Fueled By Coffee: Sarasota's Best Beans

With a variety of local cafes and craft roasteries, it's up to you to pick your favorite caffeine fix in Sarasota!

Although the aroma of freshly brewed coffee speaks a universal language that is recognizable to most people, true coffee connoisseurs know that the difference between a good cup of coffee and a great cup of coffee is a vast one. Luckily for java fiends, Sarasota has a variety of independent establishments—from cozy, casual coffee shops and local cafes to sophisticated espresso bars. Here are some spots that boast the best roasts in Sarasota—no matter how you take your coffee.

Downtown Cafes & Coffee Shops

A perfect place to bring the pupper on an early morning walk around Downtown, head to Buddy Brew Coffee on Palm Ave for a treat for both of you. Baristas are happy to fix you up a flavored latte, frappe or nitro cold brew while your dog gets plenty of adoring attention before you both head back out to enjoy the outdoor lounge area.

Coffee fans will appreciate the artistry of Pastry Art's baristas who craft cappuccinos and refreshing iced coffees to accompany the bakery's award-winning fresh-baked pastries. From foamy cappuccinos to a wide selection of self-serve, fragrant brewed coffees, Pastry Art is a timeless neighborhood coffee hangout on Main Street.

Francophiles flock to the scenic sidewalk of C'est la Vie for the casual French dining experience on Main Street. Pulls of espresso and cups of cafe au lait play delicious supporting roles to homemade French pastries, croissants, crepes, quiche and baguettes.

Now with two Downtown Sarasota locations–Rosemary District and Historic Burns Court–Project Coffee offers a modern and hip vegan cafe to grab an oat milk latte or drip coffee and some elevated vegan breakfast bites while many remote workers hop on the WiFi to get some work done in a vibey atmosphere. 

At Breaking Wave Coffee, enjoy outdoor seating at the end of Main Street with a glimpse of Bayfront Park while sipping on a piping hot Americano or refreshing iced coffee. This minimalist, modern cafe brews and sells bags of the well-known coffee brand, Cat Cloud, paired with a quiet, chill morning setting.

What once started out as a beloved coffee cart downtown, known as Out & About Coffee has since evolved into a popular coffee shop hangout on Main Street named O&A Coffee and Supply. Now a go-to spot to meet friends, clients, co-workers and the like, many locals love to jump-start their afternoon with a Wake Up Juice (espresso and orange juice) or try out the rotating selection of craft coffee beans. 

Breakfast Joints

At Toasted Yolk Cafe, First Watch and Keke's Breakfast Cafe, grab a hot plate of breakfast food any day of the week and, of course, a freshly brewed cup of joe. These three neighborhood hot spots are Sarasota's version of a diner, but more hip and modern. A favorite among locals and visitors alike for their early morning service serving up classic breakfast foods and bottomless coffee, these three daytime cafes and restaurants are the perfect way to start the day—whether you go with the French press at Keke's, the cold brew at First Watch made with their own Projet Sunrise ground coffee or a caramel macchiato at Toasted Yolk Cafe!

Affogatos

Get your daily caffeine and sweets fix all in the same place. Sarasota's ice cream and coffee shop, Rise & Nye's makes it own artisanal ice cream flavors, as well as gourmet ice cream sandwiches. For more of a buzz, opt for the affogato with one of its fun flavors and delicious Love Bean coffee, with notes of caramel, coconut and vanilla.

Espresso Martinis

A small, intimate bistro-style restaurant located in Historic Downtown Venice, Cafe Venice Restaurant & Bar features an exquisite wine and cocktail menu—including the ever-popular espresso martini. Freshly roasted espresso is blended with the spirited works to bring you a sinfully buzzin' cocktail to pair with your dinner or dessert. 

Down on St. Armands Circle,  find the iconic Café L'Europe—providing a similar European atmosphere with old-world ambiance and where you can opt for a classic espresso martini crafted by one of the talented bartenders as you people watch on the Circle. 

Flavored Brews

In Sarasota's Southside Village, get lost in Morton's Gourmet Market and its many artisan treats, baked goods and prepared meals. In the bakery section, amongst the fresh loaves of bread and decadent cakes, find a section along the wall of various coffee blends and flavors. From Bananas Foster, Hazelnut Cream and Peanut Butter Mocha to Jamaican Me Crazy and Bourbon Pecan Pie and Caramel Mudslide, the coffee roaster known as Joffery's is on full display at Morton's to either fill your own bag of beans, grab a pre-packaged bag or simply just fill a cup of freshly brewed hot coffee to go. 

Flat Whites

Also in Southside Village, Perq Coffee Bar's sleek, upscale espresso bar focuses on single-origin, artisan coffee brewed with eight distinct methods that have been perfected to an exact science. Perq was one of the first "Third Wave Coffee" bars in Sarasota and is reminiscent of the artisan coffee bars in New York City and Seattle. Most known and praised for its popular flat white, enjoy this subtly delicious take on your favorite AM beverage. 

Locally Roasted

In east Sarasota, find Java Dawg's red English bus parked and dishing out locally-roasted cups of brew. All coffees at Java Dawg are fresh-roasted on-site, with beans from prime growing locations throughout the world—including Equator where the richest, most flavorful coffees grow with the greatest success. Java Dawg approaches the art of craft roasting and brewing coffee with the same gusto as its beans. Find the distinctive red bus with the adorable dog logo parked at Sunshine Metal Supply or grab a bag of the locally-roasted coffee at Detwiler's Market.

At Black Gold Coffee Roasters in Venice, the company motto is "From Tree to Cup." Black and Gold Coffee Roasters puts emphasis on supporting fair trade practices as well as supporting growers who practice environmentally-conscious techniques. The coffee retailer carries over two dozen blends of coffees that can be purchased in the store at its East Venice Avenue location or online. Every day, Black Gold Coffee Roasters samples out two flavors of its specialty coffee at the store, along with freshly-made bakery items and in-house chocolates; soups, sandwiches and salads.