By Margaretha Seibert
Whether you like large open windows and white marble tables or cozy, dark lighting with mismatched furniture, St. Petersburg has the coffee shop to fit your aesthetic pleasure.
St. Petersburg boasts many local coffee shops, each with a unique style (but if chain coffee is more your speed, there are plenty of Starbucks locations around to fit the bill). Here is a tour of five coffee shops where you can get a quick brew, sit for hours, finish that novel or chat with your best friend.
Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails is a bright and airy local shop that Instagram users love for its mid-century furniture and minimal drinkware.
Although the lattes aren’t the smoothest, you can’t deny the satisfaction of snapping a photo of the intricate tulip-painted glass cup placed on a tiny blue saucer. Eat something before snagging a drink though, because the shop doesn’t carry more than the occasional croissant.
Intermezzo serves the late crowd too, with coffee and cocktails on weekdays until 11 p.m. and weekends until 1 a.m. Amongst the usual crowd you can find Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer and other trendy community members enjoying some espresso and conversation.
Channing Shettle, sophomore, loves Intermezzo “because of how minimal and white the interior is but with added color of furniture, plants or art books.”
1111 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, (727) 342-0156; www. https://intermezzo.co
Black Crow Coffee is the polar opposite of Intermezzo atmosphere-wise and is nestled in the Old Northeast neighborhood. Black Crow is for the rainy day where you want to curl up on a well-worn couch with your favorite book.
With an ever-friendly group of baristas serving their own locally-roasted coffee, going for a vanilla iced latte with soy milk is always a good idea.
Their menu has baked goods ranging from bagels to muffins, and even a few vegan options. Students can be seen collaborating on projects right next to the neighborhood regular who’s sitting back checking emails.
Erin King is a St. Petersburg local who loves the atmosphere of Black Crow because “having a locally-run coffee shop with local art creates a place of creativity and conversation.”
722 2nd St N, St. Petersburg, (727) 580-7200; www.blackcrowcoffeeco.com
Craft Kafe downtown is the company’s newest location. With a perfect people-watching view at the corner of Central and University Way, a Saturday afternoon spent here is never wasted.
The inside seating area is busy and small, but is home to sleek white flooring and wooden accents.
The most unique part about Craft Kafe is its goal to serve gluten-free goodness.
Their menu offers organic salads, sandwiches, a soup of the day, assorted baked goods and a build-your-own omelet.
The cafe attracts families, couples, friends and many cute dogs if that’s what you’re looking for. Also, if you’re a fan of the Tampa coffee scene, you’re in luck, because Craft Kafe proudly serves Buddy Brew lattes for $3.75.
200 Central Ave, Suite 170, St. Petersburg, (727) 256-8587; www.craftkafe.com
The Bikery Coffee & Bicycle Shop is a unique twist to your run-of-the-mill shop, sitting right in the middle of a fully-functioning bicycle shop. Surprisingly, there is no shortage of coffee excellence.
Whether you’re a cyclist who needs a pick-me-up or a local stopping in for a quick drink, The Bikery is a good choice. The coffee peddler offers a rotating selection of craft roasters and now serves single-origin coffee from Onyx Coffee Lab.
Don’t stop at coffee though. In addition to bicycle accessories, you can enjoy tea, craft beer, pastries and wine. After finishing a latte in St. Petersburg’s most unique coffee stop, your last sip reveals a secret message at the bottom of the cup that reads, “Now go ride.”
2222 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, (727) 826-0501; thebikery.bike/coffee-shop
Bandit Coffee Co. is also a minimalist’s dream, but if you aren’t a fan of hard bench-style seating and high-tops, don’t plan to stay at Bandit for any long meetings.
The aesthetic of the shop is easily Instagram-able, with small black latte cups, plain white tables and scattered greenery.
In addition, Posies Flower Truck makes an appearance every Wednesday, selling fresh blooms from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. Bandit’s merchandise, aesthetic and trendy flower truck are the best reasons to go because the bourbon vanilla latte is not amazing unless you’re interested in unique flavors.
Bandit regularly pulls locals and visitors of all ages to enjoy the atmosphere, a pour-over and some pastries.
2662 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, (727) 836-0817; http://banditcoffee.co
It’s safe to say there is no shortage of coffee in St. Petersburg. With each shop offering different flavors, aesthetics and food options, there is place for everyone.
Photos courtesy of Margaretha Seibert
