Watch CBS News

Top Coffee Shops That Go Beyond Coffee

Miami is an eclectic city and its people are known for their varied interests. In an age where bookstores are closing everywhere, booklovers in the Miami area are lucky to have so many specialty bookstores offering something for everyone. Whether you're an intellectual antiquarian or a comic geek, there is a bookstore in South Florida that is perfect for you.

Bookstore In The Grove

3390 Mary St.
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(305) 443-2855
www.thebookstoreinthegrove.com

Besides great coffee and community events, the food and service here is top rated by locals like Atena Komar, who says Bookstore in the Grove's hot panini is the best, "but its brownies are to die for!" Another extra perk? This place has servers that will bring your food directly to your table, like a restaurant. And whatever you do, don't leave without trying the chocolate mint coffee. It will put you in a happy mood, even on a Monday.

Panther Coffee

2390 NW 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 677-3952
www.panthercoffee.com

Hands down, best cappuccino in South Florida, raves customer Elle Moral. "It even beats out the Cuban cortadito." Panther Coffee is a Miami-based specialty coffee roaster that specializes in small-batch roasting, and its baristas are among the best on the planet. Husband-and-wife Joel and Leticia Pollock own the place and Joel is the master of roasting the green beans to perfection. (They also use a 1927 Probat Perfekt Roaster, which contributes to the coffee's wondrous taste.) A second location recently opened at Sunset Harbour in Miami Beach.

Crumb On Parchment

3930 NE 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 572-9444
www.facebook.com/CrumbMiami

Peaches n' cream muffins hot out of the oven, bacon-maple donuts, grilled salmon on a baguette with curry mayo, arugula and red onions; these are just a few of the sought-after menu items that you'll find at this hot spot in the Design District. Owned and operated by James Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, you'll find this bakery and café inside the atrium of the Melin Building. It's cozy with a "country shabby chic décor" and chef Bernstein's mom is usually in the kitchen baking up the pies and cakes. Everything pairs perfectly with its cappuccinos.

Related: Top Chefs Heat Up South Florida

Moloko

3201 N. Miami Ave., Suite 104
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 572-9336
www.molokomiami.com

"The Art of Crepe and Coffee" is the tagline of this far-from-ordinary coffee bar in the Shops at Midtown Mall. With red walls lined with gallery-quality artwork, the atmosphere here is a warm blend of artsy and homey. Bring a book to donate to the bookshelf (help yourself to a book too), then perch yourself high at the bar or at a table. There is even a sofa in the back where you can sip your favorite fine tea or locally roasted Panther Coffee.

Walter's Coffee Shop

17009 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 33157
(305) 232-1235
www.walterscoffeeshop.com

Since 1965, this eatery has been a local institution - and family owned and operated. It's not your typical coffee house of today, with couches, artwork and dozens of mocha, latte, caramel and dark roasted choices on the menu, but you will find a good cup of joe and a whole lot of great food for breakfast and lunch, along with pleasant people both serving you and sitting beside you. Its location is unassuming, too, in a strip mall right off US1 in Palmetto Bay. Sit at the counter and order up a redneck benedict with sausage gravy, or the ever-famous S.O.S., just like mom used to make. It is only open until 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on weekends.

Related: Top Breakfast Joints In South Florida 

Jill Martin is a family travel expert, appearing on numerous television and radio shows. She spent five years as the VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider, has penned children's books, and is the creator of Sunshine Brain Games – trivia cards about Florida. A Miami native, Jill resides in Redland. Her work can be found on Examiner.com

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.