As Pumpkin Spice season is rapidly approaching, one may typically run to their nearest Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts to get a dose of their daily caffeine fix. Although these classic options may be good when you’re on the go, there is something so calming about sitting at your local coffee shop and sipping an espresso. If you’re like me, you take coffee seriously and thankfully for us, so does Pittsburgh. You can find quaint coffee shops in almost every town surrounding Pittsburgh. So next time you’re craving caffeine head to one of these five coffee shops in the Burgh!

1. The Lovliest Coffee + Clothes: Sewickley

    Coffee and clothes? Does it really get much better than that? The Lovliest is a small coffee shop and clothing boutique located at 545 Beaver Street in Sewickley. Although it has only been open for a few months, it has made quite the impression so far. This unique business claims that they are home to “the most Instagrammable coffee.” Customers can download an app that allows them to upload an image or phrase that will appear in their coffee or latte using a special coffee printer. Super cool, right? Not only are the drinks extremely artsy, but the overall aesthetic of the shop is photo worthy as well. They have neon signs and greenery surrounding the walls for a perfect Insta post! The overall experience is unbeatable. 

2. Leaf and Bean: Strip District

I recently came across Leaf and Bean when I was exploring the Strip District, and boy am I happy I found this place! Leaf and Bean is a cigar and coffee shop located at 2200 Penn Avenue. They rarely advertise because they take pride in their “hidden gem” status. They want it to be a place that people stumble into and never want to leave. After experiencing this place, I can say with full confidence that I was one of those people that never wanted to leave. The entire store has a beachy vibe to it, with tons of decor plastered on the walls. The best part? Behind a glass door houses tons of cigars that you can purchase and smoke right in the shop! I’m not a huge cigar girl, but the idea of combining coffee and cigars is genius! Every Saturday they host live music, so you can sit, sip, smoke, sing and enjoy a sunny afternoon in the Strip!

3. Bean Thru: Bellevue and Shaler

Next up we have one of my favorites, the Bean Thru. This coffee shop is a little different than the others because it is a drive-thru coffee shop. I first came across this place on my daily commute to work, and I have made a weekly stop there ever since I started my job. Obviously, the Bean Thru is a perfect way to get your caffeine fix if you’re on the go. It’s quick, inexpensive and the service is top notch! No wonder why they were voted one of the top 30 drive-thru restaurants in the nation. You can find them at their two locations in Bellevue and Shaler.

4. Coffee Buddha: Perrysville

I’ve been a BIG fan of Coffee Buddha for years now because of its welcoming atmosphere. Located at 964 Perry Highway, this coffee shop serves as a neighborhood hub to discover movies, art, events and everything coffee-oriented. Coffee Buddha’s storefront is a large renovated house, so you can enjoy drinks and snacks in their living room, meeting rooms, study rooms, zen garden and dog-friendly porch and patio. Coffee Buddha is the perfect location to mingle with friends, hold a work meeting, study or relax. My favorite part? They have board games in the meeting rooms upstairs for visitors to play all day and night. I am still the reigning champion of Clue at Coffee Buddha. 

5. Convive: McCandless

Convive Coffee Roastery is home to some of the best coffee I have ever tasted. This cute little coffee shop is located in McCandless Crossing. Since its initial opening, they have gained quite a following of dedicated customers. Other than their delicious coffee, Convive has a great aesthetic as well. It is a great place to meet with friends or sit and get some work done. The shop is bright and welcoming, so you will never want to leave! It is also located next to Gigi’s Cupcakes, so that alone should be another reason to check this place out!

Whether you’re a coffee fanatic like myself or more of a tea drinker, these coffee shops are sure to win over your taste buds. Local coffee shops are great places to sit, relax and sip on some caffeinated goodness. These 5 coffee shops take pride in differentiating themselves from the typical coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, so why not try them out! If you’re lucky you may even find your new favorite place! 

Thanks for reading girlz, and as always comment and share! Do you have a favorite coffee shop that wasn’t mentioned? Let us know! 

Xoxo, Court