For more than a few of us, a daily trip to the neighborhood coffee shop is a must. We feel at home in coffee shops, whether we’re grabbing a to-go cup on the way to the office or setting up shop with a laptop and a latte. Still, if you go to the same one too often, you might not be able to enjoy it as much each time. So, whether you’re in a big city like Singapore or a holiday place like Aspen, be sure to check out the locally-owned coffee shops that have more to offer than just coffee.

And only a few coffee places around the world have interiors that look as good as the freshly baked treats behind the counter. From a very simple place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to a lively place with a retro feel in Atlanta, these coffee shops are giving the cup of coffee we know and love a proper home. Find out about these 23 must-see coffee shops around the world and step up your daily cup.

Third Wave (Australia, Torquay)

On a beautiful stretch of Victoria’s coast, Third Wave’s wavy front reminds you of the waves below. The small shop, which is just over 200 square feet, has the beach’s changing rooms and a coffee bar that serves drinks from around the world. The building was made out of weathered sheet metal that was used to protect the area from flooding a few years ago. It can be easily taken apart and moved if needed.

Don Café House (Pristina, Kosovo)

The complex shapes inside this modern shop were made from more than 1,300 pieces of plywood. The curved walls, coffee bean-shaped light fixtures, and wavy table tops were all made to make it feel like you were inside a bag of coffee beans. The plywood slats on the main wall were created by a local company, Innarch, to stick out, making one long banquette.

Case Study Coffee (Portland, Oregon)

At the branch of a famous Portland coffee company in the Alberta Arts District, there is a bar with a chandelier that looks like a molecule of caffeine. The Case Study Coffee, which is the company’s third site, was designed by owners Wes Russell and Christine Herman. They used Heath Ceramics tile, George Nelson Bubble lamps, and woodwork by Russell to create a midcentury vibe that nods to the famous Case Study Houses of the time.

Art of Coffee (Japan, Nagakute)

Iks Design, an architecture company in Japan, turned a warehouse into a warm and quiet coffee shop. The company decorated the space with brass and copper accents, like the coffee bar that is made of copper. The roaster is on a stage, and bar seats are all around it, so customers can watch it roast.

Voyager Espresso (New York City)

This small shop called Voyager Espresso is in a subway station in the Financial District. It was designed by the architecture company Only If, which was inspired by the shop’s namesake spaceship. The team used aluminum enamel paint to cover the walls of the futuristic space and put in a round barista station made of perforated metal and black marble. The coffee shop has both private and open places to sit for people who aren’t getting a cup of coffee on their way to work.

Anh Coffee Roastery (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

Anh Coffee Roastery, which opened in 2021 in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City, is one of Red5studio’s newest building marvels. Set back from the street, the design firm took advantage of its large space to make a place that looked like an amusement park and had lots of places to sit together. The red basalt land around the building gave the architects ideas for a one-color room that is both easy on the eyes and draws attention.

Felix Roasting Co. (Aspen)

Few interior designers do maximalism as well as Ken Fulk, a genius from San Francisco. The Felix Roasting Co., which is next to the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, is proof. With its glowing ceiling, plush chairs in jewel tones, and Murano glass light fixture, the room is a celebration of tamed luxury. The menu is just as daring, with drinks like the s’mores latte, which is served in a martini glass and topped with a roasted marshmallow.

Go Get ’em Tiger (Los Angeles)

Go Get Em Tiger has several sites in Lala Land, but the one in the Music Center is one of the most interesting. The coffee shop at the top of Grant Park is, to say the least, a popular place to go.

September (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

September in a coffee shop is like a bird’s nest that has been blown away by the wind. The architects at Red5studio did a good job of making the room feel like a nest by putting nooks and crannies everywhere. As for the wind, the company took a more literal approach: when the breeze moves the circle wall hangings, they dance. Plus, they made the ceilings, walls, and floors curve like a light breeze.

Tatte Bakery (Washington, D.C.)

“You can feel the love when you walk into a Tatte shop. Tzurit Or, the founder, pastry cook, and creative force behind Tatte Bakery & Café, says, “It makes you want to treat yourself, indulge, and be inspired.” Or has put together a collection of furniture and light fixtures from all over the world for each of her shops, which are in Washington, D.C., and Boston. This gives her shops a sense of real culture and the wider world. “We are so grateful to the neighborhoods and communities we live in and to Tatte fans all over the country for their amazing support,” she says.

Conclusion

Coffee shops are essential for many people, and there are 23 must-see coffee shops around the world that offer more than just coffee. These local-owned establishments have unique interiors that make the coffee experience more enjoyable.

Some of the most popular coffee shops include Third Wave in Australia, Don Café House in Kosovo, Case Study Coffee in Portland, Art of Coffee in Japan, Voyager Espresso in New York City, Anh Coffee Roastery in Vietnam, Felix Roasting Co. in Aspen, Go Get ’em Tiger in Los Angeles, September in Vietnam, and Tatte Bakery in Washington, D.C. These shops offer a unique blend of local culture and global influences, making them a must-see for anyone looking to elevate their coffee experience.