Exploring Atlanta’s Best Cafes

For many, coffee is an essential for everyday life. Most adults and students have very busy lives, and a daily dose of caffeine goes a long way when we need a little more energy. Starbucks has taken over the coffee shop industry, but in Atlanta, there are many other incredible options like local cafes that can fulfill more needs than a mediocre latte at Starbucks. Not only do we want our coffee and pastries to taste good, but we also want good service, a cozy coffee shop feel, and a nice space to work in. I decided to test three of the best cafes in the Atlanta area to see if they truly can meet our expectations.

The first coffee shop I went to was Café Vendôme. This expansive coffee shop has two locations: one in Sandy Springs and another in Buckhead. The Buckhead location is very close to Galloway and has a lot of space. I would choose this coffee shop for its large workspace and nice environment. The shop is perfect for meetings or individual work and has a menu that covers all of the bases and more. This cafe embodies an authentic French bistro, with a large display of traditional French pastries. I tasted the chai latte, which was pretty good but a little watery. The food is fantastic, and I would advise you to try the chocolate croissant or the eclair. The lighting is dim and it can get a little loud, but it is very organized and clean. There is plenty of comfortable seating indoors and outdoors. The entrance to the cafe in Buckhead is slightly hard to find, but it is in a safe area. This coffee shop is great for working with friends and enjoying delicious snacks. Café Vendôme is expensive, but it is worth it for the pastries.

The next cafe I visited was The Read Shop by the Merchant, which is in Paces Ferry. Like Café Vendôme, the shop is also expensive. However, when I saw it, I thought it was the cutest coffee shop I had ever seen. While the cafe is little, the interior is just as adorable, with books lining the walls and a neat and organized counter where you purchase your drink or pastry. They had many options for beverages, and a few food options as well. I tried the lavender latte, which was presented beautifully and tasted just as good. Since the work environment is quiet and small, it is a great place to do individual work, but for group projects, I would suggest Café Vendôme. This shop is reminiscent of old coffee shops, which are very down-to-earth and typically have a combined bookstore. Most of the books sold there are coffee table books, with the exception of notebooks and a few New York Times best sellers. There are big open windows, good lighting, and plenty of space to work by yourself. Overall, this cafe is a perfect “getaway” type of spot – relaxing, quiet, and cozy. It is a great place in a nice location to catch a break during your day or do your homework in a focused environment. 

Lastly, I went to Cafe Comma in Vinings. This modern cafe is in a good location that is close to many schools including Lovett, Pace, and Atlanta Classical Academy. The exterior is simple, but the interior is full of hanging plants and open windows. Since the seats are wooden blocks and there is no desk space for working, this cafe is definitely not the place you would go to to get some work done. If you need to run in to grab a quick to-go cup, this is the place for you. There are many unique drink options such as the churro latte, which I tried. It was delicious and was gorgeously presented. They also had a variety of options for toast and food, and the service was very good. The vibe of the cafe reminded me of a gym because of the concrete walls and streamlined decor. If you want a quick fix of coffee before school, this is the right place for you; however, don’t come here for a peaceful coffee break or a study session. 

All these cafes are delicious and much better than Starbucks, though I would recommend each of them for different reasons. Café Vendôme is a yummy and convenient place to go to have meetings, hang out with friends, and get your work done. The Read Shop provides a cozy and calming atmosphere for independent work or just relaxation. Cafe Comma is a perfect grab-and-go with tasty products that have an added “wow” effect. Overall, these coffee shops were not much more expensive than Starbucks, and the benefits are much greater. Even though fast-food-type coffee is easy, supporting local businesses and enjoying a higher quality experience make going to these cafes so worth it. 

By Ella Marks