Rise and shine! Perk up with a cup from Dayton’s best, most unique coffee spots

St. Anne the Tart, a new bakery and coffee house in Dayton's St. Anne's Hill historic neighborhood, will open March. Cappuccino and other coffee drinks are served with a financier, a French bite of cake made from almond flour on the side.  LISA POWELL / STAFF

St. Anne the Tart, a new bakery and coffee house in Dayton's St. Anne's Hill historic neighborhood, will open March. Cappuccino and other coffee drinks are served with a financier, a French bite of cake made from almond flour on the side. LISA POWELL / STAFF

For coffee drinkers, there’s nothing quite like the first sip of the day. Whether you prefer it hot and black or iced and creamy, coffee is one of the first things we think about every morning to get set for the day ahead. Coffee at home is great, but there’s a special magic to visiting a neighborhood coffee shop.

Many shops offer blends from roasters you won’t see at the grocery store, lattes and cappuccinos you don’t possess the skills to make for yourself, and a general atmosphere of calm and community you can’t quite find anywhere else. Dayton is fortunate to have several warm, wonderful and welcoming coffee shops around town. Here’s a helpful guide to some of the best and most unique independent coffee shops that the area has to offer.

>> BEST OF DAYTON: Where to get Dayton’s best cup of coffee

☕Dayton’s Local Coffee Shop Chains

These popular Dayton coffee shop chains of two or more give that Seattle-based company a run for its money.

Boston Stoker: Starting in 1973 as a cigar store that offered free coffee to customers, Boston Stoker has evolved over the years into Dayton’s premier coffee brand. In fact, they roast more than 150,000 pounds of coffee each year. (Source: Facebook)

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Boston Stoker

Starting in 1973 as a cigar store that offered free coffee to customers, Boston Stoker has evolved over the years into Dayton’s premier coffee brand. In fact, they roast more than 150,000 pounds of coffee each year!

A coffee drink at Winans Chocolates and Coffees in downtown Springfield. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

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Winans Chocolates + Coffees

From a chain of bakeries in the 1800s to candy stores for decades more, Winans made the leap into offering coffee in 1994. Now Winans locations have delicious chocolates and expertly crafted coffees, not to mention wine at select stores as well.

ajc.com

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Coffee Hub

Noticing there wasn’t a coffee shop in Xenia, owner Cynthia Stemple opened Coffee Hub in partnership with One Bistro in 2017. Coffee Hub wasted no time in expanding to other towns, and you can even enjoy their coffee at the Dayton Metro Library downtown.

Press Coffee Bar: If you haven’t tried one of the two locations of the coffee bar Food & Wine Magazine listed as best in Ohio, you absolutely owe it to yourself to check it out. They make their coffee drinks with their own roast, Wood Burl Coffee. (Source: Facebook)

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Press Coffee Bar

257 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45402

732 Watervliet Ave, Dayton, OH 45420

If you haven't tried one of the two locations of the coffee bar Food & Wine Magazine listed as best in Ohio, you absolutely owe it to yourself to check it out. They make their coffee drinks with their own roast, Wood Burl Coffee.

Ghostlight Coffee was voted Best Coffeehouse by Dayton.com users in the Best of Dayton 2018 contest.

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Ghostlight Coffee

South Park: 1201 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410

Midtown: 800 S. Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402

Owner Shane Anderson wanted to start a neighborhood coffee shop in the South Park neighborhood, but when you have delicious coffee, yummy local treats, and a warm, cozy atmosphere, you pretty much have to expect that all of Dayton will want to join in the fun. And recently opened is Ghostlight’s Midtown location between Rinse Cycle and Old Scratch Pizza.

Third Perk Coffeehouse: No matter what you’re in the mood for — be it coffee, snacks, a meal, or even an adult beverage — Third Perk has you covered. And now you can get their excellent coffee during your next shopping trip at the Dayton Mall. (Source: Facebook)

Credit: AP2 Photography

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Credit: AP2 Photography

Third Perk Coffeehouse 

46 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402

Dayton Mall, 2700 Miamisburg Centerville Rd Ste 1268, Dayton, OH 45459

No matter what you’re in the mood for — be it coffee, snacks, a meal, or even an adult beverage — Third Perk has you covered. And now you can get their excellent coffee during your next shopping trip at the Dayton Mall.

☕Unique Local Coffee Shops in Dayton

When you’re looking for a cozy, neighborhood coffee shop, look no further. Dayton is home to some of the best coffee shops in Ohio (and the world, but we don’t want to brag).

Tastefully Roasted: It’s refreshing going to a coffee shop where the people working there are just as excited about good coffee as their customers. Tastefully Roasted is certainly enthusiastic about their craft. (Source: Facebook)

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Tastefully Roasted

6 Oakwood Ave, Dayton, OH 45409

(937) 813-3311 | https://www.tastefullyroasted.com

It’s refreshing going to a coffee shop where the people working there are just as excited about good coffee as their customers. Tastefully Roasted is certainly enthusiastic about their craft.

Warehouse 4 Coffee: Remember the cool coffee houses where there was plenty of room to get some work done as well as drink some amazing coffee? Warehouse 4 was already the total package even before they started offering some of the tastiest sandwiches ever. (Source: Facebook)

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Warehouse 4 Coffee

335 S Dixie Drive, Vandalia, OH 45377

(937) 387-6640 | https://www.warehouse4coffee.com/

Remember the cool coffee houses where there was plenty of room to get some work done as well as drink some amazing coffee? Warehouse 4 was already the total package even before they started offering some of the tastiest sandwiches ever.

EPIC Coffee Shoppe: It’s not every day you get a chance to snack on an affogato – a delicious Italian dessert of ice cream topped with rich coffee. EPIC has a menu that’s, well…epic! (Source: Facebook)

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EPIC Coffee Shoppe

22 W. Stroop Road, Kettering, OH 45429

(937) 343-8008 | https://www.epiccoffeeshoppe.com/

It’s not every day you get a chance to snack on an affogato – a delicious Italian dessert of ice cream topped with rich coffee. EPIC has a menu that’s, well…epic!

Reza’s Downtown: Fans of Reza’s Roast coffee will rejoice at the chance to visit their coffee shop. Not only do they serve their roast, they also sell tasty, homemade treats. (Source: Facebook)

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Reza’s Downtown

438 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410

(937) 813-1748 | https://www.rezasroast.com/

Fans of Reza’s Roast coffee will rejoice at the chance to visit their coffee shop. Not only do they serve their roast, they also sell tasty, homemade treats.

In-n-Out Java: If you’re old enough to remember the little one-hour, drive-through photo booths, then In-n-Out Java will look pleasantly familiar. This diminutive place is perfect for coffee drinkers on the go, slinging flavorful coffee drinks to their customers in two drive-through lanes. (Source: Facebook)

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In-n-Out Java

2244 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45420

(937) 510-8982 | https://www.innoutjava.com/

If you’re old enough to remember the little one-hour, drive-through photo booths, then In-n-Out Java will look pleasantly familiar. This diminutive place is perfect for coffee drinkers on the go, slinging flavorful coffee drinks to their customers in two drive through lanes.

Dino’s Cappucinos: Yellow Springs mainstay, Dino’s Cappuccinos, offers a big menu of coffee drinks along with a bakery case filled with goodies. This is the kind of place customers have been coming back to for years and years. (Source: Facebook)

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Dino’s Cappucinos

225 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

(937) 767-3466 | https://www.facebook.com/dinoscappuccinosYS/

Yellow Springs mainstay, Dino’s Cappuccinos, offers a big menu of coffee drinks along with a bakery case filled with goodies. This is the kind of place customers have been coming back to for years and years.

Grounds for Pleasure: Tipp City is a quaint town featuring many shops, restaurants, and businesses in its historic downtown. Grounds for Pleasure is the perfect example of the old Main Street America coffee shop with plenty of places to sit and enjoy your coffee in comfort. (Source: Facebook)

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Grounds for Pleasure

115 E Main St., Tipp City, OH 45371

(937) 506-7733 | https://groundsforpleasurecoffee.com/

Tipp City is a quaint town featuring many shops, restaurants, and businesses in its historic downtown. Grounds for Pleasure is the perfect example of the old Main Street America coffee shop with plenty of places to sit and enjoy your coffee in comfort.

Purebred Coffee Co.: When beloved Night Sky Coffee House closed several years ago, they left behind a crater that only an amazing coffee shop could fill. Thankfully, Purebred Coffee Co. is the perfect fit for Troy’s historic downtown area. (Source: Facebook)

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Purebred Coffee Co.

110 E Main St, Troy, OH 45373

(937) 552-7099 | https://www.purebredcoffeeco.com/

When beloved Night Sky Coffee House closed several years ago, they left behind a crater that only an amazing coffee shop could fill. Thankfully, Purebred Coffee Co. is the perfect fit for Troy’s historic downtown area.

Spirited Goat Coffee House: It's hard to stay in a bad mood at Spirited Goat with so many bright colors decorating the space, not to mention fantastic coffee and snacks. (Source: Facebook)

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Spirited Goat Coffee House

118 Dayton St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

(937) 767-1514 https://www.facebook.com/SpiritedGoatCoffeeHouse/

It’s hard to stay in a bad mood at Spirited Goat with so many bright colors decorating the space, not to mention fantastic coffee and snacks.

St. Anne the Tart, a new bakery and coffee house in Dayton's St. Anne's Hill historic neighborhood, will open at the beginning of March. The new establishment will have coffee, sweet and savory tarts, soups, sandwiches and more.   LISA POWELL / STAFF

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St. Anne the Tart

8-2 Labelle St, Dayton, OH 45403

(937) 259-8663 | http://stannethetart.com/

Bakeries are wonderful places to visit because fresh pastries are one of life's simple joys. Not only do St. Anne's baked goods warm the soul, their coffee does, too. Slowing down to treat yourself to a delicious pasty and a warm, frothy latte doesn't get better than this.

>> What to know about St. Anne the Tart Bakery

>> St. Anne the Tart’s Do Good wall

Wholly Grounds: Featuring fun weekly specials, delicious treats, and even adult drinks, Wholly Grounds is the perfect place to spend some time. (Source: Facebook)

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Wholly Grounds

825 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410

(937) 349-5807 | https://www.whollygrounds.com/

Featuring fun weekly specials, delicious treats, and even adult drinks, Wholly Grounds is the perfect place to spend some time.

>> Dayton’s Wayne Avenue is turning into a coffee trail

☕Dayton Coffee Shops Inside Restaurants

Sometimes you want an expertly crafted latte AND a good meal. These restaurant/coffee shop hybrids are here to deliver on both caffeine and cuisine.

Butter Cafe: If you like pancakes AND coffee, you should really make a plan to visit Butter Café, which features delicious coffee drinks, bigger-than-your-face pancakes piled high, and a full menu of breakfast and lunch delights. And despite a name like Butter Café, this is still very much a place you can bring your vegan and vegetarian friends. (Source: Facebook)

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Butter Café

1106 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409

(937) 985-9917 | http://buttercafedayton.com/

If you like pancakes AND coffee, you should really make a plan to visit Butter Café, which features delicious coffee drinks, bigger-than-your-face pancakes piled high, and a full menu of breakfast and lunch delights. And despite a name like Butter Café, this is still very much a place you can bring your vegan and vegetarian friends.

>> Glo Juice Bar and Café sets opening date on Brown Street 

Central Perc European Café: Are you typically an indecisive person? Try visiting Central Perc. The owner is very good at asking rapid fire questions to help narrow down what your heart truly desires. And if your heart desires delicious, homemade English soups, salads, sandwiches, and above all, desserts, you will be positively chuffed to bits with your visit here. (Source: Facebook)

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Central Perc European Café

2315 Far Hills Ave #1513, Dayton, OH 45419

(937) 299-5282 | http://centralperc.restaurantwebexpert.com/

Are you typically an indecisive person? Try visiting Central Perc. The owner is very good at asking rapid fire questions to help narrow down what your heart truly desires. And if your heart desires delicious, homemade English soups, salads, sandwiches, and above all, desserts, you will be positively chuffed to bits with your visit here.

Table 33: Yes, yes, everyone loves the food at Table 33, but have you tried the coffee? A lot of coffee shops inside restaurants don’t have a separate bar for the coffee part of the business, but at Table 33, you can sit and watch your coffee being made without having to grab a, er…table. (Source: Facebook)

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Table 33

130 W. 2nd St., Dayton, OH 45402

(937) 999-3070 | http://www.table33dayton.com/

Yes, yes, everyone loves the food at Table 33, but have you tried the coffee? A lot of coffee shops inside restaurants don’t have a separate bar for the coffee part of the business, but at Table 33, you can sit and watch your coffee being made without having to grab a, er…table.

☕Coffee with a Side of Entertainment

Some people want to drink their coffee in a quiet place while reading a book or getting some work done. Others want a little more excitement to accompany their caffeine fix.

Gem City Catfe: If the idea of drinking coffee alone doesn’t sound fun to you at all, why not try drinking coffee at Gem City Catfe with a dozen or so feline companions? The Catfe is packed with quality cats, in every size, shape, and variety. Plus, if you make a connection with one of their floofs, you’re in luck – the cats at Gem City Catfe are available for adoption. (Source: Facebook)

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Gem City Catfe

1513 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45403

(937) 949-9170 | https://www.gemcitycatfe.com/

If the idea of drinking coffee alone doesn’t sound fun to you at all, why not try drinking coffee at Gem City Catfe with a dozen or so feline companions? The Catfe is packed with quality cats, in every size, shape, and variety. Plus, if you make a connection with one of their floofs, you’re in luck – the cats at Gem City Catfe are available for adoption.

Proto Buildbar: When you want to drink coffee while doing something productive, it doesn’t get much better than Proto Buildbar. At Proto, you can use their 3D printers, soldering irons, and electronics kits to make something while you sip on coffee or an adult beverage. And if all of the caffeine makes you feel invincible, give the Tesla vs. Edison – War of Currents arcade game a whirl. You might be shocked at how much fun you’ll have. (Source: Facebook)

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Proto Buildbar

534 E 1st St, Dayton, OH 45402

(937) 222-6253 | https://www.protobuildbar.com/

When you want to drink coffee while doing something productive, it doesn’t get much better than Proto Buildbar. At Proto, you can use their 3D printers, soldering irons, and electronics kits to make something while you sip on coffee or an adult beverage. And if all of the caffeine makes you feel invincible, give the Tesla vs. Edison – War of Currents arcade game a whirl. You might be shocked at how much fun you’ll have.

Curious Styles and Coffee Shop: Drinking coffee is fun but drinking coffee while shopping is that much better. Curious Styles and Coffee Shop offers unique items to browse while waiting on your brew, or you can stay a while and shop as you sip. (Source: Facebook)

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Curious Styles and Coffee Shop

16 S. Main St., Miamisburg, OH 45342

(937) 247-5674 | https://curiousstylescoffeeshop.com/

Drinking coffee is fun but drinking coffee while shopping is that much better. Curious Styles and Coffee Shop offers unique items to browse while waiting on your brew, or you can stay a while and shop as you sip.

No matter what sort of coffee shop experience you’re looking for, from the traditional to the catfe, Dayton has you covered.

What’s your favorite coffee shop in the Dayton area? Let’s discuss at girlaboutdayton@gmail.com

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