Starting Your Day Right

At these four local coffee shops, you can not only enjoy a great brew, but inspiring, comforting and friendly surroundings.

By Joshua Wood

Sarasota Scene is pleased to publish articles written by students at Ringling College of Art and Design. This is part of a collaborative program with creative writing instructor Sylvia Whitman to provide real life experiences to her students, many of whom will undoubtedly be our writers of tomorrow!  

Starting your day with a cup of coffee can be rewarding–probably the best part of your morning. And one of the ways to get your fix is at cafés, but do you go just for the coffee? Maybe you have a favorite coffee shop around town that you love for the comforting atmosphere it offers. If you’re one of the 66% of Americans that buy their coffee outside of their homes, then you’ll enjoy these four local cafés that will put you in a great mood to start your day. 

Shelf Indulgence

Across the street from Ringling College sits a little café filled with used books. Shelf Indulgence provides a relaxing space surrounded by inviting books that you can pick up and read while you wait for your coffee. Catering to the bookworm, there’s an array of genres to choose from. If you need a break from your work computer, you can sit back and refresh your thoughts with a nice read. You can also enjoy their savory grilled ham and cheese panini that pairs perfectly with a fresh cup of java. Patrons of the café include Ringling College students as well as working people.

2805 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 | Facebook: shelfindulgence.srq

Hours: Mon-Tues: 10am-9pm; Wed: Fri 9am-9pm; Sat: 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-5pm 

Pastry Art Bakery & Cafe

Downtown Sarasota attracts locals with shops all along Main Street, and in the middle of it, there’s a little café for which there’s lots of buzz – Pastry Art. From a black and white wall art of Walter White to a poster of a pretzel with “Logic” written under it, the walls are covered with pop culture references and intriguing graphics made by Ringling College alumni, Ron Genta.

There is a sit-down area with a small lounge in front where you can sit back and enjoy home-brewed coffee with their specialty Italian sandwiches. And if you don’t want to sit inside, the outside seating is quite pleasant, especially with the aroma of java permeating the air from the cafe to the street. Frequenting Pastry Art are not only Main Street shoppers, but many business people with nearby offices.

Address: 1512 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236 | pastryartbakery.com

Hours: Mon-Thurs 7am-7pm; Fri-Sat 7am-10pm; Sun 8am-5pm

Kahwa Café

Kahwa Café is a small café tucked away in the corner of 2^nd Street in Downtown Sarasota. If you blink, you’ll miss it. But, if you find it and go in, then you’re in for a real treat. The vibe of this café is that of an art studio–from the low lighting to the black painted ceiling to the oil paintings hanging on the walls–all pulled together with a minimalist appearance. With jazz music playing in the background, the atmosphere provides a perfect aesthetic for millennials, especially those with creative minds. Kahwa Café’s specialties include spice chai tea and egg and cheese on a croissant to help fuel your morning work.

 1487 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236 | kahwacoffee.com

Hours: Sun-Tues 7am-6:30pm; Weds-Sat 7am-7:30pm 

Green Bean Coffee House

On Old Bradenton Road, behind the grocery store Walmart, lies the Green Bean Coffee House, a small café with a patio space painted in bright green. On perfect Florida days, sitting outside Green Bean can be quite refreshing. The inside of the café has a low lighting interior with comfortable couches and an array of artwork. It feels like you’re walking into someone’s home. The hazelnut aroma floats in the air which begs for you to breathe deep and take it in. Green Bean also displays skateboards and surfboards on their walls, embracing the Floridian fun of the nearby keys. With its location being so close to Ringling College of Art and Design, it is a favorite of many students.

3521 Bradenton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234 | thegreenbeancoffeehousecafe.com

Hours: All Week 7am-11am

Any one of these cafés serve as a relaxing atmosphere with your morning coffee and lunch. From Downtown to N. Tamiami, you’ll surely find a place to include in your morning routine. Whether you’re on break, or in need of one, these are some of the places that’ll serve your coffee right.