Best of Metromix Cincinnati 2012Coffee shop
These spots make a great cup of joe or lattes to suit your every mood.
And the winner is…
Coffee Emporium
3316 Erie Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45208Neighborhood: Hyde Park
The Over-the-Rhine location has expanded to include the roasting room and a café with plenty of pastry and lunch options. You’ll also find music and other evening events throughout the year. The Hyde Park location offers an expanded selection of tea and quaint seating options to match. And they’re very serious about the coffee, from brewed options to espresso creations and tasting opportunities.
Nominees
Aroma's Java and Gelato
6407 Bridgetown Road
Cincinnati, OH 45248Neighborhood: Bridgetown
If you're looking for homemade gelato outside of Italy or just want to warm up with a hot cup of Joe, then Aroma's Gelato is the place to go. The cozy and inviting atmosphere makes patrons feel right at home while soothing classical and acoustic music fill the coffeeshop. Aroma's offers a wide range of coffee drinks, smoothies, and hot chocolates and don't forget the gelato. Customers can choose from 24 flavors made fresh daily on-site. Aroma's also offers wraps, chicken salad on a croissant, soup and salad. For those on the run, stop in for a tasty breakfast sandwich or a frappe, gelato shakes and ice tea.
Baba Budan's
239 W. McMillan St.
Cincinnati, OH 45219Neighborhood: Corryville/Clifton Heights
Baba's is a UC institution that offers the college crowd and locals the chance to sit, relax, read and people watch in casual, colorful surroundings. There are coffees, teas, wine, beer and spirits to satisfy every taste, plus a music venue showcasing with live music every Tuesday-Saturday starting around 9-10 p.m.
Healthy sandwiches - vegetarian or not - stuffed pitas, platters, hummus, tabouleh, savory soups, salads, fresh bread, smoothies, award-winning pastries and desserts, and a wide variety of coffee drinks, plus wine, beer and spirits will satisfy every taste and warm the soul at Baba Budan's.
College Hill Coffee Company and Casual Gourmet
6128 Hamilton Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45224Neighborhood: College Hill/N. College Hill
College Hill Coffee Company not just a coffeehouse, but also a full-service restaurant, serving homemade items like quiche and pies from scratch. They also boast a crafty gift shop, where they sell bulk coffee, tea and collectables.
Evenings at the coffeehouse are especially popular with their live music every Friday and Saturday night from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
As far as the specialty drinks go, check out the espresso shake (it’s a blend of chocolate, low-fat frozen yogurt and espresso, topped with whipped cream). Even in the winter, it's a hit!
Corner BLOC Coffee
3101 Price Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45205Neighborhood: Price Hill
Corner BLOC Coffee is a community-focused coffeehouse that specializes in gourmet coffee. Their coffee is roasted locally at La Terza Artisan Coffee Roasterie, and trained baristas are on hand to whip up your next coffee fix. They’ve got a small lunch menu with items like barbeque sandwiches, soups (which are homemade, organic and vegan), along with homemade pastries. The more urban Price Hill location also hosts live music on their stage.
Highland
2839 Highland Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45219Neighborhood: Corryville/Clifton Heights
This venerable Corryville hangout has a definite bohemian atmosphere within its vintage walls. It's a fine place to come alone to read the paper and warm up with a Guinness or spiked coffee. There's also a full bar serving its diverse clientele.
Iris Book Cafe
1331 Main St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202Neighborhood: Downtown
The Iris Book Caf is a cool new spot in Over-the-Rhine. The interior was redone to create a cozy yet hip atmosphere, and now houses a collection of books, CDs and vintage vinyl to browse through, plus ongoing photo exhibitions. Escape onto the outdoor patio for some serious conversation. The Caf stays local by serving coffee from Coffee Emporium, ice cream from Aglamesis and loose tea from Essencha in Oakley.
Rohs Street Cafe
245 W. McMillan St.
Cincinnati, OH 45219Neighborhood: Corryville/Clifton Heights
Rohs Street Caf has more on the agenda than brewing delicious coffee: they want to help the world as well. This Clifton Heights coffeehouse uses only Fair Trade coffee. They also help fund programs and services for local foster children and their families. The coffeehouse itself has a cozy, warm, earth-toned environment with local artists' work on the walls. They also house live music every Thursday through Saturday. An ultimate place to just kick back with friends or a good book.
Sidewinder Coffee and Tea
4181 Hamilton Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45223Neighborhood: Northside
Don’t let the name fool you: there is more to love at Sidewinder than just caffeinated beverages. Yes, the coffee and hot tea options are pretty extensive. But there’s a great place to grab a meal hiding behind the coffeehouse exterior. From hummus plates, to tuna salad to curry chicken salad; there are several ways to add nourishment to your coffee run. It might not be a huge food menu, but any place with macaroni and cheese and PB&J on a menu is aiming to please. And don’t forget: you can add liquor to any of their hot drinks! Sidewinder’s menu is full of innovative ways to mix add a little whiskey, Frangelico, Bailey’s or Kahlua to your coffee.
Sitwells
324 Ludlow Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45219Neighborhood: Clifton (gaslight district)
This coffeehouse-meets-bar attracts quite the creative crowd. Poets, musicians, artists, scholars and teachers all find solace in the comfy cafe which often doubles as their workspace. For those feeling a bit less studious, Sitwells has a number of ways to pass the time — show off your backgammon skills, listen in on a poetry reading or take advantage of the free Wi-fi. They also frequently showcase local artists and musicians. Need a little kick in your coffee? Sitwells has several different coffee and liqueur concoctions on the menu. Or if you need something a bit stiffer, there is a full bar with over 40 imported beers and wines. Sitwells also keeps bellies satisfied with salads, vegetarian dishes and favorites like the "Best BLT Ever" and the New York Egg Sandwich.
Tazza Mia
600 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202Neighborhood: Downtown
Tazza Mia not only offers its customers fresh-roasted coffee and breakfast sandwiches, they also offer soups and paninis for lunch. This location features a large salad bar and the roasting machine. Their roasts are also available in one-pound bags as the whole bean, or they'll grind it for you.
Last year's winner
Coffee Emporium
3316 Erie Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45208Neighborhood: Hyde Park
The Over-the-Rhine location has expanded to include the roasting room and a café with plenty of pastry and lunch options. You’ll also find music and other evening events throughout the year. The Hyde Park location offers an expanded selection of tea and quaint seating options to match. And they’re very serious about the coffee, from brewed options to espresso creations and tasting opportunities.
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What other people are saying...
sherylldean1693 - January 18, 2012 at 12:13 PM
What about the Main Cup in Old Milford?
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