Is your city one of the best coffee cities in the U.S.?
The Best City for Coffee Was Just Announced—and It’s Not Seattle
Every coffee lover knows that no matter where they go, finding a decent cup of coffee is at the top of their to-do list.
No matter the brand of coffee you drink, there’s nothing like the fresh smell of a ‘cuppa in the morning. Not to mention the first sip of coffee and caffeine rush that follows to kickstart the day.
But why is it that in some cities, finding a decent cup of coffee is easier than others? Well, real-estate firm, Clever, happens to have the answers to our coffee queries. Using factors of affordability and quantity of coffee shops per city, Clever has determined what are the best and worst American coffee cities. And some of the results may surprise you.
The Top 10 Best Coffee Cities
The top ten best coffee cities in America offer the most affordable and largest variety of coffee shops throughout the nation. Additionally, it is important to note these rankings do not include the taste or quality of coffee in each state.
While many may think Seattle, Washington—home of coffee empire, Starbucks—would make the list, these are the places that topped the list:
- Baltimore, MD
- Hartford, CT
- Boston, MA
- Providence, RI
- Riverside, CA
- Cincinnati, OH
- Washington, D.C.
- Philadelphia, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Oklahoma City, OK
Some readers may be surprised to find out that Baltimore, Maryland came in as the number one best coffee city. With an average cappuccino price of $4.50 and 26 coffee shops per 100,000 residents, the city took the trophy for best coffee city. Following close behind are Hartford, Connecticut and Boston, Massachusetts. Boston astoundingly has 61 coffee shops per 100,000 residents.
Following Hartford and Boston comes Providence, Rhode Island and Riverside, California. With an average of $4.25 per cappuccino in Providence and $3.88 per overall cup of coffee in Riverside, the two make noteworthy additions to the list. Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Oklahoma City all closely follow.
The Top 10 Worst Coffee Cities
On the other side of the coin, Clever writes that “not every city in the country is a valley of plenty when it comes to coffee.” In terms of affordability and quantity, these are the cities that came in at the top ten “worst” cities to get your coffee fix:
- Louisville, KY
- Jacksonville, FL
- Birmingham, AL
- Memphis, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Las Vegas, NV
- San Antonio, TX
- Richmond, VA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Charlotte, NC
Louisville came in as the number one worst coffee city for its expensive coffees and lack of shops. The average Louisville cappuccino costs $4.88 and there are just 8 coffee shops per capita.
Clever attributes the prevalence of Southern states on the worst coffee cities list to the hot weather of the South during certain times of the year. Then, residents may opt for some alternative beverage options like smoothies or iced teas resulting in less of a need for as many coffee shops.
And the firm does acknowledge, while Louisville may lack in coffee shop quantity, they came in as the third best city to retire in of 2022.
Our Takeaways
No matter where you travel to in the states, there are lots of rankings to consider. Including the most popular coffee drink in every state. Although, in terms of the best coffee city, your next best cup of Joe may easily be found in Baltimore, Hartford or Boston.
If you want to sample coffees from not just around the country but from around the world then check out these subscription-based coffee of the month clubs that deliver new beans from different roasters to your doorstep on a monthly basis.
Make These Coffeeshop Copy Cat Recipes at Home
Frothy Cafe BombonI discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri
This chocolate coffee recipe is sure to be the highlight of your morning!
Easy Spiced Morning MochaThis recipe is a delicious morning pick-me-up and still tastes great when made with low-fat milk.—Vicki Wright, Omaha, Nebraska
Coffee with Cinnamon and ClovesA quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan
Caramel MochaIf you crave cafe-style coffees at home, here's a recipe for caramel mocha. You can make this decadent, sweet recipe within a few minutes and have a drink that rivals what you'd get at a coffeehouse.
Comforting Coffee MilkThis recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico
Holiday Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Irish CoffeeIrish coffee, with a splash of Irish whiskey, sugar and cream, is a classic recipe for a reason. Cozy up with this easy-to-make boozy treat. Sláinte!
Mocha Morning DrinkWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Caramel-Chai Tea LatteInspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland
Viennese CoffeeThis isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hazelnut Mocha SmoothiesThis smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we've tried. Try it, and we're sure you will agree. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Iced Coffee LatteThis amazing alternative to regular hot coffee is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa
Coconut Lover's FrappeI love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut
Sweet Kahlua CoffeeI have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California
Frosty Caramel CappuccinoThis frothy iced cappuccino is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It's also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies for the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida
Honey Spiced LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Hazelnut CoffeeThe blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—makes this drink absolutely sensational. It is delightful for breakfast or brunch, or serve it as one of your beverage offerings at a cocktail or dinner party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Irish Cream CoffeeA steaming cup of this Irish cream coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois
Hot Ginger CoffeeI like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It's a wonderful warmup after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Cinnamon Mocha CoffeeMost store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cappuccino PunchWhen I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho
