The roasters writing the coffee scene in Indianapolis: who they are, where they source from and where to drink it.
The roasters writing the coffee scene in Indianapolis. who they are, where they source from, and where to drink the result.
Tinker Coffee in Riverside, Indianapolis roasts single-origin beans on West 16th Street. The city's leading specialty roaster, with a Saturday tour.
Order: Pour-over off the daily single-origin, plus a bag of the espresso blend.
Tip: Roastery production hours; cafe service limited. Open Mon-Fri only.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Hubbard & Cravens has roasted coffee in Indianapolis since 1991. The 49th and Penn cafe runs the city's longest specialty bean program with strong espresso.
Order: A latte off the house espresso and a bag of the Sumatra.
Tip: The 52nd Street roastery offers cuppings on select Saturdays.
Sources from: Sumatra, Costa Rica, Brazil
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Cold brew, Whole bean retail
Quills Coffee on North Meridian in Indianapolis pours single-origin filter, espresso and pastries from the Louisville-based roaster's only Indy cafe.
Order: A flat white off the rotating espresso, plus a pour-over from Africa.
Tip: Quietest pre-10. The window-counter seats work for laptops.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Kenya, Honduras
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Calvin Fletcher's on Virginia Avenue in Indianapolis is a Fountain Square cafe and charitable foundation. A solid Indianapolis room. An Indianapolis favorite.
Order: A latte and a slice of the day's cake.
Tip: The cafe doubles as a community meeting room.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Sumatra, Guatemala
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Cold brew
Bovaconti Coffee in Fountain Square, Indianapolis runs an espresso program featuring local Indiana roasters. The Virginia Avenue room is the anchor.
Order: A pour-over of the rotating local roaster.
Tip: Weekend mornings draw a queue. Bar seating turns over fast.
Sources from: Local roasters, Rotating origin
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Pour over
Provider on East 16th in Indianapolis is a coffee-and-cocktail lounge from a local barista crew. House-made syrups, a deep espresso menu, evening cocktails.
Order: A house-syrup latte and an evening cocktail off the lounge menu.
Tip: Coffee bar by day, cocktail lounge in the evenings.
Sources from: Rotating local roasters
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Cold brew
Foundry Provisions in Herron-Morton, Indianapolis runs a corner cafe with a breakfast sandwich program and local-roaster pours. A reliable Indianapolis pick.
Order: An egg-and-cheese on a buttermilk biscuit and a flat white.
Tip: Window-counter seating for laptops. Lunch crowds peak at noon.
Sources from: Rotating local
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Pour over
Coat Check Coffee in the Athenaeum off Mass Ave, Indianapolis is a daytime cafe in a historic German social club. Signature lattes plus a food menu.
Order: A signature latte and the daily quiche.
Tip: Athenaeum events can fill the room; the upstairs balcony is the quiet seat.
Sources from: Rotating local roasters
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Cold brew
Rabble Coffee on East 10th Street in Indianapolis is a near-eastside coffee bar focused on local micro-roasters and seasonal espresso blends.
Order: A pour-over off the daily single-origin and a slice of the morning bake.
Tip: Mornings draw a regular crowd. The patio runs in warm weather.
Sources from: Local micro-roasters
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Pour over
Monon Coffee Company in Broad Ripple, Indianapolis on the Monon Trail since 1997. Organic fair-trade specialty pours and locally made pastries.
Order: A pour-over and a pastry from the case.
Tip: Patio fronts the Monon Trail. Best for cyclists and morning walks.
Sources from: Organic fair-trade rotation
How they serve: Espresso, Pour over, Cold brew
Prufrock Coffee on North College in SoBro, Indianapolis is a family-friendly cafe with a relaxed counter. Long espresso menu and seasonal lattes.
Order: A seasonal latte and a slice of the day's cake.
Tip: Children welcome; the back room has a kids' corner.
Sources from: Local roasters
How they serve: Espresso, Filter