Coffee shops not only offer a dose of caffeine but a warm sense of community. When it comes to Cleveland, there’s no shortage of coffeehouses and many have opened in the last year as a means of bringing people together over a good cup of joe. Don’t miss out on these drinks from three spots that have soared with success and popularity due to their unique concepts and ability to create an ambient gathering space.
StoneFruit Coffee Co.’s Buckeye Joe, $5-$7.50
If you’re in the mood to sweetly pay respects to Ohio, it’s time to sip on StoneFruit Coffee Co.’s Buckeye Joe. The Youngstown-based coffee company opened its fifth location on Euclid Avenue in May — bringing a new sense of community and specialty coffee drinks to the heart of Cleveland. “We are very communally focused,” says store manager Julie Loncar. “Instead of just focusing on great coffee, we also focus on connections.” The Buckeye Joe latte combines chocolate and peanut butter with two shots of espresso and steamed milk before it’s topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. “We love the state of Ohio, and we love celebrating it with this fun cup of coffee,” says Loncar. 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-250-5771, stonefruitcoffee.com
27 Club Coffee’s Diablo Latte, $5.95-$6.95
Inspired by the talented musicians that were gone too soon, Machine Gun Kelly opened 27 Club Coffee last summer in homage to artists such as Amy Winehouse and Mac Miller. The Diablo Latte is inspired by MGK’s fourth studio album, Hotel Diablo. Not only does the latte uphold the artist’s glitter pop-punk reputation, but the colors symbolize heavy-hitting heartbreak. The drink begins as a standard latte with an acai rim, espresso infused with activated charcoal and your choice of milk to create a three-layered color spectrum. “There’s a bunch of health benefits and detox benefits to activated charcoal and it turns the espresso black,” says general manager Troy Nethken. 1215 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 216-727-0027, 27clubcoffee.com
Milk & Honey’s Lavender Latte, $4.50-$5.50
If you need a caffeine kick without the jitters, a lavender latte might be your new go-to. The soothing drink has been popping up on coffeehouse menus across Cleveland due to its floral flavor, vibrant coloring and calming properties. Superior Avenue’s Milk & Honey provides the perfect quaint spot to try out the new trend. The drink begins with lavender simple syrup, followed by two shots of espresso mixed with your choice of milk and topped with dried lavender. “We recommend ordering it cold rather than hot,” says co-owner Anisa Rrapaj. “You can definitely taste the coffee, but there is a hint of flower in there as well.” 1100 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 440-429-1851, milkandhoneycle.com
