Folks, winter is here and she is feeling especially long this year. If you find yourself craving a warm, rich cup of coffee to warm your hands (and your heart), you’re not alone. Luckily for you, we’re shining a spotlight on some local Pittsburgh cafes and roasters who have mastered the art of the beloved latte.
As for me, I may say I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but there are way too many tempting coffee shops in the city for me to say no. I’m a latte fan: vanilla, caramel, pumpkin spice, Earl Grey – you name it!
If you’re looking for that perfect latte to warm you up this winter, check out some of our picks for the best local spots to grab your next cup of coffee.
Big Dog Coffee
South Side
This family-owned South Side staple proudly serves Intelligentsia Coffee, known for its unique international blends, along with a menu of yummy snacks like oatmeal and fresh pastries. Stop by Big Dog’s cozy, eclectic shop or its heated patio for an artfully-blended coffee, or take a tasty treat to go!
Espresso a Mano
Lawrenceville
Espresso a Mano has been providing its Lawrenceville neighbors with their must-have caffeine fix for over a decade, and there’s a reason this small-but-mighty espresso bar and coffee shop has stood the test of time. Its hand-crafted espresso drinks and specialty coffees (crafted with Coava Coffee) are traditional and made with high-quality ingredients, and as a bonus, its latte art is especially Instagram-worthy.
KLVN Coffee Lab
Bakery Square
KLVN Coffee Lab is a funky joint named after Lord Kelvin, the 19th-century British scientist who discovered the first law of thermodynamics. Put simply, “energy is neither created nor destroyed, but transformed,” much like KLVN is transforming the artisan coffee scene here in Pittsburgh. KLVN’s lattes can be made hot or iced, with enticing flavors like vanilla, caramel, and maple — and yes, they’ve even got oat milk. Stop by this spacious, airy shop in Bakery Square for a cup and your daily dose of good vibes.
Ispirare Coffeehouse
Kittanning
Ispirare Coffeehouse may have the widest variety of specialty lattes on deck for the loyal fan. Vanilla, caramel, raspberry, blueberry, hazelnut, and even cookie dough lattes are featured on its expansive menu, but be sure to keep an eye on the inspired drinks list for some featured flavors like lavender and honey. Winter classics (including gingerbread and Christmas cookies) are currently available in latte form, and if you fall in love with Ispirare’s coffee, you can grab a bag of small-batch, whole bean blends to go!
The Speckled Egg
Downtown
Conveniently located inside the Union Trust Building, the Speckled Egg is a trendy diner spot with a refined brunch menu and a commitment to featuring local products, whether that means stocking up on cold-pressed juices from Pittsburgh Juice Co. or fresh beers from local brewers. The newest latte flavor is cookie butter, but if you’re stopping inside for a boozy brunch, try the Coquettish Latte — it’s spiked with coconut vodka and Maggie’s Farm Spiced Rum.
Ineffable Cà Phê
East End
How does one describe this Vietnamese eatery and café whose name means “too great to be described in words?” It isn’t simple, but Ineffable Cà Phê has such a stellar latte list that we had to mention them. Brown sugar, green tea, ginger spice, and lavender are a few of the eye-catching flavors on its menu, along with the typical favorites a latte lover expects. If you’re stopping in for a warm drink, be sure to check out the full menu of Vietnamese favorites like banh mi and pho.
Grounded Cafe and Beanery
Carnegie
Grounded Cafe and Beanery often caters to a busy 9-to-5 crowd, but even regulars with the most precise routines can always expect something fresh when stopping in. Grounded features curated light and medium roasts that rotate frequently, as well as daily bagel and sandwich specials and a “barista special.” Recent latte flavors have included lavender coconut and butter rum, but you never know what tomorrow’s feature might be!
De Fer Coffee and Tea
Strip District
De Fer Coffee and Tea is on a mission to bring the best coffee (and tea!) in the city to you. Stop in at its location in the Strip to pick up a custom latte to go — choose from caramel, cinnamon, chocolate, lavender, or the ever-popular vanilla if you’d like a little flavor in yours. You can also bring home bags of small-batch blends selected from artisan coffeemakers from all over the world for a bit of international flair right in your own home.
Constellation Coffee
Lawrenceville
Constellation Coffee is a beloved neighborhood joint with an abundance of charm and character. Featuring a menu full of snacks, teas, and wellness shots, its flavored lattes include vanilla, hazelnut, maple spice, and caramel — but you can’t go wrong with the classic milk and espresso. Constellation Coffee also features a lovely garden that’s open year-round, so bundle up with your favorite winter coat and grab a warm latte to enjoy outside!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.