Top Three Independant Coffee Shops in Baton Rouge

Whether you're looking for a cappuccino, soy latte, hazelnut macchiato, or a cup of good old black coffee, forget the high priced super chains like Starbucks and CC's; the best places in Baton Rouge to chill out with a hot drink are the independently owned and operated coffee shops: Highland Coffee, Perks Coffee, and Brew Ha-Ha.

Highland Coffee, located at 3350 Highland Road, just outside the North Gate of Louisiana State Universities campus is frequently filled to capacity with LSU students and faculty members grabbing a quick coffee before their next class. In addition to offering a wide variety of teas and coffees, many of which are roasted on the premises, Highland Coffee also offers free wireless service to customers at both the tables inside and outside in the mural-walled courtyard. Further, Highland Coffee offers a variety of delicious pastries, including cheesecakes, cobblers, fruit tarts, muffins, bagels, and biscotti all at prices lower than your local coffee chain.

For those looking to get a bit further away from the college atmosphere of the LSU campus Perks Coffee and Tea offers a great alternative. Located at 2008 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Perks Coffee also offers free wireless internet at both its indoor tables and outdoor trelliswork enclosed patio. Over the years Perks Coffee has attracted a large number of Baton Rouge's most famous artists, and was the late Emerson Bell's preferred place to sip a coffee and discuss the state of African American Art. If you like a few laughs with you coffee, stop by Perks on a Friday evening for free improve comedy from the comedy troupe The Family Dinner.

What Brew Ha-Ha might lack in outdoor ambiance, it makes up for with live, acoustic music starting at 6:00pm every Sunday Night. The Brew Ha-Ha coffee shop is also conveniently located at 711 Jefferson Hwy in the center of a mid-town shopping center. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee while your dog enjoys a day spa treatment, or taking a coffee to go after stopping by the upscale Italian grocery, Brew Ha-Ha is a great alternative, especially for those living in the Capital Heights area.

With free wireless internet, free live entertainment and a variety of coffees and teas ranging from $1-$5 the independently owned and operated coffee shops: Highland Coffee, Perks Coffee, and Brew Ha-Ha are clearly the better bet than the high prices chains at which you will pay the franchise for your coffee, T-mobile for your internet privileges, and the devil for Kenny G's latest smooth jazz CD.