There’s just something about coffee that makes a chilly winter morning so much better. The comforting aroma, the warmth of a cup in your hands, the first delicious sip … if you’re a coffee drinker, you know all about that glorious feeling.
But while hot coffee is the most widely consumed format, iced coffee is rapidly rising in popularity, especially among younger generations. So, if you’re one of the 52% of Americans* who are more likely to skip a shower than your morning cup of coffee, hot or cold, we have good news for you. Kingsport has dozens of places where you can get your coffee fix, and many are independently owned, meaning you can feel good about supporting small businesses at the same time.
Here are 5 local coffee shops we love:
Whether it’s a simply delicious Americano or a lightly refreshing coffee soda, Hibbert-Davis offers a variety of hot and cold coffee options. All their coffees and espressos are 100% certified organic. For coffee aficionados, the shop offers a barista bar where you can watch an expert grind and handcraft your brew while you wait.
Must try: Organic Lavender Latte For a unique twist on a classic, try the Organic Lavender Latte from Hibbert-Davis. Lavender simple syrup adds a bit of sweetness and a lovely floral aroma to espresso and your choice of steamed milk.
247 Broad St., Suite 101
Early Bird’s is an espresso cart and mobile coffee shop that travels around to schools and businesses throughout Kingsport. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see their schedule.
You can get some of Early Bird’s menu items at several locations around town, such as Downtown Plant Bar, Bagel Exchange, and Sweet Spoon in the Fort Henry Mall. Early Bird’s also caters events like weddings, festivals, and fairs, and is often a vendor at trade shows.
The owners expect to have a few semi-permanent locations by the end of this summer for drive-through or walk-up service, complemented by a café-style mobile trailer where guests can sit down and enjoy their drinks in comfort.
Must try: Cold Brew Macchiato
This caramel vanilla cold brew coffee blended with whole milk offers great flavor with a smooth, mild feel and is one of Early Bird’s most popular menu items.
423.202.8894
Some of the best places to get coffee aren’t “coffee shops” in the most literal sense. For example, Wheeler’s Bagels is known for their delicious homemade bagels made from artisan mill flours, but they also offer an impressive espresso bar. Enjoy a breve (espresso, steamed half and half, foam), Cubano (espresso, brown sugar, half and half), frappe, chai, latte, cappuccino, or an iced coffee made with coffee ice cubes. Wheeler’s coffee drinks are made with locally roasted, custom-blended beans.
Must try: Caramel Macchiato
Hot, bold espresso flavored with vanilla and caramel syrup gets a smooth, creamy finish with steamed milk.
935 Wilcox Court
423.398.3093
ReNEWed Brew is a relaxing hangout where guests can enjoy a variety of coffee drinks like espresso, lattes, chai, the ReNEWed house brew, and more. They also host game nights, songwriters’ nights, and other fun events. Plus, when you buy five coffees, you get one free!
Must try: Bulletproof Coffee
Similar in flavor and texture to a creamy latte, Bulletproof Coffee is made with unsalted butter, making it a favorite of those following a keto or low-carb diet.
213 E. Center St. 276.608.2929
At the Mustard Seed Café, you can enjoy your coffee with a savory quiche and a variety of deli salads, sandwiches, wraps, and soups. The café’s espresso bar offers lattes, frappes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, chais, and more.
Must try: Crème Brûlée Latte
Rich coffee made from locally roasted beans with steamed milk and sweet crème brûlée syrup.
118 E. Market St. 423.765.2940