Ten Great Spots to Get a Coffee Buzz in Orlando, Florida

Finding anything authentic in a city built on tourism is a real chore. Orlando is best known as the House of Mouse, and nothing more. We aren't known for music history or architecture or theatre. We simply exist to sell trinkets to tourists - which can really dishearten an Orlando local. When I need to recharge, I seek out these special community hubs. Unique coffee shops and tea houses in Orlando spark local color into the typically mass marketed landscape, if you know where to find them.

Mobile Mud
8139 Vineland Ave
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 465-0010
Finding Mobile Mud was a real treat. The walls are lined with artwork by local artists, the employees are terrific and the vibe is laid back. It isn't unusual to run into a writers group or book club having an outing here. In addition to their selection of tasty espresso beverages, Mobile Mud also serves up bakery goodies, smoothies, and beer and wine, which go especially well on those nights when Orlando musicians are the café's focal point.

Java Lava
47 E Robinson Street
Orlando, Florida
(407) 770-1888
Java Lava is an upscale espresso café that puts a lot of pride into their coffee. Each cup is crafted in a way that can't be matched by popular national chains. Their downtown location makes them convenient for casual business meetings, and Java Lava also offers five star dining and catering for weddings and other special events. Coffee drinks range from $1.55 to $4.39. Try the Blacklava, a blend of honey, amaretto and steamed milk. One word of caution, however, if you're looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, get to Java Lava early. They close at 3:00.

The Drunken Monkey
444 North Bumby Avenue
Orlando, Florida
(407) 893-4994
The Drunken Monkey is as funky as it sounds. They actually roast the coffee beans right there in their shop so you know you're getting a top shelf cuppa joe. This little hangout attracts all sorts of local artists and artisans. On Monday nights they host local jewelry makers, painters, photographers and others to sell their wares. Tuesdays are Music Movie Nights where music themed films are the stars. Friday night is game night and Sundays are movie nights. Free Wi-Fi keeps worker bees busy, their coffee is predominantly fair trade and organic, and they serve tasty homemade soups and paninis all day.

Lollicup
8098 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, Florida
(407) 850-2622
Including Lollicup on the list was tough, simply because they are a national chain and might lack that quirky, local feel that all these other places have. They have such a huge variety of beverages it was hard to exclude them. Of course, their menu includes traditional espresso beverages, but they also have more than 25 varieties of milk teas, over 30 types of smoothies, and dozens and dozens of other teas and juices. If you've worked up a thirst, you really can't go wrong here.

Austin's Coffee
929 West Fairbanks Avenue
Winter Park, Florida
(407) 975-3364
Austin's is another local favorite coffee shop. They roast their own beans in the shop as well as sell them by the pound. Sip a made-with-love brew as you enjoy open mic night, stand up comedy, a hip-hop showcase or neo-soul night.

Sol River Coffee House & Lounge
2295 South Hiawassee Road
Orlando, Florida
(407) 842-7711
Sol River is sophisticated yet intimate. With cushy leather chairs and a fireplace, it's not your buzzy, bohemian type indie coffee shop. It's a place to ponder, a place to have a great conversation. With more than 25 varieties of coffees from around the world, Sol River uses a unique brewing technique to make a super smooth coffee experience.

Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria
67 N. Bumby Avenue
Orlando, Florida
407-894-0865
In an unassuming strip mall is this Orlando gem. Serving up teas in cups, glasses and pots there's a brew to go with any of Pom's massive sandwiches. Large pots of tea go for up to $6.50 and varieties include traditional English breakfast and Darjeeling and sassier blends with names like "Fountain of Youth" and "Indian Summer". Groovy art adorns the walls and events like tarot readings, the "Gross Out Food Challenge" and monthly art shows keep things intriguing.

Dandelion Communitea Café
618 N Thornton Avenue
Orlando, Florida
(407) 362-1864
Dandelion is housed in an adorable old, green clapboard house. Inside, patrons will find oodles of tea selections from green teas to herbals to white teas and more. Owners Chris and Julie are active in the Orlando community (he manages the smart Enzian Theater and she has a radio show) and bring their spirit of local pride to their café. Serving organic teas and vegetarian fare, they pride themselves on being green and sustainable. Dandelion hosts drum circles, poetry readings, live music and art on a weekly basis. Teas are priced from $2.50 to $3.00.

Bad Ass Coffee Co.
8554 International Drive
Orlando, Florida
(407) 226-8673
True to their Hawaiian roots, Bad Ass specializes in Kona coffee. They serve a large selection of hot, iced and frozen coffee drinks and also serve "donkey feed" - their term for everything from ice cream to pies. Volcanos and salt water aquariums make for a tropical ambience and tiki bar feel. Bad Ass also serves as a sort-of internet café. They rent laptops in-store for $5 per half hour, which is good for five days.

Studio Café
3229 Curry Ford Road
Orlando, Florida
(407) 897-7081
Compared to many coffee shops, Studio Café's drinks are cheap! A large latte will only put a $3.35 dent in your wallet. Their sandwiches have names like "humoresque" and "jam". Hidden away in an Orlando strip mall, Studio Café has all sorts of charm on the inside. They host musicians and open mic nights as well as karaoke and meetings of the Orlando Songwriter's Guild.