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Food

The ultimate D-FW coffee shop guide

Need a shot of espresso? Always.

Dallas-Fort Worth is dripping with comfy-cool coffee shops with great drinks and free wifi. Most offer a hangout that's an ideal spot for working, thinking or just chilling with friends.

We ingested a whole bunch of caffeine to bring you this guide to Dallas-Fort Worth coffee shops. We've listed only small-scale shops since most readers don't need help finding a Starbucks. Tell us if we missed your favorite neighborhood coffee shop -- and tell us why you think it's great.

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Dallas

Barista Briana Flores prepares a cappuccino at Ascension Coffee Roasters in Dallas.
Barista Briana Flores prepares a cappuccino at Ascension Coffee Roasters in Dallas.(Nathan Hunsinger / Staff Photographer)

Ascension 

What to order: Lavender latte with avocado toast for breakfast; smoked salmon B.L.T for lunch.

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What's unique: Ascension coffee turns into a wine bar and dinner spot at night. Any time of day, order the tres leches coffee cake; it's worth the splurge.

Good to note: It also has locations in Plano and Frisco.

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Ascension cafes: 1621 Oak Lawn Ave., 200 Crescent Court, 1601 Elm St., and 1540 Munger Ave., Dallas. In the 'burbs: 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano and 3625 The Star Blvd., Frisco. ascensiondallas.com.

Boulangerie by Village Baking Co.

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What to order: A latte with any pastry; nobody's counting carbs! The chocolate croissant loaf and chocolate truffle cake are especially good.

A cappuccino at Village Baking Co. in Dallas
A cappuccino at Village Baking Co. in Dallas(Jae S. Lee / Staff Photographer)

What's unique: Though Boulangerie makes for a good, quick stop for coffee and a pastry, it's also a sit-down, stay-a-while kind of place if it's lunchtime or dinnertime. The shop sells sandwiches, quiches and other hearty meal options.

Village Baking Co.: 1921 Greenville Ave. and 4924 Woodall St., Dallas. villagebakingco.com.

Brewed + Pressed

What to order: Sacred Brew (organic Stumptown coffee blended with raw coconut oil and Ancient Organics Grass-Fed ghee) with a slice of the All the Berries cheesecake.

What's unique: This place is seriously healthy. Beyond its coffee and tea menu, Brewed + Pressed sells healthy-food shakes, cold-pressed juices and superfood bowls.

Brewed + Pressed: 3700 McKinney Ave., Dallas. brewedandpressed.com.

Cafe Victoria

What to order: French vanilla latte with a slice of banana bread or a cake ball.

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What's unique: They don't charge extra for milk substitutes. Also of note, Cafe Victoria is located a short walk from the American Airlines Center in case you need a pre-game pick-me-up. Take your time inside this shop; it's super Instagrammable, with its white marble tables, blue plates and quality latte art.

Cafe Victoria: 2422 Victory Park Lane, Dallas. cafevictoriadallas.com.

Cultivar Coffee Bar & Roaster

What to order: The Local Honey latte (a cappuccino with local honey) with a strawberry muffin.

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What's unique: Does this taste familiar? Cultivar Coffee is available at Dallas restaurants and spots such as Emporium Pies and Mot Hai Ba.

Cultivar Coffee Bar & Roaster's three locations: 1155 Peavy Road (in East Dallas) and 313 W. Jefferson Blvd. (in Oak Cliff), both in Dallas; and 235 W. Hickory, Denton. cultivarcoffee.com.

Crooked Tree Coffee House

What to order: Dark chocolate mocha or chai tea latte.

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What's unique: The shop sells fresh-baked pastries like scones and banana bread from Zenzero Kitchen & Bakery in Coppell.

Good to note: This place is very quiet. It's great if you need library-like silence.

Crooked Tree Coffee House: 2414 Routh St., Dallas. crookedtreecoffeehouse.com.

Davis Street Espresso

What to order: Van Buren (a cortado with sparkling mineral water).

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What's unique: Bring your kiddos. Unlike some coffee shops which encourage inside voices, this one's totally toddler friendly. Your kids will love playing in the old stationary bus outside.

Good to note: It's best to sit and stay awhile. Davis Street Espresso does not offer wifi and there are no plastic or paper to-go cups. The shop will charge you an additional $2 to take coffee to-go in a jar.

Davis Street Espresso: 819 W. Davis St., Dallas. davisstreetespresso.com.

Drip Coffee Co.

What to order: Caramel brain freeze, which tastes like a coffee milkshake.

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What's unique: Order a coffee to-go and then shop the nearby boutiques like Adeline and Hemline.

Drip Coffee: 4343 Lovers Lane, Dallas. dripcoffeeco.com

Dulcet Cafe & Bakery

What to order: The coco frio (half and half, coconut, hazelnut and a shot of espresso) with a cheese danish.

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What’s unique: This family-owned cafe is spacious and usually not too crowded. Grab one of their many baked goods or sandwiches to munch on with your coffee.

320 Singleton Blvd. #190, Dallas. dulcetcafe.net

Espumoso Caffe

What to order: Caramel macchiato with an arequipe empanada (puff pastry stuffed with dulce de leche caramel and guava jelly), or a beef + potato empanada (puff pastry stuffed with seasoned ground beef and diced potatoes).

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What's unique: Espumoso has a wide selection of foods, including Dreyer's ice cream, acai bowls, empanadas and sandwiches. We don't typically see that kind of variety at a at coffee shop.

Espumoso Caffe has two locations: 408 N. Bishop Ave. (in Oak Cliff), and 3417 Gaston Ave.(in Gaston Medical Office Building) Dallas. espumosocaffe.com. 

Fiction Coffee (formerly Method Coffee)

What to order: Lavender latte with a Tacodeli breakfast taco, all of which are vegetarian and come in a flour tortilla.

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What's unique: Order off the secret menu called the Fictional Menu.

Fiction Coffee: 1623 N. Hall St., Dallas. fictioncoffee.com.

Michael Wyatt, owner of the Full City Rooster, has the name of his coffee roasting studio...
Michael Wyatt, owner of the Full City Rooster, has the name of his coffee roasting studio tattooed on his knuckles. (Ron Baselice / Staff Photographer)

Full City Rooster

What to order: Keep it simple with a pour-over or latte.

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What's unique: Full City Rooster is a roasting studio that selects single-origin coffee beans and uses the Loring Roaster, the most environmentally efficient and sustainable roaster on the market.

Good to note: That sign that says "Employees Only" near a back hallway is only a joke. There's a big room behind it with lots of tables. Also note, if your laptop is running low on juice: The back room is the only place with wall plugs.

Full City Rooster: 1810 S. Akard St., Dallas. fullcityrooster.com.

Flying Horse Cafe

What to order: Mocha frappe with a breakfast taco or a doughnut from Hypnotic Donuts.

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What's unique: Check out artwork from local artists or take a seat outside and people-watch in downtown Dallas.

Flying Horse Cafe: 1401A Commerce St., Dallas. flyinghorsecafe.com.

Halcyon

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What to order: Vietnamese coffee or a salted caramel hot chocolate with tableside s'mores. (Yep: You roast them at your table!)

What's unique: Halcyon is a coffee shop by day but a bar and lounge at night. At happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. everyday, the shop knocks $2 off Texas beers and liquors. Its brunch game is poppin', too, and on the weekends, diners will find $2 off all brunch drinks from 2 to 6 p.m.

Halcyon: 2900 Greenville Ave., Dallas. halcyoncoffeebar.com.

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Hands + Rose Coffee

What to order: Iced chai tea latte or a glass of kombucha.

What's unique: From the menu to the decor, it's all about minimalism at this shop. Hands + Rose sells six drinks: espresso, cappuccino, latte, chai, kombucha and drip coffee.

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Good to note: This shop is way back in a warehouse district. Keep going; you're almost there. Also, check the hours before you go. It's closed on Fridays and is best for early risers, as it usually locks up by 11:30 a.m.

Hands + Rose Coffee: 1350 Manufacturing St., Dallas. handsandrose.co.

Herb’s House Coffee + Company

What to order: While the newbie coffee shop hasn’t released its specialty drinks yet, the honey latte, iced or not, is sure to sweeten up your day any time of year. Spice up your meal with a jalapeno sausage plate.

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What’s unique: Flooded with natural light and surrounded by all white walls, this cafe offers plenty of nooks to study or hang out, including an outdoor spot with couches and a fireplace.

Good to note: Cultivar Coffee both supplies Herb’s House’s coffee beans and trains their baristas, so this is a good option if there isn’t one near you.

5622 Dyer St. #100, Dallas. herbshousecoffee.com

Houndstooth Coffee

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What to order: Japanese iced coffee or a cappuccino with a donut from More-ish Donuts.

What's unique: We named it one of the most Instagrammable places in Dallas. The latte art and cool wall sayings make for the perfect photo opp.

Houndstooth Coffee's two locations: 1900 N. Henderson Ave., 1878 Sylvan Ave. and 9730 N. Central Expressway, Dallas. houndstoothcoffee.com.

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Internet Cafe 2

What to order: Pop Tart-like pastries called "sugar rectangles" and a cortado.

What's unique: Calling all millennials! Internet Cafe 2 is sarcastically funny and oh so aesthetically pleasing. I'm talking a wall covered in polaroids, '90s style computers, floppy disks as coasters and millennial pink decor, And no, there is no Internet Cafe 1. Internet Cafe 2 is the brainchild of Paul and Megan Wilkes. He's the former owner of Glass Optical in Oak Cliff and Megan is a co-owner of beloved Dallas shop Emporium Pies.

Internet Cafe 2: 1333 Plowman Ave., Dallas. internetcafe.website.

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LDU Coffee

What to order: Magicman (cortado) with the Maverick, a sandwich with barbacoa, roasted tomatoes, pickled vegetables, cilantro and lime chipotle aioli.

What's unique: LDU stands for Land Down Under, and this shop was opened by two Australian brothers. You won't find your typical pumpkin spice lattes. Instead, LDU Coffee is selling Italian style coffee drinks.

LDU Coffee: 2650 N. Fitzhugh Ave., Dallas. lducoffee.com.

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Local Press + Brew

What to order: Turmeric or matcha latte. Or, a coconut Americano (a shot of espresso served inside a coconut, with the coconut water in there for natural sweetener).

What's unique: The shop, which gets delightfully buzzy on weekend mornings, has a walk-up window for a quick coffee or juice run. In the afternoons, the owners open up the vintage motorcycle shop next door for a change of scenery. Juice lovers will also enjoy Local Press + Brew's organic, glass bottled juices, available in flights of eight.

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Local Press + Brew: 1605 N. Beckley Ave., Dallas. localpressbrew.com.

Magnolias Sous Le Pont

What to order: Honey vanilla latte with any French pastry.


Magnolias Sous Le Pont has the cutest patio ever.
Magnolias Sous Le Pont has the cutest patio ever.(David Woo / Staff Photographer)

What's unique: Magnolias hands out free coffee during open mic late nights on the last Thursday of every month. (Sign up here to catch the next one.) You might spot fashion bloggers shooting their next picture here: Its blue walls and French-style outdoor seating are quite a glam backdrop.

Magnolias Sous Le Pont: 2727 N. Harwood St., Dallas. magnoliasdallas.com.

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Mokah Coffee and Tea

What to order: Snickeroo mocha (because who would pass up a snickerdoodle in coffee form?).

What's unique: If the coffee doesn't wake you up, go ahead and lay down. There are lots of couches. As suggested by the name of the shop, Mokah specializes in flavored mochas such as turtle and white mochas.

Mokah Coffee and Tea: 2803 Taylor St., Dallas. lifeindeepellum.com/mokah/.

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Mudsmith

What to order: Iced toddy (house-made, 16-hour cold brew coffee) or the iced mint mocha (espresso, Dude Sweet Chocolate cocoa, green mint syrup and your choice of milk over ice) with a breakfast croissant sandwich (maple-glazed bacon, scrambled eggs, sharp cheddar and a buttery croissant).

What's unique: No coffee shop in Dallas looks like Mudsmith. There's deer and other taxidermies hanging on the wall and old-fashioned bookshelves throughout the store. It's an ideal place to work from home and feel like you're actually working and home.

Good to note: If you don't want to practice your parallel parking skills, go to the Welborn location, as they have an underground parking garage where you can easily validate your parking by entering your phone number in both the garage and Mudsmith.

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Mudsmith's two locations: 2114 Greenville Ave., Dallas and 3111 Welborn St., Dallas. mudsmithcoffee.com.

Murray Street Coffee Shop

What to order: Italian macchiato with a Blinker (toasted English muffin, scrambled egg, cheddar and San Daniele proscuitto).

What's unique: The house DJ, We Are Dark Clouds, spins from his vinyl collection every other Thursday, and there are live music events from time to time. At Murray Street, enjoy a quiet study time or catch up with friends in the upstairs loft area.

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Good to note: It's closed on Sundays. Check out other Deep Ellum coffee shops instead, including Mokah Coffee and Tea and Drugstore Cowboy.

Murray Street Coffee Shop: 103 Murray St., Dallas. murraystreetcoffee.com.

Oddfellows

What to order: Any of its pour-over coffees -- and you get to choose your bean and brew method. (The friendly baristas will help you if you're not sure which to pick.)

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What's unique: As one of Dallas' best brunch spots, you'll want to come for coffee, then stay for pancakes and mimosas. If you can handle caffeine in the evening, Oddfellows also has a lively and fun dinner menu.

Oddfellows: 316 W. 7th St., Dallas. oddfellowsdallas.com.

Opening Bell Coffee

Ella Nichols (10 years old) and Ernestine Slampa, center, read a poem during the "Common...
Ella Nichols (10 years old) and Ernestine Slampa, center, read a poem during the "Common Ground" poetry reading at Opening Bell Coffee in Dalla.(Lawrence Jenkins / Special Contributor)

What to order: High Risk Cream (espresso, half & half and Irish cream) with a slice of lemon poppyseed cheesecake or quiche.

What's unique: Opening Bell Coffee is home to the longest running open mike in D-FW. Sign ups start at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. On Monday nights, enjoy the Songwriter Round from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., where you can listen to and hang out with local artists.

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Opening Bell Coffee: 1409 S. Lamar St., Dallas. openingbellcoffee.com.

Peridot Coffee

What to order: Vienna or Einspaemer coffee (espresso with whipped ceram) or the flat green tea coffee (layers of green tea, espresso and milk foam).

What's unique: This Royal Lane shop in Dallas has plenty of seating for an afternoon of studying or working. It's never too busy, so you'll get some quality work done.

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Good to note: Don't stir the flat coffees: Just drink as is!

Peridot Coffee: 2240 Royal Lane, Dallas. 

Royal Blue Grocery


Royal Blue Grocery is a specialty food shop located in Highland Park Village.
Royal Blue Grocery is a specialty food shop located in Highland Park Village. (David Woo / Staff Photographer)

What to order: Almond latte with a treat from the Cake Bar, such as a slice of key lime or strawberry cake from Haute Sweets Patisserie.

What's unique: Check off an item on your to-do list by grabbing your groceries after you stop in for a coffee. You can also enjoy a lunch break at Royal Grocery with a Cuban or Italian sandwich.

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Good to note: One of its locations is located at Highland Park Village, a luxury shopping destination with stores like Chanel and Dior.

Royal Blue Grocery: 1 Highland Park Village, Dallas and 1800 Main St., Dallas. royalbluegrocery.com.

SERVE House

What to order: Before you reach for a cup of coffee, try out one of their oh-so instagrammable acai bowls like the Blue Mermaid. As for espresso, go for their mocha made with CocoAndre Chocolatier Chocolate or, if you’re feeling adventurous, the Serve Mule (ginger beer with a shot of espresso).

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What’s unique: It’s hard to miss the Serve House, which is painted in bright teal and actually a house. Relax on their wraparound porch, or snag a chair on one of the eclectic pieces of furniture inside.

Good to note: This cafe is meant to be a family-friendly gathering place, so bring the kids if you have them.

SERVE House: 320 W Eighth St., Dallas. serve.house

Sip Stir Cafe

What to order: S'mores latte or creme brulee latte with a torched top.

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What's unique: This Dallas spot is an ideal study space, with lots of power outlets and large tables to spread out. And, it's in the heart of Uptown Dallas, so you can easily walk to brunch or dinner.

Sip Stir Cafe: 3800 McKinney Ave., Dallas. sipstircafe.com.

Stupid Good Coffee

What to order: Off-the-menu Rolling Stones latte (espresso with a blend of white and brown sugar).

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What's unique: Enjoy a great view of downtown Dallas from this coffee shop tucked away in a downtown skybridge on Pacific Avenue. Note: It's hard to find.

Good to note: Stupid Good is only open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.

Stupid Good Coffee: 1910 Pacific Ave., Dallas. stupidgoodcoffee.com.

Toasted Coffee + Kitchen

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What to order: Cardamom rose latte or nitro cold brew with one of the artisanal toasts, like the awesomely-named Toast Ma Goats (house bread, sweet goat cheese, pear slices, pecans and honey drizzle) or the Avo-Ca-Damn (sweet rye bread, avocado slices and Sriracha).

What's unique: Hop on the Instagram food trend of fancy toasts at Toasted Coffee + Kitchen. The shop has sweet and savory toasts as well as an all-day menu and weekend brunch menu. Go upstairs for a quieter space.

Toasted Coffee + Kitchen: 5420 Ross Ave., Dallas. toasted.coffee.

Tribal All Day Cafe

What to order: An elderberry or tumeric latte with a shot of espresso for a caffeine fix with a healthy twist.

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What’s unique: With origins as a pressed juicery, this cafe is extremely health conscious and offers many vegan and gluten-free options such as a sun dried tomato bean dip with almond flour tortillas.

Tribal All Day Cafe: 263 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas. livetribal.com

Urban Blend Coffee Co. 

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What to order: White mocha or a vanilla bean frappe with an almond croissant.

What's unique: Spending the day as a Dallas tourist? Grab an afternoon pick-me-up at Urban Blend Coffee Co., which is located near the West End DART station, John F. Kennedy Memorial and Dealey Plaza.

Good to note: Closed on Saturdays.

Urban Blend Coffee Co.: 805 Elm St., Dallas. urbanblendcoffee.com.

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Watermark Coffee

What to order: Caramel apple spiced latte or Bulletproof coffee (coffee, grass-fed butter and coconut oil).

What's unique: It's a two-story cafe with plenty of space to spread out. Note that it's located inside Watermark Community Church; you don't have to be a member to visit the coffee shop.

Good to note: It's closed on weekends.

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Watermark Coffee: 7540 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy, Dallas. watermark.org.

The Gibraltar at Weekend Coffee at the Joule Hotel in Dallas
The Gibraltar at Weekend Coffee at the Joule Hotel in Dallas(Ellis Heitzke Kirkdorffer / Special Contributor)

Weekend Coffee

What to order: Gibraltar (cortado) with the soft-poached egg muffin or loaded veggie sandwich. The lemon poppy pound cake or the chocolate chip cookie are good picks for sweet tooths.

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What's unique: Weekend Coffee uses Seattle's Victrola Coffee Roasters, and the shop is nestled in the main lobby of the Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas.

Good to note: Parking might be a little hard, but complimentary valet is available.

Weekend Coffee: 1511 Commerce St., Dallas. ahhweekend.com.

White Rock Coffee

What to order: The White Rocker (espresso with caramel and white chocolate) or the Adam Bomb (cold-pressed espresso blended with vanilla and cinnamon).

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What's unique: This shop has of the most extensive coffee and drink menus in D-FW. From smoothies to teas and coffee, there's a little something for everyone.

White Rock Coffee: 10105 E. Northwest Highway, 10109 E. Northwest Highway (by appointment only), 4216 Abrams Road and 1935 Medical District Blvd., Dallas. wrcoffee.com.

Wild Detectives

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What to order: Bottomless brew with the cheese board and a slice of seasonal Emporium Pies, like the Basic Beach during the summer or the Father Christmas during the winter.

What's unique: It's an indie bookstore and cafe at the Bishop Arts District that often hosts author readings, live music performances, cooking classes and more. Introvert or extrovert, you'll find a home here.

Wild Detectives: 314 W. Eighth St., Dallas. thewilddetectives.com.

You must love coffee, like we do, if you're still reading. Let's move on to the other D-FW cities and 'burbs. 

Addison

Dunn Brothers Coffee

What to order: a build-your-own breakfast sandwich and a cold press coffee.

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What's unique: This little shop in a strip mall prides itself on selling small-batch, sustainably produced coffee. And although there are a lot of Dunn Brothers Coffees across the U.S., Texas has just two. It's a solid spot to work if you're in the middle of the Metroplex.

Dunn Brothers Coffee: 3725 Belt Line Road, Addison. dunnbrothers.com

Gather Cafe

What to order: Stop by for lunch, and get a Santorini wrap, Gather burger or their Friday fish and chips special. For coffee, keep it simple with a cold brew.

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What’s unique: The cafe is nestled in the first floor of the Tollway Center office building, and frequented by the building’s employees. The seating really is meant for gathering: the only options are booths, tables and a breakfast bar.

Good to note: The cafe is open every day until 3 p.m. except on Thursdays when it closes at 6 p.m. after happy hour.

Gather Cafe: 14675 Dallas Parkway #180, Addison. gatherdallas.com

The Colony

Cafe Mila

What to order: Hot chocolate with the Belgian waffle (topped with whipped cream and strawberries). Because why not?

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What's unique: Cafe Mila has great breakfast and brunch options. All syrups for coffees are made in house.

Cafe Mila: 6800 Windhaven Pkwy, The Colony. 

Coppell 

George Coffee + Provisions 

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What to order: White shadow latte (it's like a white mocha) or the La La lavender latte.

What's unique: You won't find a place as aesthetically pleasing as George. The family lives upstairs, and the decoration comes straight from a interior-design Pinterest board. There's plenty of seating depending on what atmosphere you are looking for: outdoor patio, quiet carriage house, main coffee room or a hallway with simple booths.

Good to note: The Coppell Farmers Market and kid-friendly splash pad are located just across Houston Street. George is closed on Sundays.

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George Coffee + Provisions: 462 Houston St., Coppell. georgecoffeeandprovisions.com.

Flower Mound

Edison Coffee Co.

What to order: Honey vanilla latte with a coffee cake muffin

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What's unique: You can get single-origin Edison coffee shipped right to your doorstep every month or week. This shop is also the brewing partner of new Coppell spot George Coffee + Provisions.

Edison Coffee Co.: 310 Parker Square, Flower Mound. edisoncoffeeco.com.

Frisco

Global Peace Factory

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What to order: Brown sugar latte or Little Hippie latte (lavender and coconut) with a trail mix cookie or chocolate croissant.

What's unique: Juice lovers can enjoy a variety of Buda Juice drinks, and there's plenty of meeting and work spaces for guests.

Global Peace Factory: 1377 Legacy Drive, Frisco. 

Nerdvana Coffee

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What to order: Latte with custom latte art and a slice of strawberry toast or cinnamon toast.

What's unique: You can get your face, a quote, an animal and more printed on your drinks! For the best result, it's best to get normal milk when trying to print latte art.

Nerdvana Coffee: 5757 Main St., Frisco. nerdvanafrisco.com.

The Nest Cafe

What to order: Nest Americano (ice-blended Americano with house-made secret syrup) or the Nest Affogato (espresso poured over vanilla icream) to drink. To eat? The beet hummus toast (avocado, arugula, beet hummus, micro greens and radish on multigrain bread) or the Nutella waffle (Nutella, banana, strawberries and toasted almonds).

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What's unique: You'll find Los Angeles-worthy avocado toast at the Nest Cafe. The waffles are also Liege-style, with Belgian pearl sugar.

The Nest Cafe: 7777 Warren Pkwy, Frisco. nestcafe.net. 

Summer Moon Coffee

Summer Moon in downtown Frisco
Summer Moon in downtown Frisco(Ryan Michalesko / Staff Photographer)

What to order: Chai tea latte or Holy Kombucha on tap. Snag macarons from Chelle's Macarons or an almond croissant.

What's unique: Summer Moon Coffee makes a signature milk blend known as Moon Milk that contains seven all-natural secret ingredients. Summer Moon is from Austin.

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Good to note: There's also one in Keller.

Summer Moon Coffee: 6943 Main St., Frisco and 1004 Keller Parkway, Keller. woodfiredcoffee.com.

Fort Worth

A mocha from Avoca. Hey, that rhymes.
A mocha from Avoca. Hey, that rhymes.(Justin Clemons)

Ampersand

What to order: R.F.M.E., which stands for reason for my existence, is two shots of espresso, half and half and hazelnut, blended.

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What’s unique: Ampersand feels more like a cool kitchen than a coffee shop. The inside portion is small and only offers barstool seating. There’s also an outdoor covered patio. Don’t forget to snap a pic in front of their neon “rise and grind” sign.

Ampersand: 3009 Bledsoe St., Fort Worth. ampersandfw.com

Avoca Coffee

What to order: The Charlie Sheen (Coke and house iced coffee) or the New Orleans style cold brew (cold brew coffee, simple syrup and milk over ice). Grab a slice of cake from Stir Crazy Baked Goods in Fort Worth.

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What's unique: There's no extra charge for milk substitutes and this shop has plenty of baked goods and small nibbles at the counter.

Good to note: You'll also find Avoca coffee at restaurants like HG Sply Co. and Piatello Italian Kitchen.

Avoca Coffee's two locations: 1311 W. Magnolia Ave. and 835 Foch St., Fort Worth. avocacoffee.com.

Brewed 

What to order: Candy Bar latte (caramel and vanilla) or the Thai-Licious (espresso with sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon syrup and ice).

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What's unique: Brewed is a gastropub and coffee shop all in one. The chef-inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner menu also change seasonally. Enjoy happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Good to note: Closed on Mondays. Not to worry: Avoca Coffee and Craftwork Coffee Co. are just down Magnolia Avenue.

Brewed: 801 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth. brewedfw.com.

Buon Giorno Coffee

What to order: Tuscany mocha (dark chocolate and orange) or the Buon Giorno Raspberetto (raspberry and amaretto).

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What's unique: Buon Giorno brews Italian-style espresso in small batches and is influenced by historic European coffee houses.

Good to note: Visit the original Grapevine location, where they roast the coffee.

Buon Giorno Coffee: 915 Florence St., Fort Worth, 2350 Hall Johnson Road, Grapevine, and 1901 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake. bgcoffee.net. 

Casablanca Coffee

What to order: Casablanca Traveler (espresso with fresh Moroccan mint) or the spiced hot chocolate.

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What's unique: You can grab a breakfast or lunch combo for under $10. Plus, they have savory and sweet crepes. Our pick: fresh banana and Nutella crepe.

Casablanca Coffee: 215 W. Eighth St., Fort Worth. 

Craftwork Coffee

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What to order: Espresso julep (espresso, mint-basil syrup and grass-fed milk served over ice), the stormy chai (chai, fresh-squeezed lime and ginger beer served over ice) or the Camellia (matcha tea, chai, grass-fed milk and fresh-grated nutmeg).

What's unique: The coffee shop is tailored as a group conference space, where you can buy memberships to rent out conference rooms and meeting areas. You get drink discounts, a private kitchen, dedicated wifi and other perks.

Craftwork Coffee's three locations locations: 4731 Camp Bowie Blvd., 2700 Weisenberger Street and 1121 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth. craftworkcoffeeco.com.

Sons of Liberty Coffee

What to order: the Liberty latte (a latte --iced or hot-- with their simple syrup) and their hippy toast.

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What's unique: The bare bones of this shop are industrial and minimalistic, but the seating is just so cozy. Cluster with a friend around one of the tables in the center of the shop, or grab a spot on one of the big couches against the windows where you have a view of some of Fort Worth's historical buildings. If you're working, there's outlets galore: on top of breakfast bars, on the back wall of long benches, near couches and, of course, on the wall.

Good to note: There's free parking for customers in the back on the first two levels of the garage.

Sons of Liberty Coffee: 250 W Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. sonscoffee.co

Garland 

Firewheel Coffee

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What to order: Frozen mocha coffee, honey and almond latte or the vanilla nut spiced latte.

What's unique: Run, don't walk. On Tuesday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m., it's $2 lattes.

Firewheel Coffee: 3003 N. George Bush Turnpike, Garland. firewheelcoffee.com.

Rosalind Coffee Company

What to order: To drink, go with the mocha or the hot chocolate with Bailey's. To eat, consider the ham & fig panini (sliced ham, cheddar, arugula, fig and dijon) or the brisket tacos (brisket, jack cheese, cabbage, corn and jalapeno salsa).

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What's unique: Take a coffee brewing or barista class at Rosalind Coffee Company. Check their website to also see which live music, childrens book readings and other events are going on in-house.

Rosalind Coffee Company: 107 N. 6th St., Garland. rosalindcoffeetx.com.

Grapevine

Redefined Coffee House

What to order: Order from the secret menu, duh! (It isn't exactly a secret since it's posted on the website, but go with it.) We like the "famous 24-hour cold brew," served with vanilla syrup and half and half.

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What's unique: It feels like THE place to grab a cup of coffee or host a meeting in Grapevine. On a recent morning, the shop was packed with people of all ages.

Redefined Coffee House: 220 Main St., Grapevine. redefinedcoffeehouse.com.

Irving

Cuppa Espresso Bar

What to order: The lavender latte

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What’s unique: Although it’s located on the second floor of Irving Bible Church, anybody can enjoy a cup of coffee at Cuppa. Going to Cuppa doesn't mean sacrificing quality, either. It's a fully artisanal coffee shop that roasts its own beans. Seating is plentiful in the cafe area and the long hallway next to it, both encased in tall windows.

Cuppa Espresso Bar: 2435 Kinwest Parkway, Irving. 

Lake Worth

Edge Coffeehouse

What to order: Caramel latte macchiato or the strawberry banana smoothie with an ice cream sundae.

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What's unique: You can often enjoy live music or comedy nights at Edge Coffeehouse.

Good to note: Closed on Sundays.

Edge Coffeehouse: 3980 Boat Club Road, Lake Worth. coffee.edge4all.com.

Lewisville

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What to order: Caffeine-free kombucha and matcha lattes are available for the health-conscient, but caffinatics can steer towards a flat white or cold brew.

What's unique: Located in the heart of Old Town Lewisville, historicity is everywhere in this shop, as the walls are filled with neon signs and rustic bikes that would make the hosts of American Pickers drool.

The Perc Coffeehouse: 115 W. Main St., Lewisville. perccoffeehouse.com

McKinney

Filtered

What to order: Sopapilla latte or the Fidel Castro (Cuban espresso, vanilla and cream over ice) with a cinnamon roll or slice of coffee cake.

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What's unique: Show off your piano talents and play a tune. There's a more private back room to enjoy board games or to just get some work done.

Filtered: 218 E. Louisiana St., McKinney. getmefiltered.com.

Wattage Coffee Company

What to order: One of their seasonal specials like the summer Iced En Fuego (espresso shot on ice with half and half, phosphate, vanilla flavoring and a spritz of orange spray) or the Roubaix Recovery Drink (vanilla recovery mix and espresso over ice).

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What’s unique: At Wattage Coffee Co., workout grinds and coffee grinds collide, as this coffee shop is tucked inside the Cadence Cyclery of McKinney. Customers are guided through the store with faux street signs such as “Nutrition Ave,” “Check Out Blvd,” and "Java Alley" (guess which one's the coffee shop). Framed bike jerseys line the walls and a couple bikes are mounted above door frames.

Good to note: Its twin location in Keller is called Velo Cafe, also located in Cadence Cyclery.

Wattage Coffee Company: 129 S Tennessee St., Mckinney. wattagecoffee.com

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Plano

Cafe Bohemia

What to order: Dirty chai tea latte or the Naughty Irishman (Irish Cream and hazelnut)

What's unique: There always seems to be some type of live music or open mike night going on at Cafe Bohemia. It's a fun place.

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Cafe Bohemia: 2320 Los Rios Blvd., Plano. 

XO Coffee Company

What to order: Cold-brew nitro coffee or the handcrafted lavender cloud soda (house-made lavender syrup with cream over soda water).

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What's unique: Snap a picture underneath one of the cute signs that decorate the walls. XO also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; you won't go hungry here.

Good to note: Actor David Hasselhof's nephew operates this shop.

XO Coffee Company: 1023 E. 15th St., Plano. xocoffeeco.com.

1418 Coffeehouse

What to order: Purple haze latte (lavender and vanilla) with a slice of seasonal Emporium Pie.

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What's unique: You'll feel like you're at your grandma's house at 1418 Coffeehouse. It's super cozy, especially with that slice of pie and a warm cup of coffee.

1418 Coffeehouse: 1418 K Ave., Plano. 1418coffee.com.

Cafe Intermezzo

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What to order: An espresso shot or cappuccino from Athena, the largest espresso machine in Texas. If you've got time to linger, browse the 40-page beverage book. There are more than 100 items on the menu, including food, desserts and drinks from a full cocktail bar.

What's unique: This place prides itself on being extra, in a great way. Did we mention the 40-page beverage book? It's full of delightful food and drink history, trivia and tidbits.

Good to note: Cafe Intermezzo is open late, until midnight most nights and until 1 a.m. on Thursday through Saturday. (It's also open early for breakfast.)

Cafe Intermezzo: 7401 Lone Star Drive, Plano. cafeintermezzo.com.

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Richardson

Clay Eiland founded Eiland Coffee Rosting and moved it to Richardson.
Clay Eiland founded Eiland Coffee Rosting and moved it to Richardson.(Eiland Coffee Roasters)

Eiland Coffee Roasters

What to order: Cold brew or the vanilla latte.

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What's unique: Eiland Coffee Roasters use old-school roasting equipment with modern technology to roast rare coffees from countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica and Kenya.

Eiland Coffee Roasters: 532 N. Interurban St., Richardson. eilandcoffee.com.

I Love U A-Latte

What to order: Mocha frappe or the hot chocolate

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What's unique: This is the ideal study spot: It's located near the University of Texas at Dallas.

Good to note: Check out its neighbor Sweet Daze for some trendy soft serve ice cream and designer doughnuts. Word is on the street that Texas-shaped waffles are next.

I Love U A-Latte: 581 W. Campbell Road, Richardson. iloveua-latte.com.

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The Pearl Cup

What to order: Black Pearl Latte (latte with added chocolate) or the mocha with a panini.

What's unique: It has plenty of outlets and free wifi for you to do some procaffeinating.

The Pearl Cup: 2701 Custer Pkwy, Richardson. pearlcupcoffee.com.

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Wylie

Conversations Coffee Bar

What to order: The Conversation Mocha (white chocolate, caramel, and steamed milk with espresso).

What’s unique: Housed in a craftsman-style building and based around the concept of creating conversation, this coffee shop replicates the warmth of home. Almost all of the seating options are tables, so it’s best to come here with a group.

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Good to note: Their drinks tend to be sweeter, so ask the barista for less sweetener if you want it more bitter.

Conversations Coffee Bar: 304 N Ballard Ave, Wylie, Texas. conversationscoffeebar.com

Shoemaker & Hardt Coffee House and Country Store

What to order: A snickers or milky way latte. Or if that's not to your taste, choose from another one of their 20 specialty lattes.

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What's unique: Shoemaker & Hardt is one of the most bizarre coffee shops around. Play a game of I SPY there, and it may take hours, as its full of unique antiques and outlandish taxidermy.

Shoemaker & Hardt: 105 N Ballard Ave., Wylie. coffeetexas.com