Hidden Gems: 3 Tampa coffee shops you need to visit

Tampa is a coffee lover’s paradise. You have the large coffee shops like Kahwa Coffee and Blind Tiger that have changed the game in the area. There are also other major coffee spots that have come to prominence with the emergence of Food Hall, like Union by Commune + Co. and Kofe.

Other shops worth mentioning include King State, which serves both coffee and craft beer, Spaddy’s, Seminole Heights go-to caffeine spot, and The Portico, which uses its coffee shop to provide jobs and donations for those in need.

While we love the coffee purveyors that keep us caffeinated, there are a few hidden gems you need to visit in the city of Tampa.

22nd Street Coffee

This spot came to our attention courtesy of an Instagram post about their Cuban toast. Yes, we came for the toast and stayed for the cup of Joe. Their delicious Cuban bread also makes for one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the entire region.

22nd Street Coffee just opened a little over a year ago. A good coffee spot is just as much about aesthetic as it is about the roast. 22nd Street Coffee is adorned with murals inside and out. The owners are welcoming, and the tables are vibrant. If you want lose yourself for a few hours inside a savory ham, egg, and cheese, a piping hot cup of local roast, then you need to visit this Ybor City gem.

Also, when you visit, make sure to try the “Fraccucino,” made with cream, milk, CAFÉ PEREZ Cuban style espresso and home made whipped cream. It’s the best way to start your day.

22nd Street Coffee, 208 North 22nd Street.

LPCX Cafe Bakery

This is another spot that goes above and beyond with its food. The pastries are the perfect complements the coffee. The Colombian bakery serves up dishes like the arepa engallada, a treat featuring pulled pork, paisa cheese, avocado, and a poached egg on top of a arepa. It’s divine, y’all.

Hungry for more? Treat yourself to a fried cheese-dough called Buñuelo. The tarts and waffles here are equally irresistible. It’s a much appreciated taste of Colombia right in Tampa.

LPCX serves up Eastlick Coffee, and you can taste the sensational boldness in every cappuccino.

PS, save room for LPCX’s famous Colombian hot dog loaded with crushed potato chips and pineapple.

LPCX Cafe Bakery, 6204 North Armenia Avenue.

Felicitous Coffee & Tea

Felicitous is creation of a former USF student who craved a good local coffee shop off campus. Mixing the coziness of Central Perk from Friends, with damn fine coffee you’d expect from Double R Diner in Twin Peaks.

Felicitous has two locations, both housed in a quaint cottage like homes. Whenever we see the purple and green facade we’re filled with the kind of warmth that can only be created by coffee and conversation.

When we visit, we’re almost always in the mood for an affogato, because there’s nothing like ice cream and espresso on a Sunday morning.

What makes Felicitous stand apart from the rest of the coffee shops in Tampa is its special menu. The Floridian is a latte with mocha, Florida orange, and whipped cream. The Mississippi Mud is a sweet blend of hot chocolate, espresso, marshmallows, whip topping and chocolate drizzle.

You need to sip on the Teacher’s Pet. It’s a latte with dark chocolate, peanut butter, whip, and chocolate drizzle. Yes, Felicitous is for those with a sweet tooth.

Felicitous Coffee and Tea, 14204 N 42nd Street AND 11706 N 51st Street.