The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is one of the most recognizable smells in the world, a scent that seems almost as eye-opening as the inky liquid itself. Perfectly made, coffee is an artful balance of its natural bitterness and acidity, somehow managing to become something bold, smooth and rich. Simple though it might seem at first blush of the humble bean, coffee is complex and unique with the brew of every cup, and its styles are as diverse as the regions in which it grows. And whether you insist on a no-frills cup or order yours with a long list of adjectives that fancify it to the highest degree, coffee is an undeniable part of culture all over the world. And with so many great cafes and coffee houses in Panama City Beach brewing up these beautiful beans, it’s easy to see that this is one city that loves a good jolt.
FINNS BARISTA BAR & SNACK SHACK
Building on their shared love of coffee to get into the grind, Finns Island Style Grub owners of Justin and Karen Buxton poured out that passion to launch Finns Barista Bar & Snack Shack in 2016. Sourcing their beans from Amavida Coffee Roasters, each cup created by their highly skilled baristas is a truly organic experience, from their house-made cashew milk to the made-from-scratch organic syrups that sweeten their custom creations. Naturally, the purer the drink, the better it tastes; and Finns makes a cold brew coffee that’s straight-up addictive. So much so that it’s their most popular drink — especially when it’s been sweetened and “creamified” with their organic add-ins. Topping the list of faves and raves are the Madagascar vanilla and the black salt mocha, though combining a few of their fabulous five syrups will create a truly unique drink that’s unlike any other. From icy cold brews to steamy and creamy cappuccinos, Finns goes all in for the killer cup.
THE POUR
A great cup of java is always a good idea, and the baristas at The Pour definitely know the power of a good pour. Using fair trade beans from local coffee roaster Amavida, the coffee loving team at this café handcrafts all the traditional brew-based beverages as well as a wide selection a of buzz-inducing drinks that show quite the creative flair. Perfect to chase away the wintery chill, the honey bee latte combines locally roasted organic espresso and freshly steamed milk and sweetens it with honey, vanilla and a dash of cinnamon. For some flower power in your cup, the Woodstock latte features vanilla, creamy white chocolate and a soothing hint of lavender. Open since 2012, The Pour has been creating works of sippable art that not only get the day going, but also raise funds needed for the various ministries and outreach programs of The Ark. From espressos and lattes to mochas and frappes, everything they serve is a good deed overflowing.
THOMAS DONUT & SNACK SHOP
Since opening the original joint as a donut and snack shop back in 1971, the Thomas family has not only kept their finger on the pulse of Panama City Beach with their freshly made sweets and lunch and dinner classics, but they have also made that pulse race with their specialty coffee and espresso drinks. They brew up everything from straight-up shots to cappuccinos, lattes, iced coffees and lattes, frozen coffees and, of course, good-old cups of joe. Using a Columbian blend of beans called Laguna Beach Blend, exclusively made just for them by Amavida, each jolt of java at Thomas is fair trade and organic. And while their beverages have kept up with the times, a fresh-baked Thomas donut is one accompaniment that won’t ever go out of style. So sip and dunk to your heart’s content — owner Mike Thomas and his crew at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop will gladly fill your cup and serve whatever you need to get some pep in your step.
Parlor Doughnuts
Founded in 2019 by Darrick Hayden and Josh Tudela, the concept of Parlor Doughnuts grew out of Hayden's travels with his son's band across the states to search for the best coffee & doughnuts over the course of several years. Parlor offers their signature "Layered Doughnut" - setting them apart from a traditional cake or yeast style doughnut. Aside from an array of unique bakery items, they also pride themselves in their speciality coffee. Enjoy an iced or hot latte, cold brew, iced or hot matcha, espresso, or cappuccino to name a few. Pair them with one (or more) of their more than 20 famous layered doughnuts and you're in for a real treat!
The Press at Laketown Wharf
Whether you're in the mood for hot or iced, dark or light roast, sweet or just a classic cup of black, The Press at Laketown Wharf has you covered with a variety of options to satisfy every coffee lover's fix. Their philosophy is to create a one-of-a-kind cafe experience, where simple and enjoyable brewing meets a comfortable, yet stimulating, environment. Enjoy a cappuccino, espresso, cold brew, iced or hot latte, or even a house coffee flight if you're feeling adventurous or can't decide on just one. They also have plenty of dairy and non-dairy options, flavor add-ons, cold foam, and spices to name a few. Their menu also features monthly and seasonal speciality drinks. Whether you're looking to kick back and relax with a good cup of coffee, grab a pick-me-up before a study sesh, or meeting with friends, family or colleagues, The Press was designed to fit all your needs with work stations, power hubs and comfortable areas to relax, work or study.
