best coffee shops in cincinnati 2025
Let’s get right to it, here are the best coffee shops in Cincinnati this year, according to you (mostly)!
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Coffee Emporium
Yelp (4.5)
Google (4.7)
Tripadvisor (4.7)
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Locations:
Over the Rhine (OTR): Urban Industrial
Concrete floors and metal chairs reflect warm light from the windows, while exposed brick and colorful tiles paint the walls to give this space a bright industrial feel.
Hyde Park: Neighborhood Nook
Extending from the neighborhood, this house-turned-café provides homey comfort with its naturally-lit, clean interior and lively outdoor patio.
“Really Good Coffee”
Don’t be misled by the motto…
because it’s not only the coffee that’s really good.
Reviews:
Earning the coffee three-peat, Coffee Emporium has been elected #1 by Cincinnati CityBeat’s Reader’s Choice votes for best local coffee shops for 2023, 2024, and 2025. It also holds an average rating, between the two locations, of 4.5/5 on Yelp, and 4.7/5 on both Google Reviews and Tripadvisor.
Here are some common themes among reviewers from the past few years: efficient and friendly service, fast-moving line, suitable for both relaxing and studying, delicious pastries, lovely outdoor space (at the Hyde Park location).
Drinks to try:
Mock E Otto (caramel and vanilla), Aztec Warrior (a little kick of cayenne), Chai latte
Mom 'N 'Em Coffee and Wine
Yelp (4.7)
Google (4.8)
Tripadvisor (4.8)
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Locations:
Camp Washington: Vintage Cottage
A converted home with an antique ambiance. Adorned with vintage decor and splashed with color, each room incites a warm feeling of nostalgia.
Madisonville: Retro Boho
Bold colors, retro panelling, and spherical light fixtures pull this café straight out of the 50’s, while bright wooden furniture, abundant plant-life, and natural lighting give it a boho aesthetic.
“How’s your mom ‘n ’em doing?”
While this isn’t their motto, it’s a part of their story nonetheless. These friendly words by the old host of 700 WLW radio station are what inspired this café’s catchy name, which two Cincinnati-born brothers dedicated to their mother.
And now what began as a gift from two sons to their mom has become a gift to the whole city.
So, I’d say Cincy’s mom ‘n ’em is doing quite well!
Reviews:
Keeping Coffee Emporium on their toes, Mom ‘N ‘Em has been voted as the #2 best local coffee shop (according to Cincinnati CityBeat) for the past three years, with even better ratings on Yelp (4.7/5), Google Reviews (4.8/5), and Tripadvisor (4.8/5).
Here’s what locals are saying about both locations: delicious food (specifically the avocado toast), adorable atmosphere, kind and intentional staff, beautiful outdoor space (at both locations).
Must try’s:
Egg and breakfast sandwiches (specifically the Dirty ‘Nati Egg Sandwich), Avocado toast, Ube latte
Deeper Roots Coffee
Yelp (4.6)
Google (4.7)
Tripadvisor (4.7)
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Locations:
Oakley: Cozy Chic Lounge
A balanced mix of modern charm and timeless elegance, blending warm wooden accents and stylish patterns for a simple yet refined atmosphere.
Montgomery: Earthy Sleek
Dark green walls and low-hanging plants bring a forested look to this clean and suave lounge.
4th Street: Botanical Elegance
Aged yet timeless, the many plants hanging from the ceiling and pouring over the counter bring a wildness to this elegant inner-city haven.
Findlay: Clean Modern Comfort
A fresh and uncluttered hideout with a farmhouse feel. Spindle-back seats, white-painted benches, hardwood floorboards and tabletops, and fresh flower vases provide a warm yet modern atmosphere.
“Good for the People”
“Good” in this sense being something Deeper Roots is as well as does.
Reviews:
Making the top 4 in votes for the best local coffee shops for the past three years, Deeper Roots is up there with the top dogs, while bringing something new to the table (Cincinnati CityBeat). Yelp reviews give an average rating of 4.6/5 between all four shops, while Google Reviews and Tripadvisor bump it up to 4.7/5.
Here’s why: great for studying or working long periods of time, perfect place to stop by when walking around Findlay Market (Findlay location), great taste to the coffee (notably, their espresso, cortados, and cappucinos), products made in-house, insightful and kind team.
Most-mentioned drink: Honey Bear latte!
Urbana Cafe
Yelp (4.5)
Google (4.5)
Tripadvisor (5)
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Locations:
East Walnut Hills: Vintage Industrial
A bike hanging above a vinyl record player while music plays from a vintage speaker is just a taste of the timeless personality within this rustic nook.
Price Hill: Retro Ecosystem
A café biome set in the 50’s, blending bold greens, organic plants, and minimalistic geometric furniture.
Pendleton: Vintage Elegance
Clean and sleek with vintage personality. Stylized tile floors, pendant lighting, and frosted glass mix elegance with an old-world feel.
Atlas Building: Modern Retro
Heavily retro-inspired rugs, furniture, and lighting with art deco accents. Vibrant colors and bold patterns combine with minimalistic shapes and clean lines to bring a luxurious yet cozy atmosphere.
Findlay: Colorful Modernity
A coffee stand that mixes a small-town farmer’s market feel with a glamorous look. Brightly-colored and welcoming, yet lustrous and sleek.
“Coffee with a Purpose”
What does that even mean?
Or so I thought at first. But, after a little more thought, it began to make sense.
Urbana understands coffee alone won’t bring people together, people will…
…coffee just definitely helps in the process. And this is where Urbana excels.
Reviews:
Urbana Cafe has continued to dance around the top 10 in votes for best local coffee shop for the past three years (Cincinnati CityBeat). It holds an average rating of 4.5/5 between all five locations on Yelp and Google Reviews, and a perfect 5/5 for the Pendleton location on Tripadvisor.
This is what visitors are saying: lattes, lattes, lattes (well-balanced, not too sweet), wonderful pastries, chill and calm atmosphere, beautiful aesthetics, pleasant workers, wonderful environment to work or study in.
Don’t miss out on:
Lattes (specifically vanilla or caramel), croissants (notably the ham and cheese or almond)
Carabello Coffee Company
Yelp (4.7)
Google (4.7)
Tripadvisor (4.8)
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Warm Industrial
An eclectic mix of rustic wood, industrial metals, modern accents, and an overall cozy ambiance brings a home-like feel to this urban hangout.
“Coffee and Compassion in Tandem”
Coffee and compassion, two things we all need on a daily basis. One lifts the spirit, the other soothes it. And Carabello does both with excellence…
Reviews:
Carabello Coffee Company is the only name on this list with a single location, and yet it has made the top 10 in votes for the best local coffee shop three years straight (Cincinnati CityBeat). Holding a 4.7/5 on both Yelp and Google Reviews and 4.8/5 on Tripadvisor, this café has, by reputation, become one of the best in Cincinnati…or Kentucky, I guess. Let’s say both.
Here are some common themes among Cincinnati AND Kentucky reviewers: plenty of seating (great meeting place), beautiful latte art, beans purchased straight from farmers, warm yet “hip” atmosphere.
Check out their:
Iced Mocha Latte, Iced Chai Latte
You have to hit up Elliott Coffee in Dayton Ky.
Hey Bill! I love Elliot! My friend works there and I just recently met the owner. Really genuine place.