12 Must-Try Coffee Shops in Burlington, VT
As the biggest city in Vermont, Burlington offers a lot of attractions for visitors and locals alike.
Whether looking for outdoor activities, cultural events, or shopping opportunities, you will meet something to suit your taste in this vibrant and diverse place.
But what if you need a break from all the excitement and want to relax with a cup of coffee? Don’t worry; we have you covered with the best Burlington coffee shops and cafes.
Whether you prefer a traditional espresso, a specialty latte, or a refreshing tea, you will find your perfect match in one of these coffee shops in Burlington.
Coffee Shops in Burlington
Muddy Waters
On Church Street Marketplace, Muddy Waters has been a community fixture for 25 years.
The coffee shop boasts a unique, cozy vibe – a “funky treehouse” with wooden beams, furnishings, plants, and monster figure installations.
You can find hot chocolate, homemade chai, spicy Mexican chocolate, cappuccino, espresso, and cold drinks. Are you a Kombucha fan? They also have it on tap.
Keep your eyes out for the attractive notes that people can wedge in the beams for inspiration.
At first, the cafe only served takeout. While waiting, customers enjoyed Abby Manock’s “distance beasts.”
The music? It’s always a surprise, always good. As one of the best Coffee Shops in Burlington, Muddy Waters is a chill spot. Unwind here. Perfect for dates and meetups!
Onyx Tonics Specialty Coffee
Open daily and conveniently located near the Burlington City Arts Center, Onyx Tonics has become a popular caffeine spot.
They provide a special coffee experience. Every week, they change their menu with six or more single-origin coffees. The aim is to showcase the distinct flavors of high-quality coffees worldwide.
The “terroir” concept in wine inspires this idea. Each coffee’s unique qualities come from its growing region and environment.
Visitors can enjoy delicious coffee and tasty doughnuts, biscuits, and affogato. One of our favorites is the Big Easy, a blend of chicory and coffee.
If you opt for espresso, you can savor the different flavor points of the various coffees.
Onyx Tonics provides spacious indoor seating, a sidewalk patio, and options for takeout, dine-in, and delivery. It proudly promotes LGBTQ-friendly values.
Speeder & Earl’s Coffee
Speeder is a friendly coffee shop in Burlington’s South End Arts District that has served espresso drinks, locally roasted beans, and baked goods since 1993.
You can spot Speeder easily with their logo flag. It has a spacious layout for walking. It’s a family-owned business that’s grown, offering diverse coffee options like single-origin varietals, blends, fair trade, organic, flavored, and decaf.
Try their Maple French Roast; it’s so good black. Also, you can consider a Maple Latte. You’ll love their affordable drinks, pastries, comfy space, ample seating, and some benches outside—a serene place to grab coffee or work.
With the new flat-rate shipping and wholesale purchasing options, they share the knack with coffee lovers nationwide. Overall, Speeder is a particular part of the Burlington community, prioritizing quality and customer happiness.
Kestrel Coffee Roasters
Kestrel Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee company based in Burlington. They focus on ethically sourced single-origin coffee from small farms around the world.
Founders Charlotte and Johnny Steverson run many Burlington locations: Pine Street, South Burlington, and Maple Street.
They serve drip coffee, cappuccinos, macchiatos, espressos, lattes, tea, and soft drinks. Their cafés offer sandwiches and treats like scones, muffins, cookies, and brownies.
At Technology Park in South Burlington, their roastery creates coffee and baked goods.
Their aim? They make specialty coffee accessible, featuring an open roaster at their roastery.
You can subscribe, choose coffee, quantity, and delivery frequency, shipping nationwide or local pickup.
They provide brew guides for home enjoyment and offer merchandise and gift packages.
Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop
This dog-friendly Burlington coffee shop is situated on Church Street Marketplace. It’s cozy for relaxation. The decor and lighting transport you to another world.
Cosmic Grind offers organic drinks like hot coffee, espresso, mochas, lattes, iced drinks, teas, Italian sodas, and local treats. They offer CBD oil to add to your drink for anyone interested.
Inside, there are galactic murals and a vibrant atmosphere. Locals and visitors love it. The baristas are friendly and helpful.
The shop supports local artists, displaying and selling their art.
Cosmic Grind is a favorite for Burlington’s coffee fans with its unique cosmic brews, great vibes, and quality commitment.
Vivid Coffee Roasters
Started in 2015, Vivid commits to excellence and clarity in its roasting process. They encourage customers to slow down, taste, and give thanks.
They focus on offering unique coffee flavors. These range from rich, bold notes such as chocolate, caramel, and toasted almond to more delicate tastes like apricot jam and nougat.
If you’re a fan of drip coffee, this place in Burlington is undeniably one of the finest choices available.
Their coffee appears in regional fine shops, like Royal Oak Coffee, Catalyst Coffee Bar, and Onyx Tonics Specialty Coffee.
They also have a strong presence on social media like Instagram and Facebook. There, they share updates and engage with the community.
You can find comfy seats and a warm fireplace. They supply Friendly staff and quick service. Lovely spot! Ideal for work. Vivid is home to many college students.
Kru Coffee Collective
Kru Coffee Collective sits at 2 Church Street in Burlington. People love it for its top-notch quality and great taste.
Kru Coffee Collective started back in 2016. They present delicious caffeine fixes, pastries, and friendly service, whether you’re staying or taking it to go.
They pick their coffee beans carefully from responsible farmers. It’s all Fair Trade, Direct Trade, or Rainforest Alliance Certified.
You must try the Lotta Colada tea (like a pina colada with a hint of lavender), Nutella latte, and Nitro Brew coffee. They all taste fantastic!
The café has comfy seats inside and outside. It’s perfect for relaxing, studying, or grabbing a quick snack. And if you’re hungry, they make their own baked goods. If you’re near Church Street, swing by for a hot or cold drink!
Nomad Coffee
Nomad is a go-to spot for specialty coffee and serves farm-to-table breakfast, lunch, and house-made baked goods. It’s in a fantastic co-op building next to the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet.
Nicole Grinstead and Andrew Sepic own Nomad Coffee; they met in college.
You’ll adore the rustic look of the place. They offer a chill vibe with lots of seating choices, even outside. They make top-notch espresso, lattes, and tea, and everyone raves about it.
Their breakfast and lunch menu has sandwiches, croissants, pastries, and smoothies. Nomad is pet-friendly and great for events like open mic nights.
Scout O.N.E
On North Avenue, Scout is a famous coffee and ice cream shop. The place exudes an open-air ambiance, thanks to its vast wall of windows, flooding the space with natural light.
You’ll appreciate the wrap-around ceiling-to-floor windows and the plenty of tables and countertops, making it ideal for those who want to settle in for a few work hours.
Whether you prefer iced lattes, espresso, or tea, you’ll find a variety of beverages to enjoy in the cozy ambiance adorned with charming decor.
The café stands out with its European-inspired design, though some might find the espresso cups on the petite side. Their espresso offerings are meticulously detailed, featuring enticing “flavor notes.”
Scout is renowned for its impeccably cooked pork, ice cream, cream donuts, and affogato. Both the flat white and Americano options are top-notch. Expect a delightful summer treat when they introduce ice cream, perfect for lakeside strolls.
Brio Coffeeworks
Established in 2014, Brio Coffeeworks is a specialty coffee roaster, retail boutique, and coffee bar in the South End Arts District.
Brio Coffeeworks is a place for coffee lovers and professionals to gather, learn, connect, and enjoy.
A husband and wife team runs the roastery, fueled by their passion for coffee and a commitment to excellent customer care.
Their selection encompasses a variety of coffee origins and processing methods, carefully chosen from the many coffees they assess in their monthly cupping lab sessions.
Try both the drip coffee and a macchiato. At Brio Coffeeworks, the staff helps select beans and brewing gear.
They also offer a coffee subscription service, emphasizing community and connection.
Don’t miss out; visit Brio Coffeeworks – you’ll be delighted! They’re quite possibly the finest coffee and roastery in town!
Black Cap Coffee & Bakery
On Church Street Marketplace, Black Cap is famous among locals and visitors. They make coffee, lattes, and pastries in-house.
Black Capop operates several locations in Vermont. The Burlington location opened in 2021 and has indoor and outdoor seating.
It’s a welcoming place to work, meet, or hang out. There’s a sunny front patio for people-watching. Inside are a few small tables; outside, there’s lots of space, weather permitting.
Their menu includes made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and a gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan lunch menu. Try their famous maple latte and pair it with banana bread.
Black Cap also focuses on Vermont’s craft breweries, offering craft beer. Besides coffee and food, they sell local, artisanal Vermont products.
The Cafe HOT
Situated at Church Street Marketplace, The Cafe HOT is a beloved coffee shop renowned for its piping hot brews and delicious vegan cuisine.
They boast a comprehensive coffee selection, including espresso beverages. Their coffee program reflects their culinary skills with hand-picked coffee blends that enhance their bold flavors.
Highly skilled baristas craft exceptional coffee creations, ensuring a satisfying experience.
And if you’re not in the mood for coffee, don’t miss their beet lemonade – a refreshing summer beverage.
The restaurant proudly carries a certification from the Green Restaurant Association. This shows their commitment to sustainable practices and eco-friendly dining.
You can find vegan options such as donuts, avocado tostada, and mochi cake.
Skipping The Cafe HOT means missing out on something special in Burlington. So, be sure not to miss the opportunity to savor the flavors, the hospitality, and the memories it offers.
FAQs
What are some of the best coffee shops in Burlington, VT?
According to our list, the several famous Burlington coffee shops are
Muddy Waters, The Cosmic Grind, Onyx Tonics, Kru Coffee, and Kestrel Coffee Roasters. These coffee shops have high ratings and positive reviews from customers.
What coffee shops in Burlington serve organic or fair-trade coffee?
Some Burlington coffee shops that serve organic or fair trade coffee are Brio Coffeeworks, Nomad Coffee, and Black Cap Coffe. These coffee shops source their beans from ethical and sustainable farms and roasters.
Can I find Starbucks in Burlington?
Yes, you can find Starbucks in Burlington. The city has several Starbucks locations, such as South Burlington and Shelburne Road.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
