Perking Up: The Buzz About Southwest Orlando's Coffee Culture
Posted by Jeffrey G. Funk P.A. on Thursday, April 18th, 2024 at 9:58am.
In recent years, the landscape of Southwest Orlando's coffee culture has boomed, with neighborhoods such as Windermere, Winter Garden, Hamlin, and Clermont becoming hotbeds for caffeine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. What was once a region dominated by a few big-name chains has now blossomed into a thriving hub of independent coffee shops and popular franchises, each offering its unique blend of ambiance, artisanal brews, and community spirit. From cozy corner cafes to trendy drive-thru experiences, the emergence of these establishments reflects a growing demand for quality coffee and a shift towards supporting local businesses and fostering vibrant communal spaces. As the aroma of freshly roasted beans fills the air and baristas craft exquisite latte art, it's evident that Southwest Orlando's coffee scene is not just brewing - it's thriving.
Windermere:
Paloma | 507 Main Street | Downtown Windermere
- The Vibe: Cozy and perfect for a conversation under a shady tree in downtown Windermere. Coffee is the star here, but they offer a select choice of food and bakery items to snack on alongside your beverage. Wander across the street to the weekly Farmers Market on Fridays to sip and shop for local foods and so much more.
Henko Cafe | 13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd #1000 | Windermere
- The Vibe: Newly opened in 2024, this corner cafe is in perfect proximity to Summerport and other nearby communities. Enjoy coffee alongside a variety of breakfast and lunch items. Something we have our eye on is the Pizza Bagel—I think all millennials are having flashbacks to Bagel Bites commercials, and we're here for it!
Winter Garden:
Rosalie Cafe | 141 W. Plant Street | Downtown Winter Garden
- The Vibe: This popular French-inspired cafe will not only have you fully caffeinated with its beautiful lattes and espressos but also salivating over its amazing pastry displays. This Winter Garden staple has a line out the door for a reason, from croissants to quiche and everything in between.
Axum Coffee | 146 W. Plant Street | Downtown Winter Garden
- The Vibe: Check out this downtown Winter Garden spot, perfect for meandering down Plant Street or heading to Centennial Park to swing and sip by the fountain. On Fridays, you can find a mobile spot in the weekly farmers market. Seasonal menus feature fun flavors like Honey Lavender and Blueberry Matcha. Tip: Axum's roastery is located inside the Plant Street Market. Stop by on Monday for a chance to watch their roasting process!
Piccolo Coffee Co. | 18 N. Boyd St | Downtown Winter Garden
- The Vibe: Cozy and tucked behind Winter Garden Wheel Works, this spot offers espressos, cold brew, chai teas, and more! They also have a small selection of bakery goods. Grab a seat inside, or take your goodies to go. You may catch Piccolo around Orlando at their mobile carts, which include a unique Cold Brew Trike that serves cold brew on tap!
Hamlin:
Filigree Coffee | 16016 New Independence Pkwy #100 | Hamlin
- The Vibe: Located in the Home State Brewing Company in Hamlin, this hip location even offers its own canned collaboration with Home State, a Vanilla Coffee Blonde Ale. Grab everything from a single-origin filter coffee to an iced turmeric latte.
Clermont:
Citrus Coffee | 141 S. Hwy 27 | Clermont
- The Vibe: One of the most unique locations in Central Florida where you can enjoy a cup of coffee is Citrus Coffee, which is located at the base of the Citrus Tower. The tower was constructed in 1956 and stands at 226 feet tall. Enjoy your drink in the base, or take the elevator (separate cost) to the top and enjoy sweeping 360° views of surrounding Clermont and central Florida.
Central Florida & National Franchises:
- Foxtail Coffee | Multiple Locations across Central Florida, including Winter Garden, Oakland, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, and Clermont
- Dutch Bros (NEW!) | Multiple Locations across Central Florida, including Davenport, Clermont
- Cali Coffee (NEW!) | Minneola
- 7Brew (NEW!) | Clermont
- Double O's | Ocoee
- Just Love Coffee Cafe | Clermont
- CFS Coffee Dr. Phillips | Multiple Locations across Central Florida, including Dr. Phillips
As Southwest Orlando continues to evolve and grow, so does its vibrant coffee scene. From the cozy corners of Windermere to the bustling streets of Winter Garden, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of community spirit are undeniable. Whether you savor a latte at Paloma or explore the French-inspired delights of Rosallie Cafe, each sip tells a story of passion and craftsmanship. As we embrace this thriving culture, let's not just indulge in the flavors but also support our local businesses, fostering a sense of unity and vitality in our neighborhoods. So, whether you're a longtime resident or just passing through, join us in raising a cup to the ever-burgeoning coffee culture of Southwest Orlando. Cheers to good company, great coffee, and the shared experiences that make our community truly special.
