The best specialty coffee shops in Miami
Where to go for that cafecito "Aha" Moment
Mar
11
2025
Keep this guide handy when you’re in the mood for un buen cafecito and looking for the best specialty coffee shops in Miami.
This isn’t your typical quick coffee guide. We’re self-confessed coffee addicts who take our daily caffeine very seriously. It’s our sacred moment to sit down, relax, and savor that cafecito “aha” moment with the first sip.
Over the years, Miami’s specialty coffee scene has grown, so naturally, we set out to try as many spots as possible. While we hoped for better results overall, we did find a few gems. If you’re as picky about coffee as we are—or aspiring to be—you’ll want to check out these spots.
But what exactly makes a great cup of coffee? For us, it’s all about the details. Here’s our checklist: it has to be served in a real cup (no paper here), the steamed milk should be silky and shiny (think wet paint), and the temperature must be just right—enough to bring out the milk’s natural sweetness and creaminess without being too hot or too cold. And of course, the coffee should strike a perfect balance between acidity and bitterness.
We’ll keep updating this guide as we discover more, but for now, enjoy!
BIGFACE
Neighborhood: Design District
Address: 40 NE 40th St
We would have never guessed that former Miami Heat player Jimmy Butler would have the same passion for coffee as we do. And we’re here to tell you that this new coffee spot in the Design District is worth your time and money!
Everything—from the cool vibes and the stylish look and feel of the place to the service and, of course, the coffee—is spot on!
We were so curious about how an NBA player ended up in the specialty coffee business so we did a little digging. During the NBA’s 2020 COVID bubble in Orlando, Butler started making coffee using his hotel room’s espresso machine. He would “sell” it to his fellow teammates, who paid big amounts for a cup of coffee (hence the name Bigface). No longer in the bubble, he started to miss those coffee days and decided to turn it into a business.
Head to this minimalist spot for a high-end coffee experience! Butler’s streetwear and coffee gear add cool pops of neon color to the space.
As for the coffee options, the menu is short and straightforward, with a few rotating specialties. Order a regular hot latte and enjoy it on their huge, lush sofas or stadium-style benches.
We must say—the coffee was delicious, well-balanced, and served at just the right temperature. Come here after a workout for a caffeine boost, with a friend for a catch-up session, or with your computer to get some work done!
SURRY HILLS COFFEE
Neighborhood: Little River
Address: 8226 NE 2nd Ave
Inspired by Surry Hills—a trendy, stylish, and coffee-forward neighborhood in the land down under—this Aussie spot started in Buenos Aires and landed in Miami in 2023!
Surry Hills Coffee is all about Aussie vibes, all-day brunch dishes, fresh local ingredients, the friendliest staff, and, of course, high-quality specialty coffee.
This cozy shop offers a peaceful escape from the city’s fast pace, great for getting work done. On weekdays, you’ll find people working from their laptops at communal or side tables—fun fact: the side table chairs are original 1930s Argentine cinema seats! On weekends, it’s a perfect spot to unwind after a workout sess. We usually go for their regular hot latte or cappuccino.
As for the food, we’ve tried their AvoToast with hummus, cranberries, dukkah, sea salt, lime zest, fresh mint, and olive oil; their warm Turkey Croissant with smoked turkey, a cheese blend, and red onion pickles; and their Heirloom Tomato Toast with whipped feta cheese, fresh basil oil, balsamic glaze, lemon zest, and sea salt. But if you have a sweet tooth, they serve a Brioche French Toast with creamy ricotta, seasonal fruits, honey, dukkah, mint, and edible flowers!
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LIBERTINO
Neighborhood: Wynwood
Address: 220 NW 24th St
A new spot in Miami is serving La Cabra specialty coffee. In case you didn’t know, La Cabra is a modern Danish coffee company with three locations in NYC (and we’re big fans)!
You’re heading to this Wynwood spot for a well-executed latte/cappuccino, a bite, and a work session/meeting (or a catch-up with a friend). From specialty coffee, pastries, and hearty breakfast options to beer and wine, you’ll find a little of everything on their menu.
The space is sleek and modern, with a large stone coffee bar and wooden tables (think family-style dining) throughout. You’ll feel Wynwood’s hectic pace, so we suggest going on a weekday when it’s less crowded and you can enjoy your cafecito tranquilito!
If you’re there during breakfast or brunch, get the Egg & Bacon Waffle. It’s thick and fluffy, and the incredibly crispy bacon makes for a great combination of flavors and textures. And, obviamente, don’t forget your Latte or Cappuccino (have it hot with a little bit of honey).
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LUDLOW COFFEE SUPPLY
Neighborhood: Brickell
Address: 801 Brickell Ave
Straight from Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Ludlow Coffee Supply has landed in Brickell, and we can’t stop talking about their Bourbon Vanilla Latte. Yes, this guide is all about hot lattes, but we’re making an exception—thank Dua Lipa for that (this is her favorite NYC spot for Maple Oat Lattes)!
Located inside the lobby of 801 Brickell Avenue, this spot has a cool, casual vibe with comfy indoor seating. The outdoor area is a whole other mood—surrounded by plants and a relaxing vibe, making it great for coworking, catching up, or just unwinding. As for the drinks, the Bourbon Vanilla Iced Latte is a fun twist on your usual order—slightly sweet but well-balanced and full of flavor. Cute bonus points for the nugget ice, which simply elevates this drink (IYKYK).
CAFE GRUMPY
Neighborhood: Coral Gables
Address: 2516 Ponce de Leon
All the way from Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Cafe Grumpy opened its first location outside of New York in Coral Gables in 2018 (with a second Miami location in Wynwood coming soon). This certified woman-owned specialty coffee shop roasts its beans in-house (in Brooklyn) and ships them to Miami weekly, so you can expect some of the freshest coffee here.
This isn’t your typical cute, aesthetic neighborhood shop. It’s a simple, minimalist space with no pretensions—just good coffee. We love that! Plus, it’s a great spot to get work done if you need a calm, quiet environment.
Here, you’ll run into the older Coral Gables crowd and regulars—who appreciate a great cup of coffee on their work break. Go enough times, and they’ll know your coffee order by heart.
We love their regular Latte, but you should also try their signature Honey Oat Latte, made with espresso, natural honey, and oat milk, sprinkled with a dash of cinnamon. It’s best served hot (though it’s also delicious iced). Imagine a cozy, nutty drink that tastes like winter in a cup—very New York, right?
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I THINK SHE IS
Neighborhood: Brickell
Address: 169 SW 7th St
Remember the iconic Central Perk from Friends with its big, velvet couch? That’s exactly the vibe we step into every time we visit I Think She Is (ITSI).
This hidden gem in Brickell is all about laid-back, retro vibes. With two leather couches, ottomans, a high-top bar, knick-knacks everywhere, and Rawayana playing in the background, ITSI makes you feel right at home. We can spend hours working here with our go-to order. It’s a 12oz Latte (because not many places serve a 12oz latte in an actual cup), and the Chuck Norris—a carrot and OJ mix.
They offer tons of food options, from smoothies and superfood bowls to sandwiches and toasts. If you’re hungry, try the Eggspicy Toast with mashed avocado, sliced hard-boiled egg, microgreens, walnuts, red chili flakes, and feta cheese, or the Acai Bowl.
Fun fact: I Think She Is comes from the phrase “I think she is beautiful,” which the owner used to describe his wife and mom. Cute, right?
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VICE CITY BEAN
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 1657 N Miami Ave unit c
Vice City Bean is an OG in Miami’s specialty coffee scene. Their original location, between Downtown and Wynwood, is set in a spacious, industrial-looking space with cement finishes and wooden furniture, and we love it just. like. that.
Aside from their delicious Cappuccino, we (unexpectedly) love their Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte, made with real strawberry puree and vanilla oat milk. It tastes like a healthier version of Strawberry Nesquik—basically summer in a cup.
This is a great spot for a work session. You can easily take a call with your headphones on (since the space is wide and you won’t likely bother anyone) or get some serious computer work done while listening to Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, and Sugar Ray.
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MAGDALENA COFFEE BAR & HOUSE PLANTS
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Address: 321 NE 26th St CU-04
As its name suggests, Magdalena Coffee Bar & House Plants is all about two things: coffee and plants. This charming spot in Edgewater pays homage to Colombia’s Magdalena River and aims to showcase the best of Latin America.
Ever felt that warm, fuzzy feeling of a comforting hug? That’s the vibe you get when you step into this cozy space. The pastel yellow and green tones, wood accents, and plants and flowers everywhere—literally—along with adorable watering cans and terracotta pots, will take you to your tía’s little garden with a good cup of coffee in hand.
They source all their beans from Latin America and roast them in small batches, so you can expect a different origin, variety, and flavor with every visit. They make a delicious Latte, and we were pleasantly surprised by their Cold Brew Nitro, which is essentially cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. It’s creamy (without milk), sweet, and has a foamy top—think of it as a coffee version of an espresso martini.
We love how every detail is thoughtfully considered at Magdalena. They serve their coffee on a wooden tray engraved with their logo, accompanied by a delicate gold spoon and a card that explains the coffee variety, processing method, and flavor notes.
Pro tip: Visit them on Fridays, and you’ll receive a lovely flower bouquet with your café con leche.
Oh, and if you’re a fan of Caracas Bakery, you’ll be happy to know they offer their baked treats like cachitos, pastelitos, and croissants.
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FLOUR & WEIRDOUGHS
Neighborhood: Key Biscayne
Address: 19 Harbor Dr
One of Miami’s best restaurants is actually a bakery, and luckily for us, it serves great coffee options! Y sí, lo adivinaste, it’s Flour and Weirdoughs, located in Key Biscayne.
If you live in Key Biscayne, then this is your spot for your daily cafecito paired with a delicious pastry (sweet, salty or both). With a quiet indoor seating, especially after the morning rush on weekdays, it’s a nice place to work from with a much needed caffeine boost, plus we guarantee you’ll be taken care of by the friendliest faces. Carlos, the owner, is there a lot of the times and is always super happy to greet you!
Also, we love a cute coffee and pastry dipping situation (if you haven’t done it before, we suggest you start now). Their Basic AF Croissant (yup, that’s the name) is ideal for this: picture those flakey, buttery layers perfectly drenched in their warm, velvety, Latte or Cappuccino (FYI, our mouths are watering as we write this).
Flour and Weirdoughs is also the spot you hit with your friends or family on the weekends to enjoy un buen café con leche (with a nice breakfast or brunch spread) before a beach outing. Do yourself a favor and order THE Pancakes, expect the fluffiest ricotta and cornmeal pancakes with wild blueberry sauce, lemon zest, whipped cream and maple syrup. Don’t forget to order a box of assorted pastries for the beach! Our favorites include: Brisket B*tch Croissant, Cinnamon Roll, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Triple Chocolate Brownie and the most underrated Scones.
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BREEZEBLOCK COFFEE
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 230 NE 4th St
Head to the lobby of The Alea building in Downtown (yes, the same lobby where Jaguar Sun used to be), and you’ll find Breezeblock Coffee, a specialty coffee bar with some of the friendliest, most welcoming staff around.
The space gives off “lofty” vibes—picture an open area with couches, high-top tables, and stools where you can comfortably work, chat, or just relax and enjoy your cafecito. It reminds us a bit of the office space from The Intern—minimalist, with concrete floors and lots of people moving around.
We love their Oat Milk Latte and usually have two—one regular and one decaf. Be sure to ask for Edrey when you arrive; he makes the most aesthetic coffee cups with incredible latte art! We asked him for a recommendation, and he suggested the Single-Origin Cortado with Oat Milk. Apparently, the oat milk adds a toasty, nutty flavor that resembles blueberry pie. Interesting, right? This one’s next on our list!
As for the snacks, order their homemade Banana Bread toasted and buttered (you’ll want to go early, as it usually sells out before noon). If you’re more into savory treats, their Avocado Toast is made with Oori Bakeshop’s sourdough and the thinnest slices of avocado you’ve ever seen.
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MADRUGA BAKERY
Neighborhood: Coral Gables
Address: 1430 S Dixie Hwy STE 117
Okay, so technically this isn’t a specialty coffee shop, but Madruga Bakery is a great option for a nice cup of coffee in South Miami, and here’s why.
This spot serves delicious baked goods and pastries in the cutest, coziest, most rustic space that makes you feel right at home. Of course, you’ll pair your order with a Latte served in the biggest cup you’ve ever seen (and we’re totally okay with that—it’s part of the charm).
This is the perfect spot for a casual weekend coffee and breakfast/brunch with family (kids included) or a post-workout coffee with a friend! You can always expect a line, but don’t panic—it moves quickly. Our tip? Have one person order while the others scout for a table.
You can’t go wrong with anything here, but we especially recommend the Guava and Cheese Danish, Chocolate Hazelnut Croissant, Monkey Bread, and Bagels (available only on Saturdays and Sundays) that sell out quickly. Pair these with a solid Latte or Cappuccino and you’re set!
You’re going to want to take note of their operating hours as they only open from Wednesday to Friday 8 AM to 3 PM and Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM.
Here’s a cute little pro tip: try to go near closing time, this way you can stay until they close (while enjoying your coffee, pastries, and company of course) and this is when the owner and friendly staff will go around handing out free leftover baked goods. Last time we were there we got three Dark Chocolate Rye Brownies, three huge Chocolate Chip Cookies, and three Guava Thumbprint Cookies.
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