Are you as invested in the quality of the scone or other treat you dunk into your coffee as you are in your favorite latte itself? Some coffee shops and cafes in general can leave you wanting a little something; we’ve all experienced a sad, dry piece of coffee cake, a rubbery breakfast sandwich,or had high hopes for a buttery scone that ended up being something not-so-buttery. Most long-time caffeine addicts will tell you that mediocre food and treats are something to be expected in the world of coffee shops and cafes. But in the Louisville area? Not necessary. You have enough options at your disposal to skip over the dry muffins and flavorless, spongy bread. Here are four special spots to get you started. and you can get your caffeine fit along the way.
1. Heine Brothers
Image courtesy of
An obvious choice? Maybe, but although this local Louisville coffee spot is known for its enormous beverage menu at each of its13 locations around the city, don’t let that overshadow the food. Grab a cup of the coffee of the day or a rich Irish creme latte and pair it with a rustic fruit pie, one of several organic, fair trade granola bars or chocolates, or stick to liquids with a fresh smoothie blended with frozen fruits and fruit juice. If visiting at lunch or dinnertime (Heine Brothers is open until 10 p.m. all week, choose a locally made panini from Lotsa Pasta. The artichoke and mozzarella panini might not sound like the typical coffee companion; but oh, does it ever work. Points for making you feel particularly European as you sip and snack.
Heine Brothers’ 13 locations are listed below.
Crescent Hill Neighborhood - 2714 Frankfort Ave.
Douglass Loop Neighborhood - 2200 Bardstown Rd.
Gardiner Lane Neighborhood - 3060 Bardstown Rd.
Highlands Neighborhood - 1449 Bardstown Rd.
Highlands Neighborhood - 1295 Bardstown Rd.
Middletown - 805 Blankenbaker Pkwy.
Mobile Location - A 1963 Airstream remodeled to be an on-the-go coffee shop.
Schnitzelburg Neighborhood - 822 Eastern Pkwy.
St. Matthews - 119 Chenoweth Ln.
St. Matthews - 4305 Shelbyville Rd.
Westport Village Neighborhood - 1301 Herr Ln.
2. Highland Coffee Company
Photo courtesy of
The classic coffee shop accompaniments--muffins, bagels, scones, and all that falls in between--can sometimes be a nostalgic comfort. Everybody’s craved a pastry once or twice. But when you need a taste of something truly special or suited to your dietary needs, this Highlands location is there for you. Looking for a wallop of antioxidents? One of Highland Coffee Company’s Tea Zing smoothies, made with ginko, ginseng, guarana, and fresh fruit will fill most any healthy-breakfast quotas (and probably also boost your memory). If you need to be sure both your drink and your treat are safe your you, choose one of the variety of gluten free or vegan baked goods and pair it with a honey-sweetened yerba mate tea. (Tip: the spinach and feta panini has received rave reviews.) And bonus points: cups are eco-friendly, and eggs come from a local farm.
Highland Coffee Company
1140 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 451-4545
Open MW 6 am-10 pm; TH 6 am-11 pm; F 6 am- 12 am; Sat 6:3 am- 12 am; Sun 6:30 am - 10 pm
3. Please and Thank You
Image courtesy of
Yes, they have a ganache latte. But Please and Thank You, the trendy East Market/Nulu coffee and record location, is also serving up food, and memorable food at that. Truth is, sometimes you just need a cookie, and you can eat your fill here; the chewy chocolate chip are called “maybe the best ever” on the online menu. Toasted pressed sandwiches with Mediterranean fillings--pesto and mozzarella is a favorite--are available for the later hours, and those looking for a fancier fix can try a lox bagel, complete with all the classic accompaniments. Not enough? There’s a Waffle Wednesday. Still not enough? Don’t forget about that formidable ganache latte with giant marshmallows. Giant marshmallows totally count as breakfast.
Please and Thank You
M-F 7 am - 6 pm; Sat: 9 am - 6 pm; Sun: 9 am - 4 pm
4. Life Bar
Image courtesy of
Though not as well known as Heine Brothers, Life Bar stands out amidst a sea of coffee-and-tea spots by, well, not exactly serving coffee at all. Instead, Life Bar’s specialty is coffee alternatives and nutritious, organic beverages and vitamin-packed smoothies. Some offerings might seem familiar, with a twist, like the pumpkin chai latte with plant-based vanilla protein powder; others, like the Reishi cappuccino, with raw cacao, maca, reishi, and he shou wu (all herbs and even mushrooms with healthy properties) in the place of coffee. Whether you’re a health nut or an adventure nut who won’t be afraid to skip the morning coffee for the sake of something different, you’ll find it here.
Life Bar
3738 Lexington Rd, Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 498-2341
M - Sat 8 am - 7 pm; Sun 11 am - 5 pm
Where do you go when you’re in need of a bite as well as a drink? Do you have a favorite location or a favorite dish? Let us know in the comments and we’ll be sure to bring you a part two!
