Coffee in ‘Co Town
The weather in Waco has finally dipped into the chilly pockets of late fall! Wacotown is known for its downtown flair especially when it comes to our local coffee houses. We are home to so many different shops, each with its own unique blends and characteristics that make them all a must-stop location, perfect for a pick-me-up! Here are just a few of my favorite places that tickle my fancy around this time of year:
One of the best spots in Waco is Dichotomy Coffee & Spirit! This delightfully named coffee shop plays on the shop’s specialty of coffee and cocktail creations. This may seem like some magical alchemy ( or you may be asking yourself why you didn’t think of it sooner) but the split bar with half coffee house / half cocktail bar is genius. If a combo of the two isn’t your cup-of-tea, or should I say coffee, the coffee house side offers all of your traditional favorites. Though, you have to try the locally inspired “1885” drink, it’s Dr. Pepper combined with espresso! Dichotomy is undoubtedly one of the best places that caters to all your beverage needs.
Next up is Common Grounds - one of the best puns in the book if you ask me. Common Grounds coffee shop is most often home to the student population of Baylor University. The main location is on 8th Street, just a short walk from the Baylor campus, and it is one of the best places to hang out or get some work done. They even have an amazing outdoor patio with a stage perfect for all kinds of intimate performances (it’s known as a “premier music venue in Waco”). With its second location across town in Woodway it shares a space with Slow Rise Slice House. What is better than pizza and coffee? Common Grounds is one of Waco’s most iconic coffee houses and holds a special place in my heart!
Pinewood Coffee Roasters have some of the best brews in the business, especially if you are looking for something fresh. Pinewood’s “genuine care for people, for product” is self-evident with their mission of working with green coffee farmers and their love for community events. Pinewoods is actually comprised of two buildings, (former dental offices) the left building is your vibey, coffee dream house and to your right the hip, chill wine and beer bar. These two are conjoined together by a beautiful deck and patio; the perfect to enjoy both a coffee and a beer later in the day.
I could not finish this piece without giving an honorable mention to the renowned Magnolia Press. Magnolia Press has a little bit of everything and shows off our local love for Joanna and Chip Gaines. You will have the chance to sip on fresh French Pressed coffee and snack on some fragrant fresh pastries ready for the picking. Magnolia press has an emerald green exterior and eclectic retro interior, which is very gorgeous. While construction is always happening and there really isn’t much to see over there (don’t get distracted by the chaotic Magnolia kingdom) this coffee shop actually kind of slaps and seems to create its own magical cozy world.
