
Baristas are some of our greatest unsung heroes. Seriously, can you imagine having gotten through this last year without coffee? They're some of our most essential workers, and they hardly ever get thanked.
Well, now's your chance. Barista day is coming up on March 1st, and it's a great opportunity to support some of our great local coffee shops in the Columbus area. Be sure to thank your barista while you're there, and maybe leave a little something extra in that tip jar!
1051 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
A cozy brick-walled coffee shop and roastery in a reclaimed industrial space, Mission Coffee Co. offers some of the finest coffee in Columbus. Every bean is roasted and brewed to perfection. Their coffees are sourced from all around the world before being roasted in Mission Coffee's local Columbus facility, and their friendly and knowledgeable staff will happily help you choose the right brew for your palate.
4541 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
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A small local chain with a handful of locations in and around Columbus, Crimson Cup Coffee Shop is a great place to grab a quick cup of coffee when you're on the go. The Clintonville location, just a few minutes from the Ohio State University Campus, even has a drive-through window to save time. Crimson Cup also offers a cool brew bar inside, where various single-origin coffees are brewed by the cup to order.
79 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
The folks at Upper Cup Coffee Co. do a seemingly simple thing—find the best coffee beans from all around the world—and they do it incredibly well. Upper Cup started out in 2010 as a wholesale coffee business but opened a retail shop the following year as their coffee quickly gained an ardent local following. This is the perfect place to sit and savor a finely crafted pour-over or a delicately foamy cappuccino. They serve tasty teas and iced beverages too and have a short-and-simple menu of breakfast and lunch staples to go with your drink.
849 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
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This cozy coffee shop in the Short North Arts District is more than just a place to get coffee. It's a real neighborhood focal point, displaying works by local artists and serving pastries from local bakeries. They also serve rich house-roasted coffee and some of the tastiest, frothiest espresso drinks you're ever likely to taste.
2250 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
This High Street Hangout is many things to many people. It's a thriving arts space that often hosts live music and entertainment. It's a quiet place to study. It's a late-night watering hole serving craft beer and cocktails. Above all, it's a great coffee shop. And whether you need a jolt of espresso to get you going in the morning or a strong Irish coffee to help you wind down, Kafe Kerouac is a great, friendly space in which to enjoy it.
627 S. 3rd St. #1060, Columbus, OH 43206
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Stauf's was one of Columbus' first micro-roasters when it first opened its doors, and this German Village mainstay has stuck around to become one of the city's most beloved coffee shops. They offer great gourmet espresso drinks and brewed coffee, plus and beans to-go, with welcoming indoor and outdoor seating areas. Be sure to check out their baked goods too, including brownies, muffins, scones, and even house-made dog treats.
3535 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
With a focus on bringing quality, ethically sourced coffee to Ohio, Global Gallery Coffee Shop is truly a global-minded space. All their coffees are Fair Trade certified, and the coffee shop is involved with a wide range of projects and initiatives, including the Women Crafting Change project. Global Gallery's indoor space is a popular place for students to sip coffee while studying, and the outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy an iced latte during the warmer months.
329 E. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Brioso Roastery & Coffee Bar is one of the best places in Columbus to sample truly unique, flavorful single-origin coffees from all corners of the globe. Their beans are sourced from farmers in some of the world's greatest coffee-producing regions, and then roasted to perfection in-house. You may want to take a bag home with you after you've finished your coffee. Brioso Roastery also offers outstanding espresso drinks and a light lunch menu.
745 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Nestled in Columbus' Short North neighborhood, One Line Coffee offers small-batch coffees, roasted to order. It's a great place to grab a bag of beans to brew at home, but the shop's warm, welcoming brick-lined interior is the kind of place that encourages you to stay a while. Besides, their hand-poured coffees and finely tuned espresso drinks are worth savoring slowly. One Line Coffee also has a second location in Franklinton.
1031 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
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Offering superb coffee and next-level baked goods, Fox in the Snow Cafe is a beloved fixture of the local coffee scene, with three locations around Columbus. It all started at their flagship location in Italian Village in 2014, and the business took off so quickly that additional shops quickly popped up in German Village and New Albany. Food & Wine Magazine ranked Fox in the Snow among the best coffee shops in America in 2019, and folks keep coming back for the amazing coffee and friendly, rustic-chic ambiance.
541 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215
Located in historic German Village, Pistacia Vera is a from-scratch bakery that also serves up a delicious cup of coffee. Combinations like a Raspberry Vanilla Latte and Raspberry Macarons are sure to please and keep you coming back for more delectable French pastries and coffee creations. Don't forget to add a chocolate truffle or two to your order. Pistacia Vera is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week.
We're lucky to live in a city with some of the greatest coffee shops and most talented baristas around. Did we forget to mention your favorite Columbus coffee shop? Let us know in the comments section!

According to noted writer and food critic A.A. Gill, breakfast is a commitment to "a new day, a continuing life." Share that uplifting sentiment throughout February, which has been designated as Hot Breakfast Month.
Do you have tried-and-true breakfast favorites, or do you like variety? Whatever your individual style is, you'll find plentiful options at these great breakfast restaurants around Columbus.
1550 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43221
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Enjoy a European getaway without leaving Columbus. La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro features the food and ambiance of a charming Parisian cafe. Owners Stan and Gigi use recipes passed down in their family for dishes such as French toast made with vanilla brioche. Breakfast isn't complete without one of the delectable pastries and baked goods made fresh onsite. Order online for quick carryout. Breakfast hours are 7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekends.
4519 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
Did you make a New Year's resolution to eat healthier? Try the heart-healthy ingredients and bright flavors at Olive & Thyme Mediterranean Cuisine & Cafe. Their breakfast menu includes traditional dishes such as fatte, made with garbanzo beans cooked in house-blend spices and topped with garlic-infused yogurt. Lovers of classic breakfast can go with eggs scrambled in olive oil and seasonings and an optional side of lamb or beef sausage. Carryout and delivery available. Breakfast is served weekends from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
2980 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43209
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Scotty's Cafe refers to itself as "the best-kept secret in town." But considering the restaurant has been in business since 1989, they're not having any trouble finding customers. Breakfast is served all day, including the specials, which start at just $5.95 for two eggs, toast or bagel, and coffee or tea. The real crowd-pleaser is the French toast, which one delighted customer likened to crème brûlée. Friendly, attentive service adds to the cozy vibe. Scotty's also offers both carryout and delivery. Hours are 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekdays.
4120 Worth Ave., Columbus, OH 43219
Fine dining at a hardware store? At RH Rooftop Restaurant, you can have a leisurely brunch before heading downstairs to pick out light fixtures or window treatments for your new home in Columbus. The upscale brunch menu includes items from the regular menu along with tempting breakfast dishes such as RH Scramble, with eggs, crème fraîche, avocado, and chives. Elegance of the food is matched by the luxurious glass and steel atrium setting with fountains and trellised London plane trees. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily.
1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
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Southern sass meets Latin flair at Katalina's, a funky cafe housed in a 100-year-old former gas station that's been featured in USA Today's 10Best. The main event at breakfast is the spectacular pancake balls. These fluffy spheres of goodness are stuffed with your choice of Nutella, dulce de leche, or pumpkin-apple butter. Katalina puts her own spin on migas, scrambling the eggs with crema, crushed Shagbark chips, and housemade spiced pepitas. The patio is open for dining seven days a week, plus carryout and delivery are available. Katalina's is open daily from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2932 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43209
When you want comfort for your stomach and your soul, head to Stav's Diner. As you walk in, the owner (yes, his name is Stav) will extend a warm greeting from behind the counter where he's preparing orders. In addition to a menu of classic breakfast dishes, Stav's offers rotating daily specials. One recent special was the Polish Cowboy, an omelet with kielbasa, green pepper, mushrooms, onions, and Swiss cheese. You can also order ahead for curbside pickup. Hours are 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekends.
951 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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Farm-to-table is more than just a trendy dining concept. Northstar Cafe uses locally-grown and artisan-produced products as part of its commitment to the environment and the community. The sweet potato hash adds a vegetarian twist to the classic breakfast dish with roasted beets, arugula, and red peppers. Several items can be made meat- and dairy-free, and the smoothies are a healthy breakfast on their own. Order online for curbside pickup. Northstar is open daily from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
2563 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
Does the term "gut-buster breakfast" automatically cause you to salivate? If so, then longtime Columbus favorite Jack & Benny's is the place for you. Their Gut Buster is a towering stack of hash browns, potato pancake, bacon, ham, egg, sausage patty, and cheese topped off with country gravy and toast. Still not enough? Go for the James Buster Douglas, which doubles the portions. With dozens of omelet, pancake, and burrito options, there's a breakfast to suit any size of appetite. Jack & Benny's is open for dine-in and carryout. Hours are 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays.
53 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
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Despite the clever name, you don't have to suffer from the previous night's overindulgence to enjoy the amazing breakfast dishes at HangOverEasy. Menu items bear names that follow the same quirky sense of humor, such as Walk of Shame, a breakfast sandwich served on a grilled, glazed buckeye donut. Their oatmeal pie pancakes with buttercream icing are the stuff dreams are made of. HangOverEasy has a second location on the Ohio State University campus. Order online for carryout or curbside pickup at both spots. Hours are 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekends.
744 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43206
Owners Ben and Michael Kelley wanted Emmett's Cafe to reflect their passion for their home town. Named after their young nephew, Emmett's has a distinct charm and personality that more than fulfills their mission. The One-Handed, a breakfast sandwich with prosciutto, egg, cheese, and rosemary aioli, is well-suited for dining on the go. Another customer favorite is the breakfast burrito, with ups the ante by adding tots, avocado, and salsa. Visit the website to order for contact-free carryout. Emmett's is open daily from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
So where do you stand on the eternal breakfast debate: break the yolks for a scramble, or go sunny-side-up?