I can’t tell you how much I love the combination of coffee shops in bars. Not just because I love those each of those concepts separately, but because of their efficient use of space and their symbiotic blend of two businesses with overlapping interests. Bars and brewery buildings are often busy in the morning hours with production and prep anyway, so it makes logical sense to turn the lights on, fire up some espresso, and welcome more guests! And you never know, some visitors may linger long enough to transition from coffee to a cocktail!
So here’s my list of the Best Coffee Shops in Bars in Columbus!
After roasting for a couple years – and bringing home some killer international awards – Royal Flamingo Coffee has settled into its own coffee shop, tucked neatly inside I Like It Like That cocktail bar, which itself is snugged into a corner of Natalie’s in Grandview. It’s an eclectic spot to sip their broad range of espresso, brewed coffee, and cold brew. Try the Barista’s Breakfast!
Find it: 945 King Ave., Grandview
Read more: Royal Flamingo Debuts Coffee Shop Inside I Like It Like That Cocktail Bar
The Roosevelt Coffeehouse inside Olentangy River Brewing has been one of my favorite hangouts over the years. They were also one of the earliest places in town to combine the two business models. They open early every day serving Roosevelt’s espresso and brewed coffee, paired with a variety of snacks. And if you stick around long enough, you can transition to a stout or an IPA!
Find it: 303 Green Meadow South, Lewis Center
Read more: Roosevelt Coffeehouse in Olentangy River Brewing Company
Ravello’s and The Daily Bar are the latest coffee shop/bar pairing in the city. The Italian-inspired mobile espresso cart settled into the Italian Village bar after a series of pop-ups earlier this year. It already seems popular, which is no surprise given the combination of The Daily Bar’s beautiful space and patios + Ravello’s expert coffee service. If it’s your first time visiting, try their signature Biscoff latte!
Find it: 883 N. Fourth St., Italian Village
Read more: Who’s Up for Biscoff Lattes? Ravello’s Coffee Opens its Coffee Shop at The Daily Bar
After a strong debut in Bexley last summer, The Lion decided to add its own coffee shop to the mix. Now the cocktail joint opens early with a full coffee bar. They use coffees from Royal Flamingo paired with snacks from Parable Cafe and Breedlove Bakery.
Find it: 2511 E. Main St., Bexley
Read more: The Lion Cocktail Bar Roars Into Bexley
With the departure of Ray Ray’s BBQ, Ace of Cups has undergone a revamp of its food and drink offerings. First was the addition of a Dirty Frank’s hot dog stand, and second is welcoming Blackened Coffee Co., a shop serving out back that features a full lineup of coffees paired with plant-based breakfasts.
Find it: 2619 N. High St., Old North
Read more: Blackened Coffee Co. Serves Breakfast and Coffee to Ace of Cups
Now, Parable is its own coffee shop/bar, not the combination of two separate businesses. But I think it’s worthy of being on this list. The coffee shop has grown into being more of a full-service restaurant, with coffee and house-made pastries in the mornings, then transitioning to a restaurant with table service in the evenings, featuring a full menu, cocktails, natural wines, and more.
Find it: 149 S. High St., Downtown
Read more: Parable Coffee Makes Its Home Downtown
It’s obvious that developers have caught on to the success of these hybrid models and started creating their own. Bada Bean Bada Booze, the in-house coffee shop/cocktail bar concept for Thrive Companies’ buildings, has grown to four different locations around Columbus, starting in Italian Village, growing to Harrison West, the Little Grand Market, and now Quarry Trails. They combine coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches with cocktails and snacks later in the day.
Find it: 231 E. First Ave., Italian Village; 527 W. Fifth Ave., Harrison West; 710 Grandview Crossing, Grandview; 2147 Quarry Trails Dr., Quarry Trails
Read more: Bada Bean Bada Booze Offers the Best of Both Worlds
Similar to the Bada Bean Bada Booze concepts, Standardized Brewing was specifically designed with all-day hours in mind. The brewery – a centerpiece of the Evan’s Farm development in Lewis Center – opens early as a full coffee shop with donuts, breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, and other light snacks.
Find it: 5920 Evans Farm Dr., Lewis Center
Read more: Standardized Brewing Brings Coffee and Beer to Lewis Center
You can also me on Instagram at @breakfastwithnick, check out the news archives, read my guide to Columbus, or search for travel inspiration.
