Looking for a quiet place to study or a place to meet up with friends? With so many cafés coffee shops in Downtown Tampa, it’s hard to choose which to visit! There are different vibes for each spot.
Check out our exclusive guide to see which cafés and coffee shops in Downtown Tampa you should visit next! If there’s a specific area of the neighborhood you want to explore, tap the link below to jump to that section.
Café and Coffee Shops in Channelside

Ginger Beard Coffee
Monday–Friday | 7:00am–2:00pm
Saturday | 8:00am–2:00pm
Sunday | 8:00am–2:00pm
📍 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd, Unit 112, Tampa, FL 33602
Located in the Channel District, Ginger Beard Coffee is creative and lively hangout spot. Ginger Beard’s specialty is house-made nitro coffee–which is similar to a frothy, non-alcoholic Stout beer. They rotate their creations, so be sure to revisit their menu! They’ve even had a peanut butter-inspired nitro coffee.
Looking to liven up your coffee at home? Ginger Beard offers canned coffee releases when there is a new flavor. So be sure to pick up one of their colorful cans before they sell out! Check out their creative flavors like “Natural Brazil rested on Tasty Tasty Yum Yums” or “Natural Colombia rested on Rum Aged Barleywine”.
Quick tip: is street parking an issue? Go for the parking garages, parking for the first 2 hours are free!

Victory Coffee
Monday–Sunday | 7:00am–2:00pm
📍 101 North 12th Street, Unit 101, Tampa, FL 33602
Victory Coffee is a small shop in Channelside. While the smallest of the coffee shops in Downtown Tampa, this spot is extremely popular with the local residents. With a bright atmosphere and helpful service, you’re sure to find your next favorite order. Serving King State coffee, their soy lattes are the best in Tampa. They even have some creative secret drinks like a Lavender Vanilla Iced Coffee!
In terms of food, we see why Victory Coffee is a popular quick breakfast spot for the locals. Their breakfast items and sandwiches are worth the trip. Order the everything bagel with avocado. Trust us, your avocado toast life will be changed.
Quick tip: if you are a dog lover, this is puppy central. Visitors are known to bring the cutest dogs to this coffee shop!

Bamboozle
Monday–Saturday | 11:30am–9:00pm
Sunday | 11:30am–4:00pm
📍109 N 12th St, Tampa, FL 33602
If you love tea, you will love Bamboozle! With more than 20 varieties of piping hot tea, it’s hard to choose which one to go after. While enjoying a cup of tea, you can also enjoy their diverse Vietnamese cuisine menu consisting of fresh rolls, sandwiches, rice dishes, salads, bowls, and smoothies.

Milkin' It Café
Monday–Thursday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Sunday | 1:00pm–9:00pm
📍224 S Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33606
Did you love cereal as a child? Milkin’ It Café brings all your inner child cereal dreams to life with their homemade cereal delights and coffee creations. Milkin’ It also offers a food menu avocado toast, bagels, cookies, and sandwiches.

Zelda's Cafe & Deli
Monday | 7:00am–7:00pm
Tuesday–Friday | 7:00am–9:00pm
Saturday–Sunday | 8:00am–9:00pm
📍 1239 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
Are you down for a little hole-in-the-wall cafe/breakfast place? Zelda’s Cafe & Deli has so much to offer with its American and Jamaican food menu selection. If you’re wanting a typical breakfast dish with eggs, sausage, and toast…they’ve got it.
If you are looking for jerk chicken, they’ve got it. Make sure to go to Zelda’s Cafe hungry because we guarantee that you’ll be stuffed walking out!
Shortwave Coffee | COMING SOON
Café and Coffee Shops in Downtown Tampa

📷 Caffeine Roasters
Caffeine Roasters
Monday–Friday | 7:00am–3:00pm
Saturday–Sunday | 8:00am–3:00pm
📍 212 E Cass St #3804, Tampa, FL 33602
Caffeine Roasters is a crowd favorite for its amazing lattes, signature atmosphere, and warm service. Popular amongst laptop warriors and freelancers, it’s the perfect place to get some work done.
The Downtown location is minimalistic and bright, featuring cool white tile and mod lighting. The Kennedy location is stylish but comfortable–with colorful, industrial accents. Both locations serve their amazing menu, but we love the Kennedy location for comfy couches and high-top seating areas!
We recommend their Caramel Delite latte, with small crunches of caramel toffee. They also serve great food and pastries–check out their Instagram-worthy biscuit breakfast sandwiches!

The Attic Cafe
Monday–Friday | 8:00am–5:00pm
Saturday–Sunday | 9:00am–3:00pm📍 500 E Kennedy Blvd #400, Tampa, FL 33602
Known for their top-notch view of Downtown Tampa, The Attic Cafe has filled the need for your next Instagram post. On the fourth floor of a Downtown building, their patio is open-air such that you can enjoy your coffee in an aesthetic, urban atmosphere.
This spot serves Buddy Brew coffee and pastries from the locally famous Alessi bakery. This is also a great spot if you’re looking for a full meal rather than regular coffee and snacks.
From their complete menu of brunch, lunch, and dinner, we recommend their club sandwich and fries!

Buddy Brew at Park Tower
Monday–Friday | 8:15am–2:30pm
Saturday–Sunday | Closed
📍 400 N Tampa St Suite 110, Tampa, FL 33602
Buddy Brew is one of the most popular coffee shops in Downtown Tampa, having multiple locations in the area. Each location has a different vibe, the latest branch being a beautiful modern vibe in Park Tower. You’ll be greeted by a large cement coffee bar central to the space and brightening industrial lighting accents. Not to mention, there’s also a huge art installation of their dog mascot–Buddy!
Located on the first floor of a Tampa office building, this spot is perfect for morning coffee or a lunch pick-me-up. Make sure to grab a bag of coffee beans and try their Black Lab roast! Make sure to grab a bag of coffee beans and try their Black Lab roast! We recommend their avocado toast with a poached egg, complete with yummy lime and chili flakes!

Kahwa Coffee
Monday–Saturday | 7:00am–6:00pm
Sunday | 8:00am–6:00pm
📍 808 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602
Kahwa is extremely popular, earning the title of the largest independent coffee roaster in Florida. With 14 locations and a thriving brand, Kahwa is not slowing down. Check out one of their many locations, our favorite being inside Element in Downtown Tampa.
We recommend grabbing a cappuccino and enjoying it in-store for a peaceful study session! Their Downtown location has a bright, modern atmosphere and a great patio. It’s a refreshing place to hang out with a great view of the Downtown area and signature golden umbrellas.
The shop not only specializes in your daily coffee but also sells coffee beans. With different options to bring home or order online, it makes a popular gift for Floridians!

Blind Tiger Cafe
Monday–Friday | 8:00am–3:00pm
📍 802 E Whiting St, Tampa, FL 33602
Blind Tiger is a unique coffee shop, with locations all around the Tampa area. This Tampa coffee spot puts its spin on modern decor by adding grungy and vintage vibes. Our favorite location is in the restaurant area of Sparkman Wharf! With Sparkman’s grass area and live music, this is the perfect place to chill out with friends for a twist on meeting for coffee.
We recommend their most popular creation–the Cafe Bombon. This rich drink has a double shot of espresso, steamed milk, and sweetened condensed milk–super yummy! They even have some amazing vegan and gluten-free pastry options to make everyone happy.

Cafe Hey
Monday–Friday | 7:00am–3:00pm
Saturday–Sunday | 9:00am–3:00pm
📍 1540 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Cafe Hey is one of the oldest coffee shops in Downtown Tampa. If you are looking for hipster vibes, this is for you. Their brick walls and vintage-looking wood furniture make this spot a cozy place to hang out. Cafe Hey is also a lot less busy than other shops, making it the perfect place to chill out with a book.
Not only is their decor great, but their coffee is amazing. They offer classic coffee orders and unique combinations you won’t find at other shops.
Check out their Surfer Girl–with ginger and chocolate. Or maybe their Gorilla Hug–with macadamia, banana, and chocolate! They also serve tea from the legendary Tampa tea shop–Kaleisha Tea.
Café and Coffee Shops in Water Street

Columbia Café
Sunday–Thursday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 11:00am–10:00pm
(Inside Café is closed at 5:00pm with the museum)
📍 801 Water Street Tampa, FL. 33602
With its first location in Tampa Ybor’s City known for Cuban coffee and Cuban sandwiches, Columbia has grown to 7 different locations with a broad Cuban menu across the Tampa Bay area.
One location is in Water Street called Columbia Café! Columbia has their delicious recipes down to a T, from salads, Cuban sandwiches, and entrees to cocktails and wine.

Café Waterside
Monday–Thursday | Closed
Friday–Sunday | 6:30am–11:00am
📍 505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
Located at the Tampa Marriott on Water Street, Café Waterside is a perfect way to start your weekend!
Enjoy–you guessed it–waterside views will digging into a delicious breakfast of pancakes, omelets, and more. Make a reservation and treat yourself to a delicious, casual breakfast
More Things to Do in Downtown Tampa
Contributing Authors

Jacky Saunders

Meggan Thomas
Locally curated guides
Here are some awesome guides, from us to you.
8+ Must Try Cuban Sandwiches in Tampa Bay

The Ultimate Tampa Bay Summer Bucket List



July Local Love List: 10+ Must-Visit Places in Tampa Bay


