Las Vegas innovates no matter the industry, which is why coffee culture continues to grow each and every day here. While there’s no shortage of popular drive-thru coffee chains and roasters in Las Vegas city limits, new and exciting shops open in the blink of an eye.
But where do locals head first when seeking a delicious, comforting cup of joe? What are some of the coffee shop staples you should know about?
From scratch-made syrups and pastries to sustainably sourced and roasted coffee beans, these are some of the favorite Vegas coffee shops and cafes to frequent if you consider yourself an espresso aficionado.
darkmooncoffee.com
With only one cafe operating for the past five years in Henderson, Dark Moon Coffee is a bit of an underdog compared to other coffee shops on this list.
However, it already has at least four different “Best of Las Vegas” awards under its belt, including Best Coffee Shop in 2022, awarded by Food and Wine Magazine.
The Coffee
If you consider yourself a black coffee lover, choose your favorite option from Dark Moon’s single-origin menu. Or opt for a seasonal specialty drink choice, as these often rotate, and all of Dark Moon’s syrups are housemade.
If the lines at this best-kept secret are too long for your busy morning, grab a can of cold brew and take their award-winning coffee to go. It’s all delicious here!
Quality and consistency are huge focuses of Dark Moon. They roast their beans, carefully sourced and cared for, once they arrive at the shop. Rotating single-origin pour-overs are incredibly popular at this location, showcasing the finesse and skill of this roastery.
In fact, Dark Moon has a precise deep freeze and vacuum sealing program for their single-origin beans, allowing them to keep their roasts fresh without compromising on customer experience and waste.
The Atmosphere
The cafe itself has a chic and minimalist vibe, complete with beer taps and a decent merch selection. Dark Moon has a few different house-brewed beer options and canned cold brew items that showcase this cafe’s mastery and diversity.
While this shop’s ambiance is more understated than others in Vegas, locals tend to appreciate Dark Moon’s approachable, no-nonsense vibes.
Urth Caffé – wynnlasvegas.com
With multiple locations in Southern California, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and, of course, Las Vegas, Urth Caffé prides itself on heirloom roasts and quality cups. This coffee shop is one of the best places on the Strip to visit if you are seeking delicious espresso–something that can be shockingly difficult to find in Vegas’s top tourist spots.
Urth Caffé began in 1989 after its owners took a trip to Peru and discovered how unsustainable the coffee industry can be. Prioritizing heirloom coffee plants and sustainable harvesting options, Urth Caffé has grown into an international business today.
The Coffee
All espresso drinks come with your choice of a dark or light roast, and this cafe also has an extensive tea menu. They specialize in berbero lattes (coffee drinks made with sweetened condensed milk) and granitas (blended coffee drinks).
Urth Caffé also has boba tea options, including an affogato option featuring their rich espresso and fresh ice cream.
While Urth Caffé may be ideal for tourists staying on the Strip, it’s a great spot for locals to impress visitors regarding latte art and attention to detail. Plus, Urth Caffé offers plenty of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, including whole Thanksgiving pies that taste so good that locals can’t help but admit it.
The Atmosphere
The location within the Wynn is welcoming and open, complete with a live olive tree growing in the center of the dining room.
Given that this bustling cafe is located within the Wynn shopping area, it has less seating than the average coffee shop. However, take some extra time and get your brew here to experience Urth Caffé’s gorgeous latte art to the fullest!
PublicUs – Niall Kennedy
Founded by Cole McBride (a barista world champ) in 2016, this coffee shop took Las Vegas by storm when it first opened. Its commitment to quality without sacrificing approachability made it stand out, as PublicUs maintains an impeccable balance between innovative menu items and staples anyone will recognize.
PublicUs is an absolute gem in Vegas, establishing a healthy crew of locals and regulars from the get-go with their unfussy, educational approach. And so much of this is facilitated by and spurned forward by McBride, a cafe owner who prioritizes community.
When first opening PublicUs, McBride cited a need for more connection and collaboration in Vegas, especially over a quality cup of coffee.
The Coffee
The coffee and espresso found at PublicUs are stand-outs on the menu, but you’ll miss out on the true deliciousness of this downtown coffeehouse if you skip breakfast.
Attention to detail is something this cafe excels at, from its housemade alternative milk to how every barista guides customers through making and ordering their ideal beverage.
Going the extra mile is why PublicUs remains popular with Vegas locals and tourists alike.
The Atmosphere
You’ll unlikely want to skip any of what PublicUs offers once you walk into its unpretentious, cozy interior.
In the middle of such a bustling, rushed city, this coffee shop reminds all of us to slow down and enjoy each other’s company over a carefully curated drink and hearty plate of food.
Keep in mind that this coffee shop maintains its popularity today, especially during weekend brunch times. Expect a wait that is always worth it–especially knowing that PublicUs was recently named among the top 100 best restaurants in Las Vegas!
Vesta Coffee Roasters – durangoresort.com
Sustainable Sourcing
Vesta Coffee Roasters
Location(s):
Drive-Thru
Summerlin location only
Jerad Jay founded Vesta Coffee Roasters in 2015 after roasting up small-batch beans in his downtown Las Vegas home. What began as a pet project blossomed into the Vesta known and loved by locals today.
The Coffee & Baked Goods
Nearly all of the menu is scratch-made, from the syrups to the croissants. Quality, sustainable ingredients fuel this roastery and bakery, including an emphasis on locally-grown grains.
While Vesta has been roasting their own beans since 2015, this shop has recently put more effort and focus into their baked goods. Their location in the Durango lobby is where you’ll find their largest selection.
The menus don’t necessarily change between Vesta’s multiple locations, but each location offers visitors something special. One is a drive-thru for the busy locals, and another has an on-site bakery.
The Atmosphere
Hospitality is important to Vesta Coffee Roasters, which is obvious upon walking into any of their four cafes.
The Arts District location was the first Vesta location and still features their on-site roastery, offering locals and tourists the opportunity to learn more about the coffee roasting process.
There’s a cozy simplicity to every Vesta cafe, something that allows the artistry and details of every cup of coffee to shine. Be sure to get housemade hazelnut milk or vanilla cardamom syrup in your iced latte. Or bring along a growler and fill it with nitro cold brew to take home.
Plus, Vesta offers bean subscriptions, so you always have quality coffee, no matter where you live.
mothershipcoffee.com
Locals Favorite
Mothership Coffee Roasters
Location(s):
Drive-Thru
Certain locations only
You may not have heard of Sunrise Coffee, the origin story for Mothership Coffee Roasters. This humble shop opened up across from Las Vegas’s International Airport all the way back in 2012. It didn’t take long for this cafe to begin roasting their own coffee beans with a single-origin emphasis, and Mothership Coffee Roasters was born.
A female and minority-owned shop founded by Juanny Romero, Mothership’s focus has always been on community and how cups of coffee build that so easily.
The Coffee
Romero’s taken that communal focus one step further and emphasized ethically sourced products, from the beans to the paper cups to the ingredients in every rustic pastry. The food menu here is limited but stellar, featuring a tight lineup of breakfast sandwiches (including empanadas) and burritos around lunchtime.
Mothership offers locals a coffee club discount should you join as well as bulk pastry discounts if you’re ordering for the office.
Plus, every location features a seasonal drink where each cup purchased sends a portion of proceeds to a rotating charity (known as “Sip With Purpose”)– just another way Romero chooses to give back.
The Atmosphere
While these spots can get busy in the mornings, you’ll likely not notice. The laid-back, friendly approach taken by Mothership staff members extends to the customers, helping you refuel and feel relaxed the rest of the day!
Moms and kids are a huge focus in every Mothership cafe location (hence the name!), making this coffee shop even more of a community. Child-friendly drinks and activity spaces depend on which cafe you choose to visit.
Founders Coffee – founderscoffeeco.com
Regardless of your choice, Founders Coffee keeps their cups of joe steaming hot and ready for you. This spot also features elevated brunch cuisine such as avocado toast and acai bowls. You can get any of their delicious menu items in-house or to go, depending on what your day holds.
The Coffee
It has yet to be clarified whether Founders Coffee roasts their own beans, but they most likely sourcing blends from around the world.
However, this cafe makes the most of whatever they choose to source, crafting delicious signature beverages such as a Tiramisu latte or the option to sample a flight of four different seasonal creations should you sit in-house.
The Atmosphere
Communal gathering is an important aspect of Founders Coffee despite maintaining a swift and seamless drive-thru experience. Couches and intimate two-tops are available inside its cafes, making it an ideal spot for when you can’t decide whether or not to grab your coffee and go or stay awhile.
Contemporary and industrial best describe the design of Founders Coffee. This beloved local chain maintains a consistent feel throughout its locations, balancing bustling drive-thru orders alongside comfortable meet-up spots.
Catering is also something Founders Coffee specializes in, offering their unique breakfast items and huge carafes of hot coffee to any local office or event. Their online order form makes it incredibly easy to ensure your next meeting or party is adequately caffeinated!
Gäbi Coffee & Bakery
It’s important to experience Gäbi Coffee & Bakery firsthand, as this location is just as special as the drinks coming out of it.
Located within a converted warehouse building circa 1907 in the heart of Las Vegas’ Chinatown District, Gäbi is influenced heavily by the roots of its location. The location itself is worth seeing–lofted industrial ceilings leave enough room for trees to stretch taller and taller, adding to this cafe’s whimsical elegance.
With eclectic, mismatched design and intimate seating areas, Gäbi is an ideal place for locals and tourists alike. Just off-Strip and conveniently located within Chinatown, Gäbi attracts all walks of life with its delicious specialty drinks and jaw-dropping baked goods.
The Coffee & Baked Goods
While their dry cappuccino and butterfly pea latte may distract you enough, Gäbi offers crepe cake samplers, insane macarons, and unique creations that change seasonally. Visiting this cafe and skipping something from their kitchen would be a mistake, so plan some extra time to sit and indulge.
The Atmosphere
Speaking of sitting, Gäbi’s space is large, but crowds tend to flock here in the early mornings and late afternoons to refuel. Catch this cafe on an off-hour, or utilize their delivery partners if you want one of their cakes for a special occasion.
Remember: freshly baked treats like these don’t stick around long, nor does Gäbi keep their cases overly stocked. Once something’s sold, it’s sold out for the day!
Sambalatte – sambalatte.com
Live Music & Meet-ups
Sambalatte
Location(s):
Four (4) locations, including one in the airport
Drive-Thru
None
With multiple convenient locations and in-house entertainment nightly, Sambalatte is an ideal coffee house to visit with friends or coworkers. Not only does this location impress with its intricate and colorful latte art, but it also makes an effort to ethically source and roast its beans weekly.
Founded by Luiz C. Oliveira, a Brazilian native who has been researching quality coffee for over a decade, Sambalatte infuses every cup with knowledge and craft.
The Coffee
Oliveira understands what goes into this business and what makes a good cup of coffee, as Brazil consistently grows undeniably delicious beans!
The food menu for Sambalatte is approachable and straightforward, featuring classic breakfast foods. Latte art is where this cafe shines, and it is committed to eco-friendly and sustainable coffee purchasing.
The Atmosphere
Their original location features a roasting space and coffee education area, allowing visitors to better understand what goes into their morning brew. There’s an organic and neutral palette within each Sambalette location, including their small footprint within Harry Reid International Airport.
Coffee influenced each cafe’s interior design and colors, reflecting the stages that every bean goes through, from flowering to harvest. These colors add comfort and warmth to the space while contributing to the cohesive vision Oliveira’s always had for Sambalatte.
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