The Top 5 Cafés & Coffee in Dallas

While famous for its extraordinary pies, Emporium Pies in Bishop Arts is also a beloved cafe destination for coffee and a slice — a quintessential Dallas experience. The coffee is solid and the pie selection changes seasonally with creative, locally-sourced flavors. Lines form on weekends and they do sell out of popular flavors, so go early. A defining institution of the Bishop Arts neighborhood.

A deeply local, community-rooted coffee shop with multiple East Dallas locations, beloved by the neighborhoods around White Rock Lake. The coffee is excellent and the prices are among the most reasonable for specialty coffee in the city. The original location has a cozy, lived-in feel that regulars fiercely love. A true neighborhood institution with no pretension.

A mission-driven cafe and restaurant in Downtown Dallas that trains formerly incarcerated youth in culinary and hospitality skills — and the food and coffee are genuinely excellent, not just charity. The espresso drinks are well-crafted and the seasonal menu is creative. Every visit directly supports a meaningful local cause. Reservations recommended for the full dining experience.

A serious specialty coffee roaster and bar in the heart of Deep Ellum, Cultivar sources and roasts its own beans with genuine craft. Order a single-origin pour-over or their rotating seasonal espresso drinks. The space is lively and creative, matching the neighborhood's energy. Expect a wait on weekend mornings.

A beloved all-day cafe and restaurant in the Bishop Arts District that has been a neighborhood anchor for years. The coffee is excellent and the brunch menu — especially the breakfast tacos and eggs Benedict — draws devoted regulars. The patio is one of the most pleasant in Dallas. Weekend waits can be long but the people-watching makes it worthwhile.

A beloved Austin-born specialty coffee brand with a flagship Dallas location in Uptown that has become a genuine neighborhood institution. The baristas are knowledgeable and the espresso program is consistently excellent. Their cortado and cold brew are standouts. It gets very crowded during morning rush, so arrive early or go mid-afternoon.

An Austin-rooted specialty coffee bar with a Dallas outpost that has earned serious respect among the city's coffee community. The single-origin espresso program and rotating filter coffees are among the most technically accomplished in Dallas. The space is sleek and minimal. Best visited on a weekday when you can actually have a conversation with the barista about what's on the menu.

A sophisticated, multi-concept coffee bar and restaurant in the Design District that draws a stylish creative crowd. The coffee program is serious — their espresso and nitro cold brew are excellent — and the food menu is a cut above typical cafe fare. The space is beautifully designed and makes for a great meeting spot. Dinner service and cocktails extend its appeal beyond morning hours.