15 Unique Coffee Shops In America You Need To Visit

With seemingly endless places to get your coffee throughout the U.S., it can be difficult to choose where your next stop should be. Sure, you could go for a local or regional coffee chain, but if you are someone who prefers things that are unique and different, then you aren't going to want to settle for your standard coffee shop. From cafés that focus on specialty brewing methods and fantasy-themed concepts to others housed in restored buildings — and even a few where robots act as baristas — there are coffee shops across America where your daily cup can feel like an experience rather than a routine. Whether you live on the West Coast, East Coast, or somewhere in between, these unique coffee shops will inspire you to think outside of the box and may even have you planning a road trip to see these fun coffee shops for yourself.

Just outside of Dayton, Ohio, in the small village of Pleasant Hill, lies a coffee shop that aims to please with its coffee and welcoming atmosphere. Housed in renovated grain silos, Local Coffee and Creamery is striking in appearance as you drive up to it, as it looks more like a farm than your typical coffee shop. It is part of a larger community of shops known as The Exchange, where you can spend an afternoon walking around after fueling up with your cup of coffee. But the highlight is the large front yard that is designed for play. Axe throwing, ping pong, cornhole, and a sand volleyball court are just a few of the activities waiting for you and a group of friends to spend a sunny afternoon.

In addition to a selection of pastries, teas, specialty flavored lattes, cold foams, and fruity "shakeups," you can also get, as this shop's name implies, ice cream. While the ice cream menu isn't available online yet, you can call ahead to see what flavors are available before your visit. Between the activities, shopping, and well-rounded menu, this coffee shop is one that the whole family can enjoy.

local-coffee-and-cream.square.site

(937) 701-5243

210 West High Street, Pleasant Hill, OH 45359

Located in New York City, Conwell Coffee Hall transports you into an Art Deco bank straight out of the 1920s. Taking pride in the details, Conwell has you place your order with the "teller" before grabbing your drink at the "pickup" window. Behind the glass bank panels, baristas whip up lattes and cappuccinos with its house-roasted beans. Conwell even makes its own syrups like caramel, vanilla bean, maple, and lavender that you can add to any one of your coffee drinks. And unlike a lot of coffee shops that stick to coffee and maybe some pastries, Conwell has a full food menu with breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with a separate weekend brunch menu.

But if the atmosphere during the day wasn't impressive enough, when nightfall arrives, Conwell Coffee Hall transforms into Conwell Cocktail Hall. With an extensive selection of spirits, sip on an expertly crafted cocktail alongside elevated bites such as the Smoked Lardons Mac and Cheese or oysters from the raw bar — all while listening to a rotating schedule of live music.

conwellhall.com

(646) 412-5747

6 Hanover Street, New York, NY 10005

If you're a car lover, you have to make a trip to Motoring Coffee. With locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco, this coffee shop is just as much for coffee drinkers as it is for car fanatics. Each location is housed inside a huge warehouse that allows space for the coffee shop serving up coffee, matcha, and breakfast sandwiches, as well as seating. The standout of Motoring Coffee is the featured car on display, which rotates every so often. The San Francisco location also has a projector to show F1 races and other car-related programs.

This is already a pretty cool atmosphere for the general public, but Motoring Coffee takes it a step further for car enthusiasts with its special "Motoring Club." By joining this social club, you get access to both locations, to exclusive events like drives and rallies, lounges and co-working spaces attached to each coffee shop location, discounts at Motoring Coffee, and even a fleet of unique cars that you can rent for a daily rate. Although this club requires a membership fee, if you love cars and live in one of these areas, the combination of coffee and cars (and the community) is hard to beat.

motoring.coffee

11728 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Coffee shops have long been places to meet with friends — and there are few more famous than Central Perk. This beloved coffee shop from the show "Friends" had many of us wishing we had our very own Central Perk as our go-to hangout spot. And for some lucky people, that wish finally became reality with the opening of Central Perk Coffee Co. in Boston, MA.

As an official licensed partner of Warner Bros. and "Friends," Central Perk is as close as you can get to stepping onto the set of this nostalgic TV show. Complete with bright orange couches (just like the one the gang from "Friends" sat on), where you can cozy up with your cup of coffee and fun neon signs playing off the iconic beginning of every episode name — "The One With..." — this shop is the place to go to live out your TV fantasy. Plus, with a full menu of coffee drinks, breakfast, and lunch items (a bunch with names that give a nod to various show quotes), there's enough to satisfy almost any preference. But if you don't live in Boston, don't fret, a second location has opened in New York City's Times Square.

centralperk.com.

(857) 991-1615

205 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

The future is here. At least it is at Artly Coffee in Seattle, Washington, as this coffee shop is entirely run by robots. Just place your order on one of the kiosks, wait until your name pops up at the counter where your drink will be placed when completed, and watch as one of the Artly "Barista Bots" makes your beverage. What makes these bots so special is that each one is "trained" by the U.S. Latte Art Champion Joe Yang, using computer vision and deep learning AI, so every cup is still as intentionally crafted as possible — even without that direct human touch. Things like physical reasoning, obstacle avoidance, path planning, and more are all things that Barista Bots are trained on in order to perform at a high level.

With three locations in Seattle, these coffee shops are just a few of the places where you can see the Artly Barista Bots, though as the bots are available for purchase and are in use at various businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada. From classics like cappuccinos and flat whites to specialties like the Seattle Fog (a twist on a London Fog Earl Grey Latte) or the Coconut Cardamom Latte, you don't have to sacrifice flavor and quality in favor of technology. In fact, it may be even better. But that's ultimately up to you to decide.

artly.coffee

(206) 465-1781

1099 Stewart Street, Seattle, WA 98101

Aptly named, Resurrect Art Coffee House is located inside an old church. This coffee house-meets-art gallery is perfect for grabbing a coffee and hanging out on a cold Alaska day. Built in 1917, it was used exclusively as a church for several decades before being sold and renovated into the coffee shop it is today. After several dedicated and loving owners, three former baristas took over ownership in 2024, carrying on the legacy of this shop in the small community of Seward, Alaska.

You can see just how much of a pillar this shop is for the town's local artists, as it features everything from paintings, prints, jewelry, stickers, and pottery. And the love for local art doesn't just stop at tangible things; during the off-season, it hosts concerts for musicians and singers.

If you're passing through the area, make sure to stop by and grab a coffee and a pastry from its basement micro-bakery, Belltower Bakery, and if you forgot to book a hotel, inquire about lodging at the Coffee House Cottage or the Coffee House Parsonage — both within walking distance of Resurrect Art Coffee House.

resurrectart.com

(907) 224-7161

320 3rd Avenue, Seward, AK 99664

This shop is adamant that it's not a cult — just "a coffee and retail operation designed to create community and uplift independent makers by purveying curious objects of exceptional utility," according to its website. Confused yet? Even the decor comes across a bit cult-like. It's almost as if you entered a time warp back to the 1970s and found yourself inside the organization's main headquarters — wood paneling, brown filing cabinets, and all. Located in what they call the "realm of order and experimentation," you can find this coffee shop physically in Chicago, specifically the neighborhood of West Town. While it's easy to see what types of products are sold in the shopping section of this shop, it's not as easy to see what is available in terms of coffee, just that it is provided by Monday Coffee Co.

While you may not grasp the full understanding of this coffee shop until you visit, the concept is so intriguing that it makes you want to take a detour just to find out more for yourself. Is that how cults lure you in? If so, you may be the next member of The Center of Order and Experimentation.

orderandexperimentation.com

1727 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

You might be familiar with cat cafés; however, at Grange Garden in Solana Beach, California, the focus is all on bunnies. Playing off the garden theme, this open-air coffee bar has multiple cottage enclosures where you can play with the pet bunnies. And if you fall in love with a particular bunny, you can even sponsor one, or better yet, consider adopting a bunny through its Rehoming Project for bunnies in need.

After you've had your fill of bunny cuddles, relax at the outdoor seating or move over to the sip-and-shop cottage for some shopping. There you'll find a variety of home decor and antiques, along with even more yummy food and beverages beyond just coffee, including champagne and wine. It even has a pizza oven for churning out toasted sandwiches and pizza. Having so much fun that you don't want to leave? Hit up the on-site market for food items and produce that you can take home to extend your experience.

grangegarden.com

240 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Pinewood Social is unique because it isn't necessarily just a coffee shop. Yes, you can grab coffee from the Crema bar, but that isn't the only thing you can do here. Inside, you'll find a small six-lane bowling alley where you can enjoy a round of bowling (on vintage lanes reclaimed from a 1950s Bowl-O-Rama) between sips of coffee. In fact, you can get full coffee service directly from your lane. Even better, the property features two outdoor "dipping pools" where you can cool off from the Nashville heat.

When it comes to coffee, Pinewood Social doesn't mess around. Crema Coffee is a local coffee roaster and cafe that has multiple locations throughout Nashville, including an outpost right inside of Pinewood Social. Crema has been a staple inside of Pinewood since 2013 and serves handcrafted coffees and teas with homemade syrups.

pinewoodsocial.com

(615) 751-8111

33 Peabody Street, Nashville, TN 37210

You don't need to head to the airport to cure your wanderlust — just make a trip to Double D's Coffee and Desserts in Asheville, North Carolina. Located inside an authentic 1963 British red double-decker bus, this coffee shop brings London to the States. This bus roamed the streets of London in the 60s before making its way to America, and in Double D's hands in 1999. Currently, seating is closed on the upper level of the bus, but the open patio area next to the bus is a charming place to sit and sip your drinks.

As for the menu, you have your choice from a variety of coffee and tea-based drinks, all made with organic tea and coffee beans from local roaster Notorious Coffee. You can also enjoy a selection of pastries, all made by bakeries in the area.

doubledscoffee.com

(828) 505-2439

41 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

Escape to another land with a visit to the Requiem Cafe in Anaheim, California. This fantasy-themed coffee shop is a huge 2,500-square-foot immersive experience with four different rooms that feature decor and staging based on common video game scenery. No detail is spared when it comes to the experience. From stools that look like tree stumps, trellises of flowers cascading from the ceiling, and whimsical, black-light style lighting that evokes the land of Pandora at night, you'll forget you're still in America, let alone Earth as you know it.

The magic extends to the menu as well with a full selection of playfully named coffee and food — waffles, sushi, breakfast sandwiches, and more — to fuel you along your fantasy adventure. There's even a "potions" section of the menu for mocktails, along with cocktails for those looking to take their adventure to the next level.

requiemcafe.com

(714) 844-2245

280 S Clementine Street, Anaheim, CA 92805

This martial arts-inspired coffee shop has so much more than excellent espresso. Some of the first things you probably notice when you walk into Kick Butt Coffee are the swords on the walls, the massive stage in the corner, and the gigantic booth at the end of the cafe, known as "The Godfather Booth," that can be reserved for you and up to 14 other guests. And if all of this sounds a bit eclectic, it's because it is, but in the best way, of course, because it is the byproduct of one man's love for coffee and music.

After opening up his martial arts school in 1996, owner Thomas Gohring decided to bring another one of his passions to life right next door and opened Kick Butt Coffee in 2007. Combining his love for music, coffee, and all things martial arts, Kick Butt has become a place for lovers of all of these to come together. Check the schedule for its many live music nights and "barista for a day" classes to get a firsthand look at what it takes to be behind the bar.

kickbuttcoffee.com

(512) 454-5425

5775 Airport Boulevard, Suite 725, Austin, TX 78752

Completed in 1998, Kiva Koffeehouse is built into the dramatic red rock landscape of Southern Utah, allowing you to escape directly into nature while you sip on various coffee drinks. Using natural building materials, this coffee shop complements rather than competes with the landscape. An expansive seating area features tables right next to floor-to-ceiling windows separated by towering ponderosa pine log supports, where you can enjoy coffee, sandwiches, salads, and desserts — including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Located in Escalante, Utah, right in between two of Utah's popular national parks — Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park — Kiva makes for a fantastic stop to relax and refuel while roadtripping between the two. You can even stay next door at the Kiva Kottage. With sweeping views of the Escalante River Canyon, a fireplace, and an outdoor patio, Kiva is a nature lover's paradise. Be aware, though, that both Kiva Koffeehouse and Kiva Kottage are only open seasonally from April to October.

kivakoffeehouse.com

(435) 826-4550

7144 East State Highway, Escalante, UT 84726

At first glance, Siphon Coffee seems like your average coffee shop. But the thing that sets this Houston shop apart from the rest is found directly in its name. Siphon Coffee utilizes a special (you guessed it) siphon coffee method to make sure every cup of coffee is brewed with precision. Also known as a vacuum pot, the siphon method works by pushing hot water through ground coffee by way of vacuum filtration.

But if you didn't know any better, you would definitely think you were back in chemistry class due to the unique setup of this brewing method. Between the two glass chambers, known as the hopper and the bulb, and the halogen burner, the Siphon method seems more experimental than precise. However, the result of this complex method brings out the tasting notes of whatever beans you are using, making every sip an experience in itself. Enjoy your cup alongside its extensive menu of pastries, sandwiches, tacos, and more, all using ingredients from as many local vendors as possible.

siphoncoffee.com

(281) 974-4426

701 West Alabama Street, Houston, TX 77006

Step inside this restored red-brick church from 1910, and you're transported to a different era of America. Located in the historic railroad town of Brunswick, Maryland, it sits just two blocks from the C&O Canal Towpath along the Potomac River. This approximately 184-mile trail is popular among bicyclists and connects Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, making Beans in the Belfry a favorite spot among those making this trek and fostering a unique sense of community and camaraderie for locals and travelers alike.

Enjoy your coffee while sitting underneath ornate stained glass windows on an old church pew or an antique couch. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there's always an opportunity to pop in and enjoy some good food and drinks. And if you're feeling extra fancy, you can even take part in its afternoon tea service — a four-course affair with tea, tea sandwiches, scones, and a selection of desserts. Just be sure to reserve your spot at least 48 hours in advance.

beansinthebelfry.com

(301) 834-7178

122 West Potomac Street, Brunswick, MD 21716