15 Dallas Coffee Shops Where You Can Work, Warm Up or Rock Out

Coffee shops have taken on a new role since the pandemic and the shift toward remote working arrangements. They serve as a valuable tool in facing the world every morning, and for many, espresso machines have become the new water cooler. Table space and electric outlets are stalked, and a pleasant ambiance and strong coffee are the amenities every worker needs.

Dallas has many wonderful coffee shops, but here are the ones we're excited about right now, in no particular order.

Full City Rooster

1810 S. Akard St.

Tucked away in the Cedars neighborhood south of downtown, this locally owned coffee shop sits in the bones of an old electric shop and is adorned with local artwork and wildlife (well, not all of that is local). Full City started as an appointment-only roastery but thankfully expanded the cafe hours over the years and now serves as a center point for community connection. Beans here are roasted in small batches. Watch their Facebook page for local collaborations of interest (like with Dude, Sweet Chocolate) and save room for excellent, locally made pastries.

Wayward Coffee Co.

1318 W. Davis St. and 2025 Irving Blvd.

Wayward Coffee has retro yeehaw cowboy vibes, but not in an intrusive way — in a red-hanky-around-your-neck-to-keep-dirt-off way. It's clean and classy. The menu here is pretty straightforward, and the syrups — there are just four — are made in-house. Beans are courtesy of Santa Cruz-based Cat and Cloud, with rotating guest roasters. They take their coffee very seriously, making this a spot for true connoisseurs or for those who need to kill some time before a tattoo appointment.

Davis Street Espresso

819 W. Davis St.

We can't talk about coffee shops in Dallas without talking about Davis Street Espresso. We just can't. It's downright essential to Dallas. Founders Shannon and Jenni Neffendorf wanted to bring Italian espresso culture to Dallas after trips abroad and, to this day, they don't offer WiFi. We're here for it. They also don't have to-go cups. Just sit down and relax, dammit, and channel an old Italian guy.

La Casita Coffee at Half Price Books

5801 E. Northwest Highway

When you say the name of this coffee shop, sing it like it's a show-tune: LaaaaaaaaaCaaaaaaaSEETah! Originally a Richardson bakery, the place migrated south to a spot inside one of Dallas' oldest and largest bookstores. The pastries inspire show-tune energy, and as for the coffee, according to a Reddit thread, they roast La Colombe beans and Nizza for espresso and Yirgachefe (single origin, Ethiopian) for our drip and cold brew. Grab a coffee and four pastries then snuggle with to a dusty old book.

Escape 360

7540 State Highway 121, McKinney

Escape 360, a Thai-inspired coffee shop in McKinney, is the latest venture by Pete and Rosie Keopaseut, who also own local restaurants Thai Noodle Wave and Wave Bowl. Since opening last summer, this cozy spot combines unique coffee, souffle pancakes and other delights with a lush, rainforest-like interior. Along with seating so comfortable you could nearly curl up, take a nap and never want to leave, it offers table service and standout drinks like tangerine and coconut brown sugar lattes. We particularly fell head over heels with the Thai tea-flavored souffle pancakes and the affogato. The drinks, though a touch pricey, are crafted with care (and garnished with gold leaf and literal orchids). Though the pancakes can take a lengthy 20-40 minutes to arrive (the eggs and sugar need time to work their magic), we’d describe them as a magical 10 out of 10 and a must-try.

Arwa

888 S. Greenville Ave., No. 223, Richardson

Arwa is a Yemeni coffee shop owned by sisters-in-law Susan Shihab and Nora Soofi. The shop name, according to Shihab and Soofi, comes from Queen Arwa, a strong female figure in Yemen's history. Arwa offers Yemeni coffee roasted in-house, teas and specialty sweets, like harissa confections and rich stuffed dates. Or indulge in a pastry from La Casita. The Arabic music and the aesthetic are truly escapist. The art, lighting and traditional communal seating make this coffee shop special, described by customers as a “symphony for the senses.” Signature drinks include a jubani made with coffee and husks (cascara), cardamom, ginger and cinnamon ($4). The Adeni tea is made with premium black tea, milk, sugar and an Arwa spice blend ($5). Do not miss out on the dates or harissa. Oh, or the incredible milk cakes (the saffron is our favorite).

Remote Coffee

10999 Garland Road

This locally owned spot is drive-thru only, but you must swing by for a cup of their cafe de jolla, a traditional Mexican coffee made with sugar and spices. It is a Paul-Hollywood-handshake cup of coffee. We love the hearty breakfast tacos too (gotta be three eggs in there). In addition to lattes and coffees — many with a Latin flare (like an amazing horchata) — Remote Coffee makes agua frescas and juices from scratch, in-house. No worries coffee purists, you can get a drip or straight espresso. Remote is roasting their own beans and much of the space is dedicated to a kitchen where they make tacos and salsa from scratch. When it's a billion degrees out, we're excited to get our paws on the Chaichata Frozenccino, chai and horchata frozen and blended in a cream base (with vodka, you said?).

White Box Roastery

610 Elm St., No. 1340, McKinney

McKinney’s Cotton Mill, a historic building from 1910, is home to various shops and businesses, including this precious cafe. Founded by Denisa Laskowski, White Box Roastery offers a cozy atmosphere and unique signature drinks like the white apricot latte (which we absolutely adore). Laskowski, who fell in love with the Cotton Mill’s nostalgic vibe and Old World charm, has a passion for coffee inspired by her global travels. It’s also home to a particularly stellar banana muffin, which happens to be gluten-free. Visitors can explore the Cotton Mill’s hidden gardens, art galleries and remnants of its industrial past, like antique blueprints and photos.

Magnolias Sous Le Pont

2727 N. Harwood St.

A French-inspired cafe with tons of options to drink, plenty to eat and cute gifts for sale, Magnolias Sous Le Pont has yet to disappoint us. We particularly love the turmeric latte and the almond croissant. It offers a bunch of unique espresso drinks, including the Canadian Heat, a maple-flavored latte with cayenne pepper; the Strawberry Shortcake, a strawberry and white chocolate latte; and the Magnolia, a latte flavored with lavender, rose, elderflower and vanilla. If you’re in the mood for something savory, there are breakfast tacos and many sandwiches to choose from, most of which are under $10. Check out the drinks on the list of rotating monthly specials. After our own hearts, happy hour is hosted 4–5 p.m. daily, during which iced and frozen lattes are half-price.

RE:defined

200 W. Northwest Highway, Grapevine

This Grapevine coffee shop has successfully created a cozy, home-like atmosphere that blends comfortable furniture and fairy lights with industrial touches. If you’re a fan of the Chip and Joanna Gaines aesthetic, you’ll feel right at home here. There are always seasonal specialty drinks like last summer’s toasted coconut latte and strawberry matcha, and fun syrups like rose, lavender and farmers market honey. The cafe also caters to gluten-free and vegan customers, offering a lemon blueberry loaf and a cinnamon coffee cake that we dream of from time to time. For a savory bite, options like croissants, egg bites and kolaches are available. The staff is always welcoming and overall, it’s a charming spot to enjoy great coffee, snacks and a warm atmosphere.

Ralph & Rose

7700 Northaven Road

This unique little spot is one-part coffee shop, one part plant nursery and another part boutique that sells Dolly Parton-themed stationery, personal care products, candles, fancy olive oil and more. And all three parts of this business are gorgeous. You can sip wine, coffee or smoothies and peruse the greenhouse or camp out at a table to work. It also offers delicious pastries from James Beard finalist Marisca Trejo's La Casita Bakeshop. In addition, it has paninis like fig and green apple grilled cheese, a handful of flatbreads to choose from and more.

Ascension

Multiple Locations

Ascension Coffee serves coffee and a variety of teas, wines and pastries, plus a full breakfast and lunch menu. Ascension offers open spaces with a modern décor for studying, working or meeting up with friends or family. Try the White Rock location on Garland Road if you can; it's in a restored chapel. Specialties include avocado toast, banana bread and an Aussie Bacon and Egg Roll sandwich with an egg and Aussie barbecue sauce on a brioche bun. All of Ascension's coffee beans are sourced directly from sustainable farms, with an emphasis on women-owned farms. The beans are sent to the Dallas roastery, where each batch is cupped and tasted by an in-house Q Arabica grader.

Opening Bell Coffee

1409 Botham Jean Blvd.

Opening Bell Coffee is part cafe, part small music venue. Performers from The Voice, American Idol and local artists, including Leon Bridges, have all graced the stage during open mic performances (Saturdays, 4–6 p.m.), but the coffee shop is great any time. It has a cozy, relaxed vibe, and it's decorated with vinyl records and guitars with the stage as a backdrop. Signature drinks include specialty drip coffee, black Irish iced mocha and an affogato.

La La Land Kind Cafe

Multiple Locations

La La Land Kind Cafe is a gem among cafes. All of the locations are bright and cheery, bathed in white, lemon-chiffon yellow and sunlight. You'll never meet a nicer crew of baristas, and the coffee is strong. Order online if you're in a hurry, but don't be in a hurry. Take a seat. Maybe in the deep chair or at a table by the window. Relax with your coffee and have some of the signature toasts while you're at it. La La Land hires and provides guidance for young men and women who have aged out of the foster care system. They are expanding stores across the U.S., meaning their important mission is growing.

Cafe Duro

2804 Greenville Ave.

We love the charming nods to European cafes that help define this Greenville Avenue spot’s overall vibe and decor. But we're really come to Cafe Duro for the food and drink. Try the B&B latte, which has honey, butter and hazelnut, or the prickly pear matcha. The espresso menu is fairly minimalist, making for easy ordering. If you love to have something sweet alongside your drink as much as we do, try the apple cinnamon and citrus olive oil cakes or the offering that won our 2023 title for Best Chocolate Chip Cookie in Dallas. Still hungry? Order a muffuletta that our very own food editor described as "borderline criminal."