Discover the charm of Burlington, Vermont, through its diverse offering of cafes and spots for amazing coffee!

Burlington is a small New England city, but these eight coffee shops have big bean energy, and will be sure to liven up your day.

Let’s get started with the list of these awesome cafes worth visiting, whether you’re a local who’s exploring, or a traveler in the area.

Traveling around Vermont? Check out the Half Half Travel guides to nearby places like Stowe and Waterbury!

Onyx Tonics

Find it: 126 College St, Burlington, VT 05401

Not to be confused with the Arkansas-based Onyx Coffee Lab, Onyx Tonics is a specialty coffee bar in downtown Burlington that specializes in light roasts to extract the maximum flavor from their beans. I took Becca and Dan here when they visited Burlington on their babymoon trip.

Onyx rotates its menu of single-origin coffees weekly, and has a knowledgeable and friendly staff from whom you can learn a lot about the industry. Becca and Dan loved the coffee, especially the oat milk maple latte.

Helpful Tip

Sit outside in their street-side outdoor seating if it’s warm enough!

Kestrel Coffee Roasters

Find it: 47 Maple St, Burlington VT 05401 (primary location); also located at 77 Pine St (Burlington) and 530 Community Drive (Tech Park in South Burlington)

Located in a historic old brick warehouse and gallery (Maple Street location) that’s more than 100 years old, Kestrel is a beautifully well-lit and creative space to visit.

Kestrel roasts all of its coffee in-house and focuses its sourcing on ethically-sourced, single-origin coffees from small farms.

Helpful Tip

Try the denizen, a spicy take on the traditional maple latte!

Kru Coffee Collective

Find it: 2 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401

If you’re strolling down Church Street, starting your journey at Kru at the top of the block is a wise choice.

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Photo of Becca Siegel and Dan Gold
Helpful Tip

Try a cold brew or nitro cold brew, which Kru specializes in via partnership with sister company Brubender!

With the goal of “providing the best craft coffee experience possible,” Kru does not disappoint, embracing creativity in its menu and eclectic art deco vibe, while offering a delicious assortment of pastries and breakfast items.

Speeder & Earl’s

Find it: 412 Pine St, Burlington VT 05401

In addition to Speeder & Earl’s excellent and diverse small batch coffee selection, the cafe’s location on Pine Street is ideal.

Relax at the cafe with your laptop and a strong latte, or take your drink for a stroll next door to local market and wine shop Dedalus. You could also go across the street to the Burlington Farmers Market (May through October, on Pine Street)!

Nomad

Find it: 208 Flynn Ave #3i, Burlington, VT 05401

With two cafe locations (Flynn Avenue in Burlington, and Maple Street in Essex, plus a Church Street location opening in 2024) and a winter pop-up at Sugarbush Resort, Nomad Coffee is quickly becoming a local favorite in recent years.

Their espresso is delightful, but it’s the daily fresh-baked croissants and Kouign-Amanns by new owner Chris Johnson that will keep you coming back. Johnson developed his pastry skills in New York City at the famous Dominique Ansel Bakery; you simply do not want to miss out on his masterpieces.

Brew House Coffee Company (Jericho, VT)

Find it: Jericho Ale & Bean: 51 VT Route 15, Jericho, VT 05465

Jericho Ale & Bean is a cozy and unique shared space between cold brew specialist Brew House Coffee Company and nano-brewery Lucy & Howe Brewing Company.

Helpful Tip

Try a breakfast sandwich here made on Jericho’s very local and very delicious Birch Hill English Muffins!

It’s one of the most family-friendly cafes around, and the coffee roasters pride themselves with an “obsession for freshness.” You can buy 32-oz bottles to save in the fridge, or find smaller bottles at various stores around Vermont.

Uncommon Coffee (Essex Junction, VT)

Find it: 19 Essex Way, Essex Junction, VT 05452

Uncommon Coffee has one of the best ambiances you could ask for in a cafe. With its tall book-lined shelves, high ceilings and ample seating, it’s the perfect place to meet your friends or family for good times and great in-house roasted coffee.

Inspired by its shared-roots cafe on Church Street (you may remember Burlington’s beloved Uncommon Grounds…), manager and award-winning barista Maya Crowley has created an equally phenomenal space specifically designed for the people who visit the cafe.

Helpful Tip

Try the Tiger Claw, a delicious latte featuring house-made dark chocolate and fresh orange syrup!

Mirabelle’s (South Burlington, VT)

Find it: 3060 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403

It’s a toss-up for which is the best bakery in town: Mirabelle’s in South Burlington, or August First in Burlington, but we’re here to talk coffee.

Helpful Tip

Come hungry! Try their ham and cheese croissant or cardamom bun for breakfast, and savory hand pies for lunch.

Mirabelle’s is on this list of cafes because in my opinion, it’s the best and smoothest cold brew around, using Vermont’s fair trade organic Awake coffee beans. The cold brew is not always offered in the winter, but they make excellent espresso drinks to pair with your pastries year-round!

Headshot of Jordan Litner

Learn more about Jordan Litner

Jordan is a passionate coffee and cold brew enthusiast living in Burlington, VT. When he’s not savoring a cup of his favorite cold brew, you’ll catch Jordan fueled up, running across the scenic paths of Burlington. You can find him and his coffee adventures at his Cold Brew Vermont Instagram.