Vice and Virtue Coffee on South Main inside the Arrive Hotel in Memphis runs a micro-batch roaster, pour-over coffee and pastry from a sun-flooded lobby cafe.
Tip: Cooler and quieter on weekday afternoons; the long counter doubles as workspace.
Address: 477 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
Belltower Coffee's Cooper-Young Memphis branch on South Cooper runs the signature honey-lavender latte and pastries from a small bright storefront opened in 2023.
Signature drink: Iced honey lavender latte
Tip: Less crowded than the Highland flagship; a great between-meal stop in Cooper-Young.
Java Cabana on Young Avenue in Cooper-Young Memphis is the city's longest-running indie coffeehouse, open since 1992 with poetry slams, Elvis kitsch and big cups.
Signature drink: Espresso
Tip: Open until 22:00 most nights; the late-evening crowd is regulars and writers.
Otherlands Coffee Bar in Cooper-Young Memphis has run shabby-chic seating, full breakfast and bottomless drip coffee since 1995, with a side patio.
Signature drink: Drip coffee with Counter Culture beans
Tip: Sundays the brunch line stretches; weekday mornings are the easy seat.
French Truck Coffee at Crosstown Concourse in Memphis is the New Orleans roaster's flagship, with single-origin espresso and a co-working seat on the atrium.
Signature drink: Single-origin espresso
Tip: Weekend mornings fill fast; sit at the high counter facing the atrium.
City and State on Broad Avenue in Memphis is a hybrid coffee shop and small-goods store, with pour-over from rotating local roasters and a curated retail wall.
Signature drink: Pour-over single-origin
Tip: The light back room is the work seat; the front counter is for grabbing and going.
Belltower Coffee on Highland Street near the University of Memphis is a tall converted bell-tower café with a honey-lavender latte and study-friendly loft seats.
Signature drink: Honey lavender latte
Tip: Tuesday to Sunday open until 18:00; the loft seats up top are the best spot to work.
