The Dallas coffee scene has exploded over the past few years, and specialty coffee shops have taken the city by storm, one cortado at a time. You can sip for hours, grab a quick espresso, refresh with nitro cold brew, or create a latte with flavors like vanilla and lavender. In honor of National Coffee Day, we’ve rounded up 10 local spots and the drinks they’re best known for this time of year. Go get your caffeine on.
Ascension
If you want something elevated-heart-rate strong, head to this Australian-style coffee shop in the Design District and try the Doki-Doki cold brew. It’s an 8-oz. Japanese iced drip coffee served on nitro tap, black and neat. It takes 12 to 15 hours to make so be sure you get there before it runs out for the day.
Method Coffee
Opened in 2014 on Ross Avenue, Method uses a multi-roaster approach, rotating between local and national coffee roasters. The Jalapeño Mocha Latte is a must-try, the spice certain to keep you warm this fall. The syrups are made in-house with flavors derived from real food. Also, ask for Onyx espresso in your latte if you want to boost it to another level.
1418 Coffeehouse
At this downtown Plano coffeehouse, the Purple Haze latte is absolutely delightful. I’m a regular here, and it’s my favorite. The lavender and vanilla flavors may be soothing, but the espresso, provided by Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters, provides your morning jolt. Sink into one of the comfy couches to get some work done, read, or catch up with friends.
XO Coffee Company
Situated next to 1418, this coffee shop and restaurant—whose owner happens to be David Hasselhoff’s nephew—opened earlier this year. Although it’s a popular dinner spot, coffee is still the main attraction. The Apple Cinnamon Nutmeg latte is currently a favorite for the season and features house-made flavors.
Village Coffee
This family-operated coffee shop opened in Allen last month and offers a boutique coffee experience. Unlike most specialty shops, Village has a drive-thru, so you can get your house-made Pumpkin Spice Latte on the go. Made with pure pumpkin and sweetened with maple syrup, this latte skips the preservatives and additives. Watch out, Starbucks.
Filtered
This downtown McKinney hangout has been serving creative coffee drinks since 2015. The El Chapo cold brew comes highly recommended to give your taste buds a trip. Named after the notorious Mexican drug lord, it’s made with homemade sopapilla syrup, cocoa powder, and cream.
Summer Moon
An Austin transplant, Summer Moon has made its way to North Texas to share its mystical Moon milk with us. The Frisco joint, with a Keller location coming soon, has created the ultimate delicious mystery: the Autumn Moon. Similar to a pumpkin spiced latte, the Autumn Moon includes half Moon milk, half skim, and organic, all-natural autumn spices. The Moon milk recipe is a secret, but I did find out that it has seven all-natural ingredients and tastes like vanilla ice cream.
Mudsmith
If you’re a Lowest Greenville regular, you’ve likely been to Mudsmith, which serves Avoca coffee from Fort Worth. In addition to coffee, the shop boasts a rotating beer list and wine on tap. But if you’re in need of energy, the Mocha is the thing to get here. It’s made with Dude Sweet Chocolate and Avoca espresso. You’ll be invigorated for hours.
Cultivar
It’s still warm enough out to try the refreshing Cascara Limeade from Cultivar Coffee Bar. Cascara is the dried fruit that comes from the coffee cherry, so it’ll give you a kick of caffeine with the tartness of lime. And if you’re eager to try your hand at the art of coffee-making, the micro-roaster with locations in East Dallas, Oak Cliff, and Denton offers barista training for coffee bars and home coffee enthusiasts.
Houndstooth
This popular Austin-based coffee shop introduces a special mocktail every season. And of course, there’s a coffee element. The Basil Spritz is a deep, brooding coffee tonic with balsamic glace and Tiki flavors. The coffee comes from Houndstooth’s sister company, Tweed Coffee Roasters. This refreshing spritz would pair great with a Tacodeli breakfast taco, served in the mornings (until they run out) at the Henderson location.