Coffee and beach vibes might not be the most intuitive pairing for most, but for others, they go hand in hand. A good cup of coffee is not just an essential part of most people’s morning rituals, but also an excuse for a moment of relaxation, leisure, and maybe a bit of reflection.
There’s nothing like drinking a good cup of coffee while listening to the waves and feeling the sea breeze. Also, in most beach towns along the Gulf Coast, visiting local coffee shops is a great way to get involved with local culture and meet locals — something that will definitely enhance your Gulf Coast vacation experience.
The Gulf Coast is blessed with not only pristine beaches and stunning natural scenery but also with a thriving café culture. Every year, many local establishments pop up, bringing their unique take on the simple (and yet artfully composed) act of serving coffee. This blog will bring you a list of the top coffee shops along the Gulf Coast, spanning the cities of Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Pensacola.
Ready to dive into a world of rich aromas and bold flavors?
Best Coffee Shops in Fort Morgan, AL
Beach Bums Coffee & Deli
Beach Bums Coffee & Deli is a local favorite in Fort Morgan. They brew their amazing coffee with local beans and roast them in-house, offering high-quality and fresh coffee to customers. Since they roast the beans on-site, you can imagine how wonderful the place smells — a good aroma enhances any coffee shop experience, doesn’t it? For those on the go, they offer grab-and-go cold brews, and they also sell their own beans. A great tip is to try their iced salted caramel mocha. For those with traditional tastes, their latte, americano, and espresso are superb.
In addition to coffee, Beach Bums Coffee & Deli offers non-coffee drinks like teas, lemonades, sodas, juices, and a wide variety of smoothies. You can choose from their vast collection of syrups to add to your drink if you wish. Their food is also excellent: the pastries and breakfast options are a must-try. Furthermore, visitors can explore their charming souvenirs and enjoy their friendly service, pleasant atmosphere, and reasonable prices.
Best Coffee Shops in Gulf Shores, AL
Happy Pappys Coffee House
As the name suggests, Happy Pappys Coffee House could easily become your new favorite spot in town. This locally-owned coffee shop offers the perfect setting to enjoy a quality cup of coffee, whether you’re diving into a book or catching up with friends and family.
The atmosphere exudes a lot of coziness, complete with comfortable chairs and couches. For those who prefer the outdoors, there’s a charming patio where patrons can relish their coffee al fresco.
Traditional favorites like lattes, classic espressos, and cappuccinos have garnered high praise from customers. Additionally, their chai latte and cold brew are also crowd-pleasers.
When it comes to food, Happy Pappys doesn’t disappoint. Their Greek pastries, including the Tyroptia — a Greek cheese pie crafted with phyllo dough and feta cheese — are particularly popular.
This place is also great for a quick dessert stop. Options include tiramisu, New York cheesecake, cookies, muffins, and cinnamon rolls, to name a few. With exceptionally friendly service, Happy Pappys Coffee House ensures every visitor feels right at home, further elevating the overall experience.
Foam Coffee
Centrally located in Gulf Shores, Foam Coffee offers a relaxed atmosphere and charming decor, solidifying its status as a local gem for quality coffee and snacks. The coffee, locally roasted, boasts a diverse and unique range of options.
A crowd favorite is the Cuban Latte. The cafe also draws health-conscious patrons eager to try their “Wellness Lattes,” including Matcha, Turmeric, and Beetroot Lattes.
The spicy iced chai remains another top pick. Additionally, Foam Coffee serves classic favorites such as avocado toast, peanut butter toast, cheese bagels, and burritos.
For those seeking a workspace during their visit, the cafe is accommodating with free wifi and ample power outlets. The outdoor seating area, complete with small tables, a spacious wooden deck, and swings, offers a perfect spot for relaxation, coffee al fresco, and photo opportunities. Notably, the staff is exceptionally friendly and always ready to recommend drinks tailored to individual preferences.
With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available, Foam Coffee truly stands out as an inclusive and diverse establishment.
Southern Shores Coffee
Southern Shores Coffee is locally renowned for its Bushwacker Coffee, a frozen cocktail popular in southern beach areas, typically made with rum, coffee liqueur, and coconut cream.
The original Bushwacker recipe hails from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. However, when the owner of the famous Flora-Bama Bar in Pensacola adapted the recipe to local tastes, it became a signature drink along the Gulf Coast. Many establishments in the area have since crafted their versions of this delightful drink, and Southern Shores Coffee is no exception with its unique caffeinated twist.
Beyond this standout drink, this great coffee shop takes pride in sourcing some of the finest coffee beans globally, offering patrons a variety of flavors to satisfy every palate.
Other favorites include the Cuban Latte and French Press coffee. They also serve food, with their salads and tacos receiving five-star reviews.
Yet, the standout among the edibles might just be their cinnamon rolls. Further enhancing each visit is the incredible Southern hospitality of the staff and the array of souvenirs available, including the all-time favorite “Respect The Locals” t-shirt.
Best Coffee Shops in Orange Beach, AL
Buzzcatz Coffee & Sweets
Buzzcatz Coffee & Sweets is another local favorite in Orange Beach. Beyond serving exceptional coffee and delectable desserts, this café is renowned for its eclectic and playful decor, particularly appealing to cat enthusiasts.
The interior features many cat-themed items, complemented by vibrant walls, the timeless charm of the furniture, expansive windows, and cozy seating. The outdoor area is equally inviting and pet-friendly, welcoming your furry friends — dogs included!
The quality of their coffee is outstanding, ensuring satisfaction no matter your choice. Their cinnamon rolls garner high praise from patrons, and their cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth delight. Additionally, the menu boasts superb offerings like breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and a selection of freshly baked pastries. Before departing, be sure to browse their gift shop, which offers a range of adorable cat-themed souvenirs.
Whether you’re a cat or dog person, Buzzcatz is a must-visit for coffee shop aficionados!
The Southern Grind at The Wharf
Among the many outstanding establishments at The Wharf in Orange Beach, The Southern Grind shines as a premier destination for a caffeine boost and relaxation after exploring the city’s entertainment district.
From classic choices like Cafe Latte, Cappuccino, and Americano to more intricate flavors such as the Peanut Butter Latte and Creme Brulee Latte, every drink delights.
Their cold brew is a crowd favorite, and they even offer a Nitro Draft version. If you wish, you can buy their beans to enjoy your coffee at home. The café’s captivating interior, infused with beach vibes, provides an ideal backdrop for dining. They serve both breakfast and lunch, featuring a diverse selection of pastries, salads, comfort food, and desserts. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available; just inquire with the accommodating staff.
The courtyard offers a delightful setting to savor your coffee while observing the vibrant atmosphere of The Wharf. Don’t miss The Southern Grind’s gift shop, where you can find home decor, jewelry, and charming souvenirs. Oh, they also have a location inside Hotel Indigo.
Best Coffee Shops in Perdido Key & Pensacola, FL
Bodacious
At the corner of Palafox and Main Street in Downtown Pensacola, Bodacious is not just a café but also a coffee roaster and an olive oil and kitchenware shop.
They offer a diverse range of handcrafted coffees, from classics like espresso, drip coffee, cappuccino, and cold brew to flavored drinks such as Honey Latte and Vanilla Latte.
The food menu features an array of delightful options to cater to every palate, including pizzas, quiches, breakfast sandwiches and wraps, açaí bowls, and salads. The inviting ambiance, characterized by relaxed seating, high ceilings, and brick walls, enhances the overall experience, making it an ideal spot for a caffeine break and a bite to eat while exploring Downtown Pensacola.
While your primary interest might be coffee, don’t overlook a visit to their olive oil shop. The diverse range of flavors available, coupled with complimentary samples, is sure to impress.
Maker’s Cafe & Espresso Bar
Looking for a trendy coffee shop in Pensacola? Search no further! Maker’s Cafe & Espresso Bar stands out as a chic, design-oriented establishment with a decor that elevates every coffee-sipping experience.
Situated on Palafox Street, the heart of Downtown Pensacola, Maker’s Cafe & Espresso Bar takes coffee seriously. They offer high-quality cold brews, pour-over coffee, and some of the city’s finest espresso-based drinks, which are their specialty.
For genuine coffee aficionados, this is the place to be. Beyond coffee, Maker’s Cafe & Espresso Bar places a strong emphasis on food. Their diverse selection of pastries, sandwiches, and baked goods is crafted from locally sourced and organic ingredients. Don’t miss out on their chocolate chip banana bread — it’s a total standout!
With comfortable seating, complimentary wifi, and ample power outlets, the café is also an ideal spot for vacationers or remote workers looking to catch up on tasks while enjoying the trendy and welcoming ambiance of this Pensacola hotspot.
The Drowsy Poet Coffee Company
The Drowsy Poet Coffee Company has been dedicated to serving high-quality coffee since 2007. They meticulously roast the world’s finest Arabica beans in-house, ensuring that each cup boasts the perfect balance and complexity of flavors to delight their customers.
The café’s ambiance is truly captivating. Seamlessly blending exceptional coffee with cultural flair, the interior showcases elegant vintage furnishings, lush plants, and a literary theme complete with portraits of iconic writers. It’s more than just a spot to unwind with your favorite brew — it’s a haven for inspiration.
Their coffee offerings feature whimsical names inspired by literary luminaries. Additionally, they provide delightful treats to complement your coffee, with the warmed-up coconut pecan cake being a standout recommendation.
Needless to say, this is the quintessential spot to indulge in your reading escapades!
Enjoy a cup of coffee at some of the Best Coffee Shops Along the Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast is renowned for its beach culture and natural beauty, drawing numerous tourists each year. Yet, when exploring this breathtaking region, don’t miss out on its vibrant local coffee scene.
Committed to serving top-notch coffee and delectable food, these establishments provide inviting atmospheres for visitors to relish and fantastic opportunities to connect with locals.
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