Best Coffee Shops in Atlanta

As a freelance writer, I’m always looking for a place other than my couch to do work. My requirements are free wireless Internet, plenty of outlets and quality beverages. Octane Coffee succeeds on all fronts. Although they have locations throughout town and one in Alabama, the Grant Park one is my favorite. On any given morning, you will see every table covered in laptop computers of aspiring entrepreneurs, students or poor writers like myself. You’ll find all the usual suspects: coffee, tea and hot chocolate. But what makes Octane different is that after 5 pm, it turns into a bar and serves dinner. Atlantans must know when to switch to the hard stuff. The Grant Park location also shares space with Little Tart Bakeshop, which serves up quiche, tarts, sandwiches and other sweets.

This unassuming coffeehouse has become one of my favorite places to work, mostly for the delicious chai lattes and free Wi-Fi—but there’s much more to it than that. Land of a Thousand Hills was founded in 2005 by local Jonathan Golden, who wanted to do something to help victims of the Rwandan genocide. He started a coffee company that pays fair wages to its farm workers in the African nation. The coffee is 100% fair trade, which you can buy ready to drink or in bags to take home. They also serve pastries and small plates.

Modeled after the cafes of Europe, Cafe Intermezzo brings you to Vienna with its European-style coffee, desserts, and late-night bites. Their sweet and savory crepes, breakfast dishes, and selection of more than 70 cakes and pastries are all well worth a try. The 50-page menu is chock-full of delicious food, as well as their range of liqueurs, wines, champagnes, and beers from around the world. Pick a seat on the patio for the full experience.

When I walked into REV Coffee in Smyrna, I first noticed how many people like me were there. With plenty of table space, there were at least 30 people all tapping away on their laptops. This coffee shop came recommended by a fellow writer, and I could see why. I grabbed a bacon-cheddar biscuit and a chai latte before starting to work. Ask at the counter for the Wi-Fi password, which is free for guests. The old garage-turned-coffee heaven offers all sorts of beverages, including personal french press, as well as a menu of sandwiches and snacks. They play fantastic music and even have open mic night during the week.

Settled into the soon-to-open Ponce City Market on the corners of North and Ponce de Leon avenues, Dancing Goats is a espresso and coffee bar in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Open from 6:30 am with plenty of parking, Dancing Goats is a great place to get work done. An glass encased patio allows digital nomads to plug in and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi while watching the cars pass by. Dancing Goats sells Batdorf & Bronson coffee, a beloved roaster based in Washington state. Pastries, teas and other snacks are available.

Local coffeeshops are becoming harder and harder to find in Atlanta‘s suburbs, as evidenced by the chains popping up all around the Marietta Square. But Cool Beans Coffee Roasters has stood its “grounds” since opening in the 1990s. Cool Beans is the hub of the community, with a large group of regulars and locals coming in every morning as well as during the weekly open mic night. You can expect your coffee favorites at Cool Beans, like the cappuccino or espresso, which come from all over the world, so ask your barista for suggestions. They also carry assorted teas and pastries.

Who says coffee shops are only for early risers? The aptly named Inman Perk is one of the few coffee shops in town that stays open well into the evening, making it a great place to study or work. The family-owned coffeehouse has won awards for its commitment to serving only the finest, most sustainable coffee. For those with a sweet tooth, try the decadent turtle mocha.

This Freedom Parkway coffee shop is for early birds and night owls alike, serving up Counter Culture coffee every morning at 7 am and switching to cocktails and beer at 5 pm. Condesa has a rotating selection of craft beer, wine and unique cocktails. Try the Nixon Was a Russian, which incorporates both espresso and vodka. Condesa also serves small bites and sandwiches if you’re spending the afternoon there with your laptop. They also sell breakfast items and pastries from Alon’s Bakery.

You can’t see this coffee shop from the street, as it’s located at Walton on the Chattahoochee apartment complex, but buzz in and say “coffee” and they’ll let you in. Only open to non-residents during the week, Chattahoochee Coffee Company stays busy with a steady influx of in-the-know locals. They’re not open to the public on weekends to make themselves available to residents and parking is scarce most days either way. But once you’ve reached suburban coffee nirvana, you’ll want to stay. They serve Counter Culture coffee and Rishi Tea with pastries and smoothies. There’s plenty of seating, both inside and outside, and access to plugs and free WiFi. They also have computers for use. Grab your beverage of choice and walk down to the benches next to the river.