The best coffee cities in the US

Whether you like a basic brew or larger-than-life latte, here are five of the best US cities for coffee-lovers to visit for the ultimate caffeine fix.

Portland, OR

Portland is a city synonymous with coffee. Known for their independent roasteries, cozy cafés, and experimental espressos, the relaxed river city is packed with local coffee charm. After waking up in the laid-back downtown Society Hotel, check out local roasteries like Portland Roasting Company for their variety and local charm, Heart Coffee for their famous fruity flavors (and amazing mochas), or Stumptown Coffee Roasters for unique seasonal coffees like the piña colada cold brew.

Seattle, WA

As the birthplace of Starbucks, the rainy city of Seattle is a major US hub for all things coffee. Visit the first ever Starbucks at 1st and Pike before heading just nine blocks away to the 15,000-square-foot Starbucks Roastery – a self-proclaimed Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory for coffee-lovers. For a more local experience, visit coffeehouses like Café Allegro which claims to be “Seattle’s oldest espresso bar.” Switch over to decaf before heading to sleep at the Mayflower Park Hotel built in 1927 and located downtown.

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco’s coffee scene has been around since the California Gold Rush brought names like Folger Coffee Company to the forefront (do check out the historic, Renaissance revival Folgers Coffee Company Building if you venture into the city’s Financial District). They have a strong love for their old-school coffee, but you’ll see innovation mixing the old and new coffee techniques in the Bay Area. Places like Contraband Coffee Bar, Wrecking Ball Roasting Company, or the popular Blue Bottle Coffee are great spots to see what California coffee has to offer. Spend the night at Chancellor Hotel on Union Square which offers a menu of 12 specialty pillows to choose from – so you’ll definitely sleep comfortably even after all that caffeine.

Brooklyn, NY

New York City probably would be sleeping by now if not for their love of coffee. For the best coffee experiences this city has to offer, head over to some of the more hipster spots in Brooklyn. Williamsburg is the ideal place for an espresso at places like Hungry Ghost, Brooklyn Roasting Company, or Devoción where you can get the perfect new-age Brooklyn mix of sophisticated hangout and urban ambiance. Stay overnight in Williamsburg at the Pod Brooklyn, which has a nearby campus featuring rooms, amenities and outdoor space.

Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is the place to go for a rustic and relaxed coffee scene. The state of Minnesota has long been at the forefront of the national speciality coffee scene thanks to progressive roasting styles and locally grown, high-quality select beans. Coffee spots like Spyhouse, Dogwood, Duluth Coffee Company and UP focus on quality and ethics in their roasting – and make a pretty mean cup of joe. Stay downtown at the Millennium Minneapolis, which is connected to the skyway so you won’t even have to step outside before your morning brew.