My qualifications for writing this list: I look forward to my morning coffee the night before, and a non-negotiable in my monthly budgeting is my coffee allowance. While I appreciate a quality cup of joe at home, I’ve grown fond of the undeniable thrill of the coffee shop experience. Maybe it’s the freelancer in me, but over my time in Pittsburgh I’ve spent my fair share of time inside different java spots all over the city, with a heartfelt thank you to those that have closed and those that are still favorites today.

Speaking of current favorites, let’s dive into my favorite coffee drinks in and around Pittsburgh. As a preface, I love an iced latte or cold brew—basically, an iced anything—and have a few spots I fancy for drip coffee or a cappuccino. I’m a Gemini, after all, so my coffee order changes with my mood. If you feel the same, this list is for you.

What to Order at Pittsburgh Coffee Shops

Iced Salted Date Caramel Latte at Spot Of Coffee

6015 Stevenson Place, Shadyside

As much as I want to try something else when I come here, I simply cannot—the salted date and caramel combination is unbeatable for me. I love this coffee so much, I’ll actually book a workout class on this side of the city just as an excuse to come here. Their naturally sweetened combinations and house-made syrups are fun and innovative: Summer brought exciting options like a Key Lime Pie Latte and Frozen Coldbrew with Tahini and Date. I always love the music they play, especially when the playlist includes R&B. That’s my kind of background tunes.

Cold Brew at Big Dog Coffee

2717 Sarah Street, South Side

I’ve been coming to Big Dog for over eleven years now—at least—and while many things keep me coming back, the cold brew is a big one. Dare I say, it’s my favorite cold brew in the city: smooth, bold, and keeps me on top of my writing deadlines. It pairs perfectly with their oatmeal bar—they also make their own yogurt in-house!—which comes with unlimited toppings. Plus, in the winter, the fireplace makes me feel like I’ve been transported to a friend’s cozy living room.

The House Favorite at Delanie’s Coffee

South Side and Shadyside

Properly named, The House Favorite combines cold brew, condensed milk, brown sugar, and coffee ice cubes. It’s not only a treat in itself, but the coffee ice cubes are a genius invention I want in every coffee drink. They rotate their food and pastry options, but my favorite offering is the Breakfast Pies from 350 Bakery right up on 18th Street. The South Side location offers a lofted, airy space ideal for meeting a friend or getting work done. Speaking of, they recently announced a third location coming to Oakland next month. H2P!

Mocha at Espresso A Mano

Lawrenceville and Dormont

A coffee shop without Wi-Fi, Espresso A Mano exists as my oasis to remind myself to stop and smell the coffee. A staple in my routine since I moved back to Pittsburgh post-grad, I love few things more than watching the snow fall through the enormous garage-door-style window while sipping a hot mocha. In the summer, I also enjoy something iced and sitting outside as a work break. And when I get hangry, their food options are always enticing, especially when they have breakfast burritos from Baby Loves Tacos.

Cappuccino at La Prima Espresso Company

Strip District, Downtown, and Oakland

If I want a reminder of what it was like sitting on the streets of Italy, sipping a cappuccino and chatting with strangers, I go here. It’s not only a great excuse to practice my Italian, but sitting outside is an activity in itself and a great reminder to live in the moment and not look at a screen. They also roast their own coffee beans, and you can find their coffee at various restaurants around the city.

Iced Latte With Coconut Milk at Standing Wave Coffee

South Side and Lawrenceville

If you’re on the hunt for an iced latte that’s the perfect color every time, it’s Standing Wave. I truly don’t know how they do it, but I’ve never had a coffee here that I didn’t like. They roast their own coffee and carry my favorite coconut milk, which I haven’t been able to find anywhere else. You can also catch their coffee truck around the city and their shop outside of the city, Silver Horse, in the Laurel Highlands. While I love their South Side location for getting work done—featuring plenty of outlets and a big comfy couch—the Lawrenceville Market House location is conveniently located less than 100 feet from my vintage store. Vintage + coffee = the perfect combination.

Iced Cinnamon Latte at De Fer Coffee & Tea

Strip District, Downtown, and Troy Hill

Another shop that brews its own beans. I order this drink 95% of the time when I come in. It’s never too sweet, and I take full advantage of working from their Strip District location when it’s nice out. (AKA perfect people-watching on Smallman Street). Their Troy Hill location is truly special and worth the drive up Rialto Street for a breakfast sando and calm work vibes. It’s reminiscent of working in someone’s never-ending dining room.

Drip Coffee at Trace Brewing

Bloomfield and Uptown

With coffee by Ghost Coffee Collab, Trace makes one of my favorite cups of coffee I’ve had—just as is, ~gasp~. They’re open seven days a week, and I love remembering that they have a great outdoor work area in Bloomfield—and Uptown!—that doubles as their beer garden. I recently panic-ordered an Iced Americano, and it had me buzzing through my to-do list. For a more industrial and darker vibe, grab a table inside or at the bar. Perks of working at a brewery: it’s BYO food, and there’s a wide array of nearby eateries (cough cough, Brothmonger and Dad’s). They serve coffee until 3 p.m. every day, aaaand then you can switch to beer.

Cappuccino at Redhawk Coffee Roasters 

Oakland, Downtown, and Sharpsburg

Anytime I’m craving something hot, I always think of Redhawk. It may just be the nostalgia in me: Redhawk opened after I graduated from Pitt, and it was always a coffee shop I visited when I would come back to campus. Plus, as a branding fiend, they’ve always had distinctive and fun messaging, from their coffee cups to their coffee bags. With their various locations, it’s ideal for fitting into my schedule no matter where in the city I am. They’ve been a go-to for years, making them a reliable option for a good ol’ cappuccino.

Iced Banana Pancake Latte at Curbside On The Run

1101 Powers Road, Blawnox

Ending on a sweet note, this is the best spot for a decadent and creative coffee drink. Plus, their rotating food menu will have you salivating over what they can do with a basic breakfast sandwich. If I want to celebrate any feat, this is where I go to treat myself. They often run a themed menu depending on the season, but one of my favorite drinks was the Iced Banana Pancake Latte I had early in the summer. While there’s no indoor seating, you can grab a seat on a bench outside. Paired with a sausage, egg, and cheese with bang bang sauce, this is screaming, “Treat yourself. You deserve it.”

As I write this column, I’m currently a latte deep and bookmarking my next-to-try spots: Encanto in the South Side, Wunderbar in Bellevue, and Spigolo in Edgewood. Let me know: Where else should I have on my radar?

If you’re craving other local drinks and eats, check out our guide to restaurants, bars, and cafes in Pittsburgh.

About the Author

Jess Iacullo writes TABLE Magazine’s monthly “Hungry Jess” restaurant column, covering Pittsburgh’s dining scene. A New Jersey native and decade-long Pittsburgh resident, she’s also the founder of Hungry Jess Big City, a social media and marketing business serving local and national food and lifestyle clients. Follow her at @hungryjessbigcity. 

Featured Image by Jess Iacullo

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