Lancaster is becoming quite the coffee scene. Talented roasteries are popping up left and right! The quaint cafes serve as the perfect environment for studying, blogging, or catching up with a friend. As a resident of Lancaster City, I’ve been to my fair share of downtown coffee shops. The Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Coffee Shop Edition will provide you with a handful of the best options to get your caffeine buzz on!
1. Café One Eight
18 W Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Located in the heart of the city, Café One Eight has been a staple of Lancaster locals since 2011. Cafe One Eight is all about community, which is evident by the numerous local businesses that they support and serve on their menu. They serve Square One Coffee Roasters, so you are supporting two Lancaster small businesses just by ordering a cup of coffee! Cafe One Eight is also known for their incredible breakfast and lunch menu. Swing by on your way to work, or stop in during lunch for a client meeting. You’ll get a great cup of coffee, fantastic meal, and a bunch of smiles.
Recommendations: Iced or hot Chai Latte, bottomless in-house coffee, Pesto Breakfast, Best of One Eight, Market Fresh, Macarons
2. Aura Espresso Room
44 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Aura Espresso Room is a hidden gem! Quite literally, it is tucked in between an array of boutiques and restaurants off of the buzzing Queen Street. If you follow the enchanting smell of espresso, you’ll be amazed at the quality and authenticity of this quaint cafe. Specializing in imported Italian coffee, Aura Espresso Room doesn’t serve anything but the best. Try their unforgettable Affogato made with Lavazza espresso, and snack on a fresh baked pastry. If that doesn’t fill you up, they have an array of homemade sandwiches. Everything at Aura is made from scratch and crafted with care. You won’t taste any bottled syrups or fake flavors here!
Recommendations: Affogato, Blue Majik Latte, Italian Sandwich, any homemade pastry
3. Square One Coffee
145 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Roasted in Lancaster, PA, Square One Coffee Roasters prides themselves on building relationships and “doing good work”. At the Lancaster cafe, you will find a variety of hand crafted beverages and small plates, including muffins, bagels, and egg sandwiches. Doubling as decor, the cafe helps to support local artists by displaying their artwork for sale. Want to experience their coffee, but can’t travel to Lancaster? A second cafe is located in Philadelphia on 13th street! When you shop at Square One, you truly are shopping small.
Recommendations: Specialty pour-overs, Latte, Egg Sandwich on Asiago Bagel – add cheese
4. Passenger Coffee
7 W King St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Located steps away from center city, Passenger is a crowd favorite for those who dabble in specialty coffee. Swing by the King Street location for a coffee brewed by the Aeropress, or the Plum Street location to check out the new roastery. Their most recent endeavor, Necessary Coffee, is a sustainable brand of quality beans that reduces waste, and supports the producer. You can buy a bag of specialty beans at Passenger, or hop over to Prince Street for a bag of Necessary Coffee. After you are finished, sneak out the back door, where you will find a new adventure on the steps of Central Market.
Recommendations: Agaro, Aeropress coffee, One and One
5. New Holland Coffee Co.
29 East King Street, Lancaster, Pa 17602
New Holland Coffee Co. is the new kid on the block. However, they sure do know how to make an impression! The café is smack dab in the middle of the city and provides the calmest ambiance for your morning cup of joe. New Holland Coffee Co. prides themselves on a being a gathering place where you can chat over a handcrafted beverage and a delicious snack. Aside from their coffee, the café offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch items. In a hurry? Head to their website and seamlessly order your meal to-go! You won’t regret making a pit stop to this location.
Recommendations: Roasted Goat Cheese and Tomato BLT on Croissant
6. Mean Cup
398 Harrisburg Ave #200, Lancaster, PA 17603
Just on the outskirts of the city, Mean Cup prides themselves on serving affordable, unique coffee. You can chat and grab a snack at the Harrisburg Ave. location, or fill up your cup in passing at their stand in Central Market. Being as they are right down the street from F&M, their home base provides a studious vibe with plenty of room to work. If you come on an empty stomach, there are a handful of local pastries and small plates to munch on. Want to take a piece of Mean Cup home with you? Grab a bag of fresh coffee beans to go! Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations, as they are super knowledgeable and passionate about coffee.
Recommendations: Burundi, Vegan Blueberry Oatmeal Bar, Pasta Salad
7. Prince Street Cafe
15 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Prince Street Cafe is a classic coffee shop in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. Many people flock to the cafe for it’s open, bright concept, and ideal working environment. Prince Street serves Necessary Coffee, which is the new, sustainable and quality coffee from Passenger. Necessary Coffee is a brand of beans that normally would not make it to the shelf, due to the high bar that is present when purchasing unique coffee. With that said, the coffee does not sacrifice on quality or flavor. By supporting Prince Street, you are supporting sustainable, local coffee companies, and investing in your future.
Recommendations: Specialty Drinks, Cali Egg Wrap, Guacamole Breakfast Sandwich
8. Bistro Barbaret & Bakery
Known for their gourmet desserts and pastries, Bistro Barbaret also serves a mean coffee. Stop by for just a beverage, or try one of their quiches. It’s the perfect cafe to visit if you are looking for a little bit of France in the heart of Lancaster!
26 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Recommendations: Iced Vanilla Latte, Croissant, Fresh OJ, Quiche Lorraine
9. Copper Cup Coffee
922 Columbia Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
Another option on the brink of the city is Copper Cup. The open and minimalist environment creates a calm vibe that will set your mood right for the day. Aside from specialty lattes, the cafe has a small selection of sweet and savory breakfast options if you need some brain fuel. Don’t have time to stop in? Copper Cup has a drive thru!
Recommendations: Chai Tea Latte (iced or hot), Breakfast Muffins, Mocha Latte, Copper Latte
Dear Friend…
I hope that this coffee shop guide will give you the caffeine buzz you need and that you will fall in love with Lancaster just as I have!
Looking for a place to eat? Check out the Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Dinner Edition!
These restaurants are in no particular order. New guides will be created, or restaurants will be added to this guide as they are experienced. Many restaurants require street parking. However, there are handfuls of garages withing walking distance around the city. Also, street parking is free after 6pm Monday-Saturday, and free on Sundays. Download the ParkMobile app for easy parking! Recommendations are encouraged for sit down restaurants.
All images and text ©Alexis Stambaugh for Passport Flavor™
I'm a 20-something foodie with a passion for travel. As a self taught chef, I believe food is what brings us together. When I'm not in my kitchen creating recipes, I love connecting with people as I experience cuisines from other cultures. Come join me on my culinary and travel adventures!