Burlington, Vermont is a charming city known for its vibrant coffee scene. You’ll find a variety of cozy cafes and unique coffee shops scattered throughout the area. These spots offer more than just a caffeine fix – they’re places to relax, work, or catch up with friends.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Burlington’s coffee shops have something for everyone.
From small, artisanal roasters to larger establishments with live music, you’re sure to find a spot that suits your taste. Many of these cafes also serve tasty treats and light meals, making them perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely afternoon.
1. Speeder & Earl’s Coffee
You’ll love Speeder & Earl’s Coffee in Burlington. This family-owned cafe has been serving up great coffee for over 30 years. They roast their own beans, ensuring fresh and flavorful brews every time.
Try their new Gingerbread flavored coffee for a tasty treat. It’s perfect for those chilly Vermont mornings. The shop offers a range of options from bright single-origin coffees to rich, robust blends.
Speeder & Earl’s is more than just a coffee shop. They sell merchandise too, so you can show off your love for this local favorite. If you run a business, you can even get their coffee wholesale.
The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make this spot a must-visit. Whether you’re a coffee expert or just looking for a good cup, you’ll find something to enjoy here.
Rating: 4.7 (414 reviews)
Location: 412 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401
Contact: (802) 658-6016
Website: Visit Website
2. Onyx Tonics Specialty Coffee
You’ll find a true coffee gem at Onyx Tonics Specialty Coffee in Burlington. This shop offers a unique experience with its focus on single-origin coffees.
The owner, Jason Gonzalez, brings his expertise as a UK Cup Tasting Champion to every cup. His passion for coffee shines through in the carefully selected beans and expert brewing methods.
You can enjoy your coffee in a cozy atmosphere created by Jason and his wife Tiffany. They’ve made Onyx Tonics a welcoming spot for coffee lovers and those looking for a quiet place to work or read.
Try one of their specialty brews and taste the difference that comes from years of coffee knowledge and skill. You might just discover a new favorite coffee experience at Onyx Tonics.
Rating: 4.8 (390 reviews)
Location: 126 College St, Burlington, VT 05401
Contact: (802) 777-2583
Website: Visit Website
3. Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop
You’ll find a cozy atmosphere and great coffee at Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop on Church Street in Burlington. This local favorite serves up tasty brews and treats to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
The friendly staff makes you feel welcome as soon as you step inside. You can relax with your drink and people-watch through the large windows facing the bustling street.
Cosmic Grind offers a variety of coffee options to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a simple drip coffee or a fancy latte, you’ll find something to enjoy here. Don’t forget to grab a pastry to go with your drink.
Located in the heart of downtown, it’s a perfect spot to take a break while shopping or exploring Burlington. Stop by to recharge with a delicious coffee and soak in the laid-back Vermont vibe.
Rating: 4.7 (295 reviews)
Location: 104 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401
Contact: (802) 734-1963
Website: Visit Website
4. Tight Squeeze Coffee Shop
Tucked away on College Street, Tight Squeeze Coffee Shop is a hidden gem in Burlington. You’ll love the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff that make you feel right at home.
The coffee here is top-notch. You can taste the care and quality in every sip. They source their beans from local roasters, ensuring a fresh and flavorful cup every time.
Don’t miss their pastries and baked goods. They’re made fresh daily and pair perfectly with your morning brew. You might want to grab an extra to go – they’re that good!
Space is limited, hence the name “Tight Squeeze.” But that’s part of its charm. You’ll find yourself chatting with other coffee lovers and maybe even making new friends.
Rating: 4.7 (75 reviews)
Location: 125 College St, Burlington, VT 05401
Website: Visit Website
5. Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters is a cozy coffee shop in the heart of Burlington. You’ll find it on bustling Main Street, where it’s been a local favorite for years.
The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for catching up with friends or getting some work done. You’ll love the rustic wooden tables and comfy seating options.
Muddy Waters serves up delicious coffee drinks made with care. Their skilled baristas craft everything from classic lattes to unique seasonal specials. Don’t forget to try their tasty pastries and light bites too!
The shop has a friendly, laid-back vibe that keeps customers coming back. You might even spot some local art on the walls or hear live music on certain nights.
Rating: 4.5 (549 reviews)
Location: 184 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401
Contact: (802) 658-0466
6. Vivid Coffee Roasters
You’ll find a cozy and inviting atmosphere at Vivid Coffee Roasters in Burlington. This charming spot on Cherry Street serves up some of the best coffee in town.
Their freshly roasted beans create rich, flavorful brews that will wake up your taste buds. You can choose from a variety of blends and single-origin options to suit your preferences.
Vivid Coffee Roasters now offers convenient subscription services. You can get their delicious coffee delivered right to your doorstep monthly or every other week. Try their Roaster’s Choice for a fun surprise or stick with their popular Sugar Shack blend.
The friendly staff will make you feel welcome as soon as you walk in. Whether you’re grabbing a quick cup to go or settling in to work, Vivid Coffee Roasters is a great choice for your caffeine fix in Burlington.
Rating: 4.6 (175 reviews)
Location: 150 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401
Contact: (802) 383-1088
Website: Visit Website
7. Brio Coffeeworks
You’ll love Brio Coffeeworks, a woman-owned specialty coffee roaster in Burlington’s South End Arts District. This charming spot is perfect for coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Step into their welcoming coffee bar and retail boutique. You can enjoy a variety of expertly crafted drinks, from espresso and cappuccino to iced coffee and lattes.
Brio takes pride in their carefully selected single-origin coffees. They roast these beans to bring out unique flavors. You can also try their blended coffees, espresso beans, and even specialty instant coffee for on-the-go sipping.
Want to up your home brewing game? Brio stocks top-notch equipment from brands like Fellow, Baratza, and Chemex. The friendly staff will help you find the perfect beans and gear for your kitchen.
Rating: 4.9 (129 reviews)
Location: 266 Pine St Suite 116, Burlington, VT 05401
Contact: (802) 772-0070
Website: Visit Website
8. Kestrel Coffee Roasters
At Kestrel Coffee Roasters, you’ll find a coffee lover’s paradise. This cozy spot in Burlington offers a rotating selection of specialty coffees from around the world.
You can enjoy single-origin beans sourced from small farms, ensuring each cup is both unique and ethically produced. The roasters focus on finding coffees that are approachable yet interesting.
If you’re looking to keep your home or office stocked, Kestrel has you covered. Their subscription service lets you choose your preferences, quantity, and frequency. They’ll ship right to your door anywhere in the US.
For businesses, Kestrel can upgrade your workplace coffee game. They provide top-notch service and deliveries, making sure your team always has access to fresh, tasty coffee.
Rating: 4.8 (134 reviews)
Location: 47 Maple St, Burlington, VT 05401
Contact: (802) 528-4034
Website: Visit Website## 9. Kru Coffee Collective
Kru Coffee Collective brings a fresh coffee experience to Burlington. You’ll find this cozy spot right in the heart of downtown on Church Street.
The shop offers a wide range of carefully chosen coffees. They source their beans from farmers who focus on quality and social responsibility.
You can feel good about your cup here. All of Kru’s coffees are Fair Trade, Direct Trade, or Rainforest Alliance Certified.
Besides great coffee, Kru also has a strong sense of community. It’s a perfect place to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done.
Rating: 4.5 (355 reviews)
Location: 2 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401
Contact: (518) 232-1524
Website: Visit Website
10. Kestrel Coffee Roasters
Kestrel Coffee Roasters brings top-notch coffee to South Burlington. You’ll find a great selection of specialty coffees sourced from around the world.
The roastery focuses on ethically sourced single-origin beans from small farms. Their coffee offerings change seasonally, so you can always try something new and exciting.
If you love their coffee, you can sign up for a subscription. They’ll deliver fresh beans right to your door based on your preferences. It’s a convenient way to keep your coffee supply stocked.
Kestrel also provides coffee services for workplaces. Imagine having their delicious brews at your office every day!
Rating: 4.8 (35 reviews)
Location: 530 Community Dr, South Burlington, VT 05403
Contact: (802) 528-4034
Website: Visit Website
History of Coffee Culture in Burlington
Burlington’s coffee scene has grown from humble beginnings to a vibrant part of local culture. The city’s love for coffee has deep roots and continues to evolve with new trends.
Early Beginnings
Coffee shops in Burlington started popping up in the 1970s. Small, independent cafes were the norm back then. You could find locals sipping coffee and chatting at places like Leunig’s Bistro, which opened in 1980.
As the craft coffee movement grew, so did Burlington’s options. In the 1990s, more shops opened that focused on quality beans and brewing methods. Speeder & Earl’s, founded in 1993, became a staple for coffee lovers.
The University of Vermont helped fuel coffee culture too. Students and faculty sought out cozy spots to study and meet, boosting demand for good coffee and comfy cafes.
Contemporary Trends
Today, Burlington’s coffee scene is thriving. You’ll find a mix of longtime favorites and new, trendy spots. Many cafes now roast their own beans, like Uncommon Coffee, which took over from the beloved Uncommon Grounds in 2019.
Specialty drinks and latte art have become popular. You can get creative concoctions at places like Nomad Coffee, set to open a new location in 2024.
Sustainability is a big focus now too. Many shops use locally-sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Some, like Scout & Co., even make their own plant-based milks.
Coffee shops have also become community hubs. You’ll often see events, art shows, and live music at cafes like Radio Bean, blending coffee culture with local arts.
Coffee Roasting Techniques
Burlington’s coffee scene is known for its focus on quality roasting. Local roasters use various methods to bring out the best flavors in their beans. They also prioritize sustainable practices throughout the production process.
Local Roasting Practices
Burlington’s coffee shops take pride in their roasting skills. Many use small-batch roasting to ensure freshness and quality control. You’ll find light, medium, and dark roasts to suit your taste.
Some popular methods include:
- Drum roasting: Beans tumble in a heated drum
- Air roasting: Hot air circulates around the beans
- Profile roasting: Precise temperature control for specific flavor profiles
Roasters often experiment with different techniques to create unique blends. You might spot roasting machines in some cafes, letting you see the process up close.
Sustainability in Coffee Production
Burlington’s coffee shops care about the environment and fair trade. Many source their beans from eco-friendly farms. These farms use methods that protect soil and water resources.
Sustainable practices you’ll see include:
- Organic farming: No harmful pesticides or chemicals
- Shade-grown coffee: Preserves natural habitats
- Fair trade partnerships: Ensures farmers get fair wages
Some local roasters use energy-efficient equipment to reduce their carbon footprint. You can often find information about bean origins and farming practices on cafe menus or packaging.
Unique Ambience and Atmosphere
Burlington’s coffee shops offer more than just great brews. You’ll find spaces that inspire creativity and relaxation, with thoughtful designs that reflect Vermont’s eco-conscious spirit.
Eco-Friendly Cafe Designs
When you step into Burlington’s coffee shops, you’ll notice their commitment to sustainability. Many cafes use reclaimed wood for tables and counters, giving a rustic charm to their spaces. You might see living walls with lush plants, bringing nature indoors and improving air quality.
Some shops go the extra mile with energy-efficient lighting and appliances. You can feel good knowing your coffee habit supports eco-friendly practices.
Local art often adorns the walls, showcasing Vermont’s talented artists. This creates a unique, ever-changing atmosphere that keeps you coming back.
Don’t be surprised to find cozy nooks with comfy chairs perfect for curling up with a book. Or communal tables that encourage conversation with fellow coffee lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Burlington has a great coffee scene with options for every taste. You’ll find locally roasted beans, cozy atmospheres, and tasty food pairings at many spots around town.
Where can I find the best locally roasted coffee in Burlington, VT?
Speeder & Earl’s Coffee is known for their small-batch roasting. You can try their freshly roasted beans at their South End Arts District location. They’ve been roasting in Burlington for over 20 years.
What are the top coffee shops in downtown Burlington, VT?
Muddy Waters is a popular downtown spot. You’ll love its cozy, lived-in vibe and great coffee. Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop is another top choice, offering a fun space and tasty drinks.
Which Burlington coffee shops have the best atmosphere for studying or working?
Onyx Tonics Specialty Coffee provides a calm setting for getting work done. You’ll find plenty of seating and a quiet atmosphere. Tight Squeeze Coffee Shop, despite its name, offers a comfy space to focus on your tasks.
Can you recommend a coffee shop on Church Street for a casual meet-up?
Muddy Waters is right off Church Street and perfect for meet-ups. You’ll enjoy its warm, welcoming atmosphere and central location. It’s ideal for catching up with friends over a cup of coffee.
What are some coffee places in Burlington, VT that also serve great breakfast?
Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop offers tasty breakfast options along with their coffee. You can grab a quick bite or sit down for a more filling meal to start your day.
Are there any unique coffeehouse experiences in Burlington, VT that offer more than just coffee?
Onyx Tonics Specialty Coffee provides a unique tasting experience. You can try coffee flights to sample different brews.
Speeder & Earl’s often hosts local art displays, adding a cultural touch to your coffee run.