Full disclosure: Coffee expert is defined in this case simply as someone who loves and lives and breathes coffee.
I haven’t studied coffee, but I have consumed almost every kind of coffee from nearly every coffee shop in the area. These are the ones that I make trips to go back too as much as possible.
Carabello Coffee: 107 E 9th St, Newport, KY 41071
Carabello is well known not just to locals, but they have made a name for themselves in the coffee industry worldwide.
Carabello came into our lives in 2013 and I cannot imagine what we did before them. Not only do they have honestly the best tasting coffee I have ever consumed, but the atmosphere here is always so calming and comforting. This is the first place that comes to mind when a friend asks if I want to meet for coffee.
Carabello is the ideal sit-down-and-chat-over-a-coffee (or three)-with-a-friend coffee shop. This place is always busy, and for good reason, so if you’re looking to really study and get some work done, come early and bring headphones.
If you really need further proof that they are the coffee experts of NKY, they have an Analog Bar to further prove it. This is where you can really see their coffee expertise be put to the test; they mix coffee with just about anything you’d imagine and create a craft coffee. It’s a bar coffee shop hybrid where you get a front row seat to their creations. They take the idea of creating unique drinks to a new level.
If you want to visit here, you’ll most likely need a reservation, but believe me anything here is well worth it. An iced vanilla latte is always my order here, you truly can’t go wrong with any of their drinks, but I’d be remised if I didn’t strongly suggest an espresso beverage. Their espresso is just unmatched and an absolute necessity for me when I go.
Reality Tuesday: 1518 Dixie Hwy, Park Hills, KY 41011
Reality Tuesday is the go-to spot for an on-the-go delicious beverage.
There are several things that set them apart, from their baristas who are so kind to their pebble ice to their pastries that are a must. Regardless of the weather I will always get an iced coffee from here. They have the pebble ice that doesn’t melt as quick, so it doesn’t water down your drink on really hot days.
The other reason I always order an iced coffee from here is because their iced coffee is the best. I have had an iced coffee from an alarming number of places in my life and I can truly say Reality’s is my favorite. I don’t know what they do to make it so superior to everyone else’s, but I don’t want them to ever stop.
This is a nice summer stop since they have outdoor seating, but they also tend to fill up really quick both inside and outside. Stop here for a coffee and take it on a walk through Devou Park and you will not be disappointed.
Velocity Bike and Bean: 7560 Burlington Pike, Florence, KY 41042
Velocity Bike and Bean threw me off the first time I went — it’s a hybrid coffee shop and bike shop. I thought the bike portion was just part of the name, but it turns out there is a literal bike shop in there as well.
I know nothing about bikes but everything about coffee and what they do with their coffee nails it. They have some of the richest tasting coffee I’ve had, and their lattes and specialty drinks are a must here. They have so many rotating flavors, but they always seem to have the most unique seasonal flavors.
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious drink to enjoy while working this is one of the best places for that.
Point Perk: 43 W Pike St, Covington, KY 41011
If you’ve made it this far you already know my love for Carabello Coffee, and one of the reasons I love this coffee shop is because they use Carabello’s beans.
But, the main reason I love this coffee shop and think every person should make a trip here regardless of how far it may be for them, is because of the people. Point Perk is run by The Point, a foundation that helps assist adults with developmental disabilities. Point Perk is one of their many businesses that helps support their organization but also employs many of the adults they assist.
They are the true meaning of coffee with a cause and it shows in all that they do there. I go out of my way to make trips here whenever I can; it’s one of my favorite spots in the summer to sit outside and relax.
If you’re looking for a good place to get work done, they have a large room inside, perfect for studying or working. Their coffee is flawless, and their customer service is top notch.
They recently just launched Lotus Energy drinks that come in so many fun colors and flavors for summer. These are perfect for noncoffee lovers and they’re so cute and refreshing. But I will still be getting my large iced coffee to go along with it.
Villa Mocha: 2809 Amsterdam Rd, Villa Hills, KY 41017
This coffee shop was a happenstance situation for me. I was passing by and saw it and I cannot resist stopping for a coffee, so I popped in and I’m so glad I did.
This coffee shop might be Villa Hills’ best kept secret. Their coffee was phenomenal, and I kept seeing people with cute clear cups with foam at the top, so at the last minute changed my drink to a hot vanilla latte because it just looked too good to pass up. I was so glad I did because this drink was so rich and creamy.
Villa Mocha also has a huge variety of fun and unique drinks, and even if you’re an iced coffee person like myself, trust me when I say get a hot drink here and you’ll be converted. They’ve got decent seating and a very welcoming atmosphere so it’s worth making the trip to sit and sip awhile.
Haven Café: 332 Scott St, Covington, KY 41011
Haven is a cute quick stop in Covington: It’s in the ideal spot if you’re looking to grab a coffee before walking over the bridge or around Covington.
This small coffee shop makes all of their own flavors from the syrups to the add ins. They focus on natural ingredients, so you’re never wondering what’s actually in your drink. They also serve a variety of local baked good with an emphasis on natural ingredients.
If you’re someone with allergies or dietary restrictions, they pretty much have you covered here, and you don’t have to compromise on flavor. Although I almost always opt for vanilla in my coffee, their mocha is one of the best. I hardly ever order mochas for fear that it’s going to taste like Hershey’s syrup, but knowing that this would be house made, I tried it and it’s my go to order from here.
Fort Thomas Coffee: 118 N Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas, KY 41075
FTC is a staple to those in Fort Thomas but to me, a Fort Mitchell girl, this was a brand-new experience and now a necessity anytime I venture that way.
Their coffee is well worth the trip if you aren’t a Fort Thomas native. One of their most popular drinks is their Honey Vanilla Cinnamon latte. The baristas there suggested it when I was there, and I haven’t deterred since, because why mess with perfection.
Fort Thomas Coffee also has one of the best Matchas I’ve ever had — I always thought they was too strong of a flavor for me, but here they made it creamy enough that it was truly delightful.
FTC focuses on community and creating a space where you can study, meet and just be together. They feature different coffee roasters each month and also sell local artists’ work. They are currently in the process of moving to a bigger location (within walking distance of their current location) but before they move be sure to check them out and find your favorite drink there.
Flow Koffee and Kombucha: 846 Monroe St, Newport, KY 41071
This coffee shop is very new and is truly unlike any coffee shop I’ve been too.
Flow knows coffee unlike any place I’ve seen; they break down the science of coffee and use it to create the most delicious flavors. This shop vrews their coffee differently than most, which creates a stronger taste and a higher caffeine level.
Their menu is small, but they’re selective in what they serve and with what they offer in terms of flavor and uniqueness. They also serve Kombucha and although I was there for the coffee, my friend ordered the Kombucha, and it was so refreshing.
Ludlow Coffee: 630 Elm St, Ludlow, KY 41016
Another very new coffee shop that has already made a name for itself is Ludlow Coffee, which serves Cincinnati’s Deeper Roots coffee.
When I saw this place open I knew I had to go; it has a vintage look to it and while you’re drinking your coffee there you’ll transport to a simpler time. They have a large open patio which is perfect to enjoy a cold iced coffee with a friend.
I had an Irish Cream iced latte and it was the perfect treat for a hot day. They have all the drinks you’d imagine from any chain coffee shop, but they serve it in the cutest mugs that will warrant an Instagram picture.
Biggby Coffee:
2498 Dixie Hwy, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
5042 Old Taylor Mill Rd, Taylor Mill, KY 41015
3966 Turkeyfoot Rd, Erlanger, KY 41018
8529 U.S. Hwy 42, Florence, KY 41042
I wasn’t going to include Biggby because technically they are a chain, but that would just be dishonest. Out of all of these shops, this is where I visit the most frequently. I go weekly, if not daily.
There are several locations throughout Northern Kentucky and I have yet to find one that I don’t love, but Fort Mitchell has my heart (and my wallet and my stomach). I could write an entire page just about their bagels and iced coffee, but if you haven’t been, you need to see and taste it for yourself. Luckily, Biggby has locations in Taylor Mill, Florence and Erlanger as well as the first NKY location in Fort Mitchell. Their cold brew with cold foam has been my summer drink — it’s almost like having dessert for breakfast, and how can anyone say no to that?
I have been coming to Biggby since it opened. When I started college, I frequented here more often as it was on my way to class, then after I graduated it was also on my way to work, so this has become a part of my routine.
Like so many of these coffee shops on this list, we each have one that is “ours,” and although I don’t have a bad word to say about any of these coffee shops, Biggby is mine. We all have a coffee shop where we walk in and the barista knows both your name and your order before you even get to the counter. Their coffee has never disappointed, the baristas have always been such a delight to see every time I walk in.
In college I was having a rough week and when I walked in the barista noticed and turned on the Friends theme song for me, knowing that I love Friends. We’ve all had similar experiences with our local coffee shops, the ones that become more than just your morning coffee stop but a part of who we are. Biggby has grown up with me the same way we’ve all evolved with our own favorite coffee shops.
One of my favorite things about visiting these places is seeing the passion that each owner, barista and patron has for these coffee shops. Although there are so many great coffee shops in NKY, I will visit each of these countless times for their amazing service and, of course, coffee.