Busy mornings call for fast-paced, national chain coffee stores because they’re easy and quick. You don’t even have to look at the menu because you’ve got a “usual” and it pretty much always tastes exactly the same, which is exactly what you need and want. But slow mornings where you’ve got some time to sit and really enjoy yourself? Those call for something different—something small, something local, maybe even something home grown.
As a real estate agent who has served families in every part of Indianapolis over the last 5 years, I have been to a lot of coffee shops around the city so I wanted to share some of my favorites:
MOTW Coffee & Pastries
Growing up in Carmel as one of very few Muslim students, Sajjad Shah developed a passion for sharing his faith at a very young age. When he started the Instagram page Muslims of the World (MOTW), he had no idea how much it would bring people together—even people of other faiths. From there, it seemed the natural next step was to open a shop providing another thing that brings people together—coffee!
MOTW Coffee & Pastries now has four shops around the city, in Fishers, Carmel, Castleton and Indianapolis. In fact, they are even about to open their fifth shop in Chicago, IL!
Ascend Coffee
Located in the Castleton area, Ascend Coffee says their mission is to change the world around them by bettering the lives of people, whether that be the people who walk through their doors here in our local community or the people who work on the farms in Ethiopia where they source their coffee. In addition to the coffeehouse staples of espresso, teas, and cold brews, you’ll also find house-made syrups, seasonal lattes, and baked goods on their menu.
Rose & Lois
This place is just about as local as you can get with locally roasted beans and locally sourced food. Rachel Priddy, the owner of Rose & Lois, says she is a food scientist by education, beverage scientist by experience, and coffee lover by necessity. You may catch their mobile espresso bar out and about around the city, but they also have a fixed location in Carmel—with a drive-thru window!
Roasted in the Village
If you’ve spent any time in Zionsville at all, then you’re already familiar with its small-town charm. This place only adds to that with the raffles they put on regularly, scheduled story times for kiddos, and featured art on the wall by local artists. If you’re looking for a cozy café with friendly staff, delicious food and tasty coffee, Roasted in the Village will deliver all that and more!
Monon Coffee Company
Nestled on the Monon Trail since 1997, the Monon Coffee Co is a cozy and comfy little shop where you can find a huge menu with an assortment of local coffees, treats, and foods. While the place is on the small side, there always seems to be enough room for people to spread out and work, read, or people watch.
Hitherto Coffee & Gaming Parlour
While I don’t make it over to Greenfield as often as I’d like, Hitherto is hands-down my favorite spot to frequent when I’m there. As if the delicious menu overflowing with coffees, teas, tonics, elixirs and pastries wasn’t enough, this gem also has more than 1,000 game titles that you can play—see the entire list here—and purchase during your visit.
Got a favorite coffee spot that’s not on this list? I’d love to know about it! Please pop over to my Instagram or Facebook channels to share your find!
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