croissant, (I've always loved the grilled cheese) and settle in for a conversation or a game of chess.
Hours: Monday - Friday 7 AM - 2 PM | Saturday - Sunday 8:30 AM - 1 PM
Byway Coffee Company: While not in a permanent location, keep an eye out for this brilliant business serving coffee from a shiny Airstream. You won’t have to look far, there’s usually a line of excited locals waiting outside. And while, yes, the lines can be long, but trust me, it’s always worth the wait. Inspired by the winding roads and hidden gems found off the beaten path, Byway Coffee Company was born from a love of adventure and exceptional coffee. Their specialty drinks have taken social media by storm. They’re unique, gorgeously photogenic, and absolutely delicious! Follow their popular Instagram page to see where they’ll pop up next.
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