A no-frills coffee date in Cincinnati is hands down the best type of date, it’s simple, it’s comfortable, it’s inexpensive, you can make it as casual or romantic as you want, and let’s be honest, you can tell a ALOT about someone from their coffee order. Fortunately, Cincinnati has plenty of coffee shops and cafes for the ideal date. Let’s break down where to go for the best coffee dates in Cincinnati!
Coffee Emporium – The First Date
What a better coffee date than at the oldest coffee house in Cincinnati! Coffee Emporium is a Queen City staple and the definition of a neighborhood coffee shop. Impress your date with a great selection of coffee and sweets. Personally, I feel this would be the best option for a first date. Coffee Emporium has two locations, let’s break them down:
Hyde Park // I think the Hyde Park location is the ideal location for a date given its relaxing atmosphere. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you’ll easily find a comfortable spot to enjoy your coffee and a pastry together. Make sure to order a chocolate chip cookie to share with your date and you’ll seal the deal for a second date.
OTR // The OTR location feels much more fast-paced and is much larger than the OTR location. The benefit of the OTR location is that they serve lunch! If your date is going well, you can extend your time together with an appetizer or lunch together.
Brown Bear Bakery – The Thoughtful Second Date
If you’re all about beautiful and thoughtfully baked pastries, warm coffee, and a staff that treats you like you’re their number one customer, head over to Brown Bear Bakery. This is hands down my favorite cafe in Cincinnati. Take a quick scroll through Brown Bear Bakery’s Instagram and I guarantee you’ll jump in your car and head there asap. The space is quite small and intimate, probably best for a second or third date. Chat over warm coffee and freshly baked pastries. Don’t feel bad ordering multiple pastries 😉
Urbana – The Modern European Date
Urbana in Pendleton (Broadway Street) is truly a Cincinnati gem. I’m all about places that provide an experience! Urbana definitely feels like a European cafe with its selection of coffees and fresh pastries. This space is just inmate enough to be the perfect spot for a first date or the 500th date. The atmosphere is very cozy and modern. This is a pet-friendly cafe, so feel free to bring your pup along. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby if you want to grab some lunch.
Cherbourg Cyprus – The Lovely Date For Every Sweet-Tooth
Cherbourg Cyprus is my most recent discovery. If your date has a major sweet tooth, this is the place to go! The first word that comes to mind when thinking of how to describe this cafe/bakery is ‘lovely’. Its bright and open atmosphere immediately creates a sense of liveliness and comfort. Cherbourg Cypus has gluten-free and nut-free options.
Deeper Roots – The Zero Pressure Date
Deeper Roots is a great option if you’re in the Oakley area! I’ve always found Deeper Roots to have a very calming atmosphere elevated with all the hipster coffee shop vibes. The coffee is always top-notch. Space is not too big to feel overwhelming and isn’t too small to feel intimate, making it an ideal Saturday or Sunday morning date. If you’re not a coffee drinker, they also have a nice tea selection.
Red Tree Art Gallery – The Inspired Date
Red Tree Art Gallery is a coffee shop and art gallery all in one! Located in Oakley, here you’ll find the beautiful works of art created by local artists. On the second Friday of each month, they have live music. Red Tree Art Gallery is a wonderful spot for a morning, mid-day, or evening coffee date. You’ll see a bit of everything at the cafe from people reading, working, to chatting friends. They also offer a selection of foods such as sandwiches and pastries.
1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab – The Romantic Coffee Date
Wine and coffee? Helloooooo, perfect combo for a date right? This would be the perfect spot to meet each other after work for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab is located in the heart of OTR and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Of all the coffee shops, this one has the most intimate and romantic vibes. The dim lighting and candlelight will have you looking like a dream.