As the specialty coffee scene continues to grow in South Florida, we stopped by 4 noteworthy cafés in Miami.
BY MICHAELA TOMCHEK
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Photos by Michaela Tomchek
Miami isn’t just about sunshine and sand—it’s also a city buzzing with culture and caffeinated creativity. From Wynwood’s artsy streets to the bustling sidewalks of downtown Miami, the city’s coffee scene is as diverse and dynamic as the people who live here. Whether you’re craving a velvety cortadito brewed in the Cuban tradition or a slow-poured single-origin with modern flair, there’s a café ready to satisfy your every mood.
In recent years, Miami’s coffee culture has evolved beyond quick shots of espresso. Coffee shops here are becoming community hubs: You’ll find lattes infused with tropical flavors, roasters spotlighting coffees from around the world, and cozy spaces filled with plants, art, and plenty of room to escape the Miami heat.
In this article, we’ll showcase four noteworthy coffee shops in Miami, Florida.
Panther Coffee
Founded by Leticia and Joel Pollock in 2010, Panther is paving the way for specialty coffee in Miami. “We wanted to create a wholesale and retail concept, serve and distribute delicious coffee sourced and roasted with intention and care, while connecting people in a mutually beneficial way,” Leticia says. “Joel and I had worked in the industry for many years, in different places and different capacities, before moving to Miami. We met at a coffee convention and were looking to build something of our own and to bring together a team we wanted to be a part of and spend time with.”
Thus, Panther Coffee was born, with its roastery first opening in the Wynwood neighborhood. Leticia and Joel opened a café storefront shortly after, which quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Since then, Panther Coffee has exploded in popularity, with two roasting facilities—one in Miami and another in Traverse City, Michigan—and café locations in Miami and New York.
When in Miami, you have the option to visit six different Panther locations, each with unique decor and ambience. Currently, standout menu items include a beautiful and rare Yemeni coffee, and the Buko Pandan Latte, which was inspired by a barista on the team and is crafted with homemade pandan syrup and coconut cream. And, if you’re craving a bite to eat, there’s also an assortment of must-try pastries and empanadas.
“The Miami coffee community is diverse, fun, and complicated: very much a reflection of the city itself,” Leticia shared with Barista Magazine. “There’s a strong, longstanding culture of drinking coffee here, and yet, the specialty coffee scene is still relatively young. … It’s a developing scene, and Panther has helped shape the specialty community in Miami.”
Vice City Bean
Another must-visit treasure in Miami is Vice City Bean, a coffee shop with three locations dotted around the city in Wynwood, The Citadel, and Brickell. Operating since 2016, Vice City Bean actually began its journey in Los Angeles, but eventually made the transition to Florida.
Right upon entering the Wynwood location, you’ll see a colorful mural featuring a quetzal: a vibrant bird native to Central America. And the coffee selection here is vast: The shelves are stocked with coffee from roasters from all over the U.S., including Sey Coffee and Black & White Coffee Roasters.
When you visit, try the one-and-one to get a proper taste of their espresso, and snack on a quiche or empanada. Or, if you’re craving something sweet, order the Miel Latte: a smooth drink made with honey and milk, and a local favorite.
i think she is (ITSI)
Nestled in the Brickell neighborhood is the fairly new coffee shop i think she is, also known as ITSI. The shop first opened in 2020, and partners with local roaster Great Circle Coffee. The space is filled with plants and art, with paintings adorning the building’s exterior walls and the inside of the café itself.
On their menu, you’ll find your typical array of espresso-based drinks, along with Thai iced tea and smoothies, including the “Free Britney” smoothie, made with raw pitaya puree, strawberry, oat milk, and coconut yogurt, layered with organic granola and almond butter. There’s also so much to eat here, including an array of sandwiches, acai bowls, toasts, salads, and egg dishes—so be sure to come with an empty stomach.
Breezeblock Coffee
Situated in the lobby of the chic Alea apartment complex in downtown Miami, you’ll find Breezeblock Coffee. Founded in 2018, Breezeblock offers coffee from Counter Culture and an assortment of treats, including must-try ham and cheese croissants, banana bread, and avocado toast. The iced matcha lattes and cold brew here are especially exceptional: the ideal way to escape the Miami heat. This spot is a must-visit if you’re in the downtown area and find yourself in need of a quick coffee and snack.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michaela Tomchek finds coffee an important part of life and the world. She is an appreciator of the crop, the producer, and the many cafés throughout the world serving beautiful beverages. Currently, she writes about coffee, hoping to spread her joy across the globe.
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