Rachel SmithFinding a good cup of coffee can honestly turn my whole day around, especially when I need a quiet spot to work or a quick break between errands.
That’s why I love exploring Downtown Indy for cafés. It has that lively city feel, but there are still plenty of cozy corners where you can slow down, recharge, and enjoy your drink.
Being a coffee lover, I like trying different local roasts and espresso drinks whenever I can.
So, if you’re searching for the best coffee shop in Indianapolis, you’re in the right place. Here are some of my favorite spots to grab a latte and take a breather!
How much does coffee cost in Indianapolis?
Coffee in Indianapolis typically costs $2.75 to $7.50, depending on the drink type, café, and whether you’re ordering a basic brew or a specialty latte.
A basic coffee usually starts around $2.75, while seasonal or specialty lattes can go up to $7.50.
| Item | Estimated Price |
| Basic Coffee | $2.75 – $4.25 |
| Standard Lattes | $4.50 – $5.50 |
| Specialty/Seasonal Lattes | $6.00 – $7.50 |
1. Coat Check Coffee
Website: http://www.coatcheckcoffee.com/
Address: 401 E. Michigan St.
Contact: No contact details
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm
Coat Check Coffee feels extra special because the store is tucked inside the historic Athenaeum building. The stunning architecture makes even a quick coffee run feel like a little morning treat.
I stopped by last winter for one of their scratch-made lattes, and it was exactly what I needed on a freezing day! Their signature lattes use locally sourced dairy and homemade syrups, so every sip tastes rich, warm, and carefully made.
If you’re grabbing food, I’d go for one of their croissants or sandwiches. I also like that they have plant-based options, which is great when you want something lighter.
Just know that seating can be tough during the morning rush since the lobby is shared with other building operations. Prices can climb, too, if you add alternative milk.
Customer Reviews
Really cool place
Really cool place! So much history and beautiful architecture. It’s connected to the Rathskeller! Its big and has lots of space to do whatever. Plenty of seats. The croissant and biscuit were delicious. There was other food available! It was busy but the workers got things out fast!
- Jam Smith | Google Review
I really like their chocolate Latte
Been here a couple of times and have really enjoyed the drinks I’ve gotten. They have in house baked goods that smell amazing and they sometimes have native bread cookies which are gluten free. Wish I could try their chocolate chip cookies, they look really yummy. They even have lunch options. I really like their chocolate Latte. The space is nice, cozy, with a great location.
- Natalia Cruz | Google Review
2. Quills Coffee
Website: https://quillscoffee.com/pages/about-us?view=indianapolis
Address: 941 N. Meridian Street
Contact: (502) 861-5844
Hours: Mon-Fri: 6AM-6PM · Sat-Sun: 7AM-7PM
Quills Coffee has a huge contemporary space, but what really stood out to me was how easy it was to settle in and get some work done. The interior is bright, open, and spacious, so finding a table for your laptop doesn’t feel like a struggle.
Their small-batch specialty espresso is a highlight, especially if you’re into stronger, well-crafted coffee. I also liked their daily selection of freshly baked goods, which pairs nicely with their house blends.
The place feels very welcoming, especially since you can bring your dog inside while you order. With all the natural light, it’s also a great spot for studying, reading, or just taking a quiet break.
One thing to note, though, is that service can feel a little rushed when the line gets long.
Customer Reviews
This is the best coffee shop we’ve found in Indiana
My husband and I stopped in for a drip coffee and croissants to go. This was our second visit to this location. I wish that we lived closer because this is the best coffee shop we’ve found in indiana!
The staff is friendly, efficient, and happy to answer questions.
The coffee is incredible. It is seriously delicious. The beans are roasted in Louisville, and I look forward to visiting more locations there when we’re nearby.
I’ve signed up for a coffee subscription, so we have beans delivered to our house in northern Indiana every month.
- Carolyn Rozmarynowski | Google Review
This cafe is nice, clean, and sleek
Been here a couple times and must say that this cafe is nice, clean, and sleek. Great ambiance for me to get my work done. They source milk locally. They have origins of coffee displayed. Order decaf. And all that.
Just wish they went more organic/ sustainable. Also wish they had pure chai and matcha natural without sugar. High strength. Other than that. Great every time!
- Leonard | Google Review
3. Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company
Website: http://www.cfcoffeecompany.com/
Address: 647 Virginia Ave.
Contact: 317-423-9697
Hours: Monday — Saturday: 7am – 5pm, Sunday: Closed
For a coffee shop with a purpose, I can’t recommend Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company enough! Every profit they make goes straight to local charities, so every cup feels like it’s doing a little good for the community.
I love that they roast their own beans right inside the shop. The coffee tastes fresh, rich, and comforting in a way that makes you want to stay for another cup.
The place has a warm neighborhood vibe, too. There’s plenty of seating, lots of charging outlets, and enough space to work remotely for a few hours without feeling rushed.
The staff is one reason locals keep coming back. They’re friendly and attentive and make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first visit.
Just a heads-up: this spot gets busy, so expect long lines on packed mornings!
Customer Reviews
Tastiest coffee and delicious breakfast burritos
Tastiest coffee and delicious breakfast burritos! Getting there early before the line formed was a smart strategy. The atmosphere was friendly, we could hear each other talk, enjoyed the art, clean bathrooms, drinking from a real cup, the community vibe. Toys available to keep the kids occupied.I brought home a bag of the Regalo beans and was amazed at the flavor. In a city with so many places to imbibe brewed beans, this spot is among the best.
- Shera Maher | Google Review
One of the best coffee places in the area
One of the best coffee places in the area! The coffee, atmosphere and service is wonderful!
Coffee: Love their season specials as well as their regular menu. If you’re here definitely go for the seasonal specials. They are made with great thought and almost always tasty!
Atmosphere: Love the vibe! During the week you’d get motivated to work as almost everyone is there working and during the weekend it’s a fun place to be.
Merch: I’ve bought a tee from here and the quality is really nice!
- Akshara Tarkas | Google Review
4. Parlor Public House
Website: https://www.parlorpublichouse.com/
Address: 600 E Ohio St, Suite B
Contact: Contact via website
Hours: Mon, Tue, Sun 8AM–5PM, Wed 8AM–10PM, Thu-Sat 8AM–12AM
I love the atmosphere at Parlor Public House. The store has this lush loft-style setup filled with beautiful potted plants that feels like a cozy, easy place to settle in.
I stopped by last fall to catch up on emails and ended up loving the relaxing patio area. The fizzy espresso I ordered was exactly what I needed to power through my tasks.
But the highlight here is how the space works as a cafe by day and a cocktail bar by night. You can visit for coffee, drinks, or both.
Just note that they don’t allow laptops after 7 PM on certain nights. Service can slow down too once they shift into evening bar mode, so it’s best to plan around their schedule.
Customer Reviews
The coffee was delicious
Amazing experience! The coffee was delicious and they offer a variety of specialty lattes with homemade seasonal syrups. Breakfast sandwich was very good as well. Best chocolate croissant I’ve ever had. Warm crispy flaky – literally perfect.
Atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming. Lots of seating vignettes for gathering in groups. Cafe services ends at 5 and then the place runs as a cocktail lounge.
- Morgan Pizzuti | Google Review
This place is always a treat
This place is always a treat! The vibes are always great and rather unique here, capturing all of your senses!
Sight ✅ (plants, unique seating and shelving, and hanging lights)
Smell ✅ (fresh coffee and candles lit all throughout)
Taste ✅ (many signature espresso drinks and other drinks too—I tried my first ube latte here!)
Sound ✅ (there are usually lots of people here but you are still able to talk and have a conversation. Also, I have Shazamed many a song here—the playlists are always great!)
Feel ✅ (comfortable arrangement of seating with an overall unique vibe)
- Kayte H | Google Review
5. Bovaconti Coffee
Website: http://www.bovaconticoffee.com/
Address: 1042 Virginia Ave
Contact: [email protected], 317-222-1855
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7AM – 7PM
Bovaconti Coffee is one of those spots I’d go to when I want my coffee run to feel a little more special. The store is set inside a beautifully restored historic building, and the bohemian interior makes it easy to sit back and relax.
If I’m craving something unique, I’d usually go for one of their specialty drinks, like the Mayan Mocha. I like that they use premium beans from local roasters, so the menu feels creative but still cozy.
I recently grabbed a Cafe Miele here and loved sipping it on their covered patio. The Adirondack chairs were super comfy, and the dog-friendly setup made it even better.
That said, drinks can be a little inconsistent depending on the barista. Sometimes they’re too sweet or missing a spice, but the vibe and cute cup art still make Bovaconti worth visiting.
Customer Reviews
Their coffee and teas are both very good
Been here a few times and have enjoyed my visit everytime. Their coffee and teas are both very good. They have a wide selection of syrups and creative pre selection seasonal drinks. The space itself is nice with both outdoor and indoor seating. Bathrooms are clean. In store they have some food items, including gluten free cookies. Will note that it’s ridiculous how much the up charge is for non dairy milk, considering the price difference to buy the milks isn’t that step.
- Natalia Cruz | Google Review
The location is great
The location is great. There’s plenty of seating, including a large outdoor covered patio and uncovered area. The atmosphere is bohemian, with a hint of urban vibe. The coffee is pricy, but good. They have almond and oat milk. I got an iced Cafe Miele with almond milk, tasty! My favorite part is the Adirondack chairs outside. I love this style because it’s so much more comfortable than other outside chairs. The service was also good. On a side note, the bathrooms are nice and I love the flamingo wallpaper!
- C K | Google Review
