The Best Coffee Shops in Kentucky’s Largest Cities

I have loved coffee for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I used to beg my grandma to pour little tastes for me in her empty creamer cups at Shoney's when my mom wasn't looking. Then, when I was in middle school, one of the most popular hangout spots was an Owensboro coffee shop in Wesleyan Park Plaza called Beyond the Brim. My favorite was a frappe-type drink that was basically an ice cream shake, but one of the baristas told my friends and me that coffee "was an acquired taste" and I thought that meant my liking it made me cool.

I love trying new coffee places when traveling. In fact, the last time I went to Florida with my friend Ashley, we took a detour through Birmingham to try a special shop she had told me about. I decided to take a look at the best coffee shops as determined by Tripadvisor.com for the ten biggest cities in Kentucky. That way if I ever find myself in those places, I will know where to go for my fix.

10. Luna's Coffee, Wine, and Butterfly Farm in Nicholasville

This is not your ordinary coffee shop. Luna's Coffee, Wine, and Butterfly Farm is a unique cafe that also welcomes butterflies from their nearby butterfly farm so you can see the process of caterpillar to butterfly as you sip your delicious coffee or enjoy lunch from their creative menu. They have events, and tastings, and even offer the space for private rentals.

9. Jet Coffee in Florence

Jet Coffee Drive-Thru is the cutest little coffee shack run by a young woman named Courtney Howard who took over a few years ago at the age of 21. With unique seasonal drinks and friendly faces, this is the perfect stop for quick and yummy brews.

8. Vibe Coffee in Elizabethtown

Vibe Coffee welcomes patrons from all over the country in their adorable little shop in downtown Elizabethtown. It is family-owned and they make all of their syrups and pastries in-house from scratch with organic ingredients, so you know you are going to enjoy a quality treat in a really cool setting.

7. Purdy's Coffee Co. in Richmond

Purdy's Coffee Co. is so well-loved that they expanded to two locations several years ago. With a mission focused on making people happy and fostering relationships in the community, the amazing coffee and food are made with love.

6. Starbucks in Georgetown

5. Bean Haus Bakery & Coffeehouse in Covington

This spot is more than just a coffee house. They've got a full cafe menu, tons of beautiful baked goods, and ice cream!

4. The Creme Coffeehouse in Owensboro

I have enjoyed some great hangs and cups of coffee over the years at The Creme.  Not only do they have great food and drinks, but the eclectic decor and ambiance are perfect for conversation with friends or to go and read or work.

3. Spencer's Coffeehouse in Bowling Green

I have so many great memories of this coffee shop from the early 2000s. We would go to Bowling Green all the time to indie rock shows at Spencer's. So many folks crammed into that space to listen to emo, pop, and all kinds of genres, and of course, we loved the coffee.

2. North Lime Coffee & Donuts in Lexington

Oh dang y'all, this looks GOOD. Their Facebook page claims "life-changing donuts" and from this picture, I would bet it's pretty accurate. The donuts are made fresh and they roast their own coffee beans too. They even collaborate with Atrium Brewing to make donut-inspired beer!

1. Please & Thank You in Louisville

You will definitely be saying both of those things when you visit this favorite in Louisville. They are the 2023 USA Today Reader's Choice Winner of Best Cookie Shop in the USA, and their coffee is pretty darn good too. The only thing better than a glass of milk with a good cookie is a cup of joe.

These all look so amazing, I'm gonna have to plan a road trip based on coffee shops sometime. What are some of your favorite spots in Kentucky for coffee?