Fueled by Coffee
(and other delectable indulgences of the Lakeland coffee shop scene)
Written by RJ Walters
Photos by Madi Elizabeth
This coffee scene is worth celebrating, so come with us on a deliciously fun tour of favorite spots and decide whose latte or matcha mash up you’re going to try next.
Black and Brew
Est. 2006
Items shown: Cereal Milk latte and Summer soda
Fun fact: Owner Chris McArthur is the brother of singer/songwriter Michael McArthur who is married to Jenn Smurr, the founder of Born & Bread.
“They have the best customer service and they always are happy to make me a custom frappe or other drink when I ask for it. I have been going since they opened when I was a teen and they have only gotten better!” – J.E. Yates, Google Review
Avocado tartine made with fresh Born & Bread Country Loaf
Locations:
205 E. Main St.
100 Lake Morton Dr.
4209 S. Florida Ave.
Concord Coffee
Est. 2015
Items shown: Iced cherry lime matcha (seasonal) and baked goods from Meraki Bakehouse
Fun fact: Celebrities love Concord—well at least two. Wrestler/actor Jon Cena and Jesse Palmer, former UF quarterback, TV analyst and host of The Bachelor have stopped by.
“We brought Concord coffee all the way across the US to Orcas Island WA so we wouldn’t miss a morning with our great cup (or two) of the best coffee ever!”
– Laura Berg, Facebook
Signature latte from Concord Coffee
Location:
1037 S. Florida Ave. #135
Divicious Deli & Coffee Shop
Est. 2014
Items shown: Cafe con leche and strawberry banana smoothie
Fun fact: The name of the restaurant stems from when the owner, Johansi, once made homemade cookies. Her daughter loved them so much that she said they were ‘divicious,’ a combination of divine and delicious.
“How have I been sleeping on this gem?!? I had the pastrami sandwich, which was excellent and a great value. The guava cheese pastry was also heavenly!”
– @flfoodscapades, Instagram
Freshly baked pastries from Divicious
Location:
128 E. Main St.
Hillcrest Coffee
Est. 2014
Items shown: A hot latte, an iced matcha latte and baked goods from Meraki Bakehouse.
Fun fact: Hillcrest creates opportunities for Lakelanders to connect with the community including lake clean ups, community hikes and bike rides.
“Amazing place to sit and read a book, relax, or simply study for an upcoming exam. I ordered a cherry scone and it was absolutely delicious. You can taste the fresh ingredients, the cherries were sweet but tart.” – Constanza Gomez Para, Google Review
An iced matcha latte
Location:
119 Hillcrest St.
Mitchell’s Coffee House
Est. 1998
Items shown: spiced butterscotch latte and baked goods
Fun fact: Mitchell’s was the first local coffeehouse in Lakeland and celebrated 25 years in business last year.
“I love grabbing a coffee with a bite to eat (the croissant sandwiches are amazing). The staff is always incredibly friendly and the atmosphere makes it a great place to sit with friends or do work.” – Tara Shelby, Google Review
Signature latte and a cinnamon roll
Location:
235 N. Kentucky Ave.
Pour Bear Coffee
Est. 2024
Items shown: Fresh pastries from Bandidas and Meraki Bakehouse served daily.
Fun fact: While grabbing a drink or treat you can purchase vintage decor and goods from The Crewel Jewels.
“The vibe of this place is relaxing. I love the art work and how friendly and vibrant everyone was. I got the Honey Bear Latte and I gotta say, this was the best latte I’ve ever had.” – Jojo D., Google Review
Iced matcha and a honey bear latte
Location:
4608 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Pressed Books & Coffee
Est. 2021
Items shown: pastries from Bandidas Bake Shop
Fun fact: Pressed hosts tons of fun events including book clubs, writing groups, book fairs and more. Check out pressedlkld.com/events for details.
“If you’re reading this, you’ve been invited to the chill coffee club. This is my favorite coffee place by far. Just don’t let out the secret…. Or do, this place deserves it. :)”
– Garrett Poorbaugh, Google Review
Tiramisu iced latte and 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' rose orange tea
Location:
213 E. Bay St.