- June 7, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual, a moment of connection, a daily necessity. Whether it’s a bold morning brew, a midday recharge or an afternoon espresso with friends, there’s always time for a great cup of java.
And, in the Lakewood Ranch area, coffee culture is more than just the bean. Here, cafés serve up inventive bites and signature specialties that keep locals coming back for more. Each spot has its own flavor, its own vibe and its own loyal following — ensuring that no two visits are ever the same.
Whatever your craving, these five standout cafés are sure to hit the spot.
If You Go: 8209 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch; RootnSeed.com.
Root & Seed is the brainchild of Irem Meric. This Lakewood Ranch resident is a chef, veterinarian, yoga instructor and mother. Meric believes that the food we eat should nourish both body and soul and Root & Seed grew out of her philosophy.
This plant-based, gluten-free café values nourishment, sustainability and the inseparable bond between good food and good living. “Our ethos is centered around a holistic approach to healthy living, where simplicity, bold flavors and pure ingredients come together in a kitchen inspired by global culinary traditions,” says Meric. “Root & Seed is a space for mindful living, meaningful connections and flavors that nourish from the inside out.” Meric recently shared a few of her secrets.
“We handcraft every dish, drink, smoothie and baked good from scratch, using earth-inspired ingredients. We never use refined sugars and we prioritize organic ingredients that support balance and nourishment. As someone with celiac disease, I ensure our kitchen is entirely gluten-free.”
“Our coffee and espresso beans come from Look Alive Coffee Roasters in St. Petersburg. They’re dedicated to roasting exceptional, ethically sourced specialty coffee and they’ve been incredibly helpful in guiding us on both coffee and coffee machines.”
“The caramel latte is a customer favorite, made with our handmade raw caramel, which we prepare fresh daily. Another signature drink is the Dream Matcha Latte, a refreshing mix of blue butterfly pea, premium green matcha and plant-based milk — perfect for hot Florida days.”
“Our almond vanilla cake, topped with our signature coconut frosting, is a huge hit. Customers also love our raw cheesecakes and matcha protein bites.”
“We want everyone to feel welcome, whether they’re here to work, study, meet friends or relax. You can settle in with a book or grab something to go — our space is designed to fit your needs.”
“Root & Seed is deeply connected to the community. We collaborate with our neighbors in San Marco Plaza and support a local school’s robotics club. We also feature handcrafted pottery from local artists and stock our shelves with products from small businesses. Soon, we’ll be launching a monthly open mic night to celebrate local musicians.”
If You Go: 4120 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch; 941-751-1016; Atria.Cafe
Jim and Weylin Angus launched Atria Café in 2020, and it’s become a place where creativity, craftsmanship and community come together — one cup at a time. By day, this intimate café serves specialty coffees and beverages, along with sandwiches and pastries. By night, it turns up the heat with oven-fresh, artisanal pizzas. The couple’s commitment to quality runs deep — from milling fresh flour for Atria’s signature sourdough bread to sourcing its exceptional beans from Counter Culture Coffee. Atria’s creative heartbeat is also going strong. The café’s baristas craft their own syrups, develop seasonal drinks and fine-tune the menu with inventive new flavors. But for Jim, it’s about more than great food and drink. He’s a people person as well. “Community was one of the main reasons we started Atria, and we love seeing people gather here every day.” Below, Jim shares more insights on his craft, the community and what keeps Atria constantly evolving.
Atria’s signature coffee is … “The vanilla latte, made with Madagascar vanilla syrup.”
Beyond coffee, Atria is known for its pastries. Favorites? “We specialize in sourdough bread and laminated pastries, all made in house. The top three favorites are the rustic sourdough bread, the Atria croissant and the pain au chocolat. I’m pretty sure that last one will change your life!”
Atria has a distinct ambiance. “We were inspired by the local hometown cafés and restaurants we grew up with in the Northeast. Lakewood Ranch felt like it needed more of that — a place where people could connect and feel at home. At the same time, we wanted to bring a bit of the urban café culture you’d find in cities like New York or San Francisco. It’s all about community and quality.”
If You Go: 8317 Market St., Lakewood Ranch; 941-351-1551; KahwaCoffee.com.
Shannon and Logan Gregory share a perfectionist’s passion for roasted coffee. The community got a taste of their passion after they took over Kahwa Coffee’s Lakewood Ranch location in late 2024. The couple’s award-winning blends and inviting attitude quickly made the café a coffee-lovers go-to. According to Logan, this Tampa-based chain sources its signature blends from growers in Central and South America, India, Africa and Indonesia. “Each blend is named after a wind from different regions of the world, according to its intensity,” Logan explains. “From the dark, full-bodied Sirocco to the light and subtle Boreas, we offer something for every coffee drinker.” What sets their java joint apart? Logan and Shannon were happy to share.
Kahwa’s most popular coffee drinks are … “Our drip coffee, lattes and cold brews. Customers also love our rotating seasonal drinks.”
Beyond coffee we offer … “Unique options like the Flybiscus — a tropical Red Bull mixed with hibiscus tea — and the Desert Rose Spritz, a blend of prickly pear, Sanpellegrino Essenza Lemon and fresh lemonade.”
Kahwa has a strong community presence. “Giving back is at the heart of what we do. We support first responder breakfasts, provide coffee for schools and charity events and collaborate with local artists. One of our biggest initiatives is Hope Roast, a special coffee blend where 43% of proceeds support the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.”
What’s next? “It’s an exciting time! Kahwa recently started franchising and has expanded beyond Florida, with new locations in Texas and a brand-new café in Port Charlotte. Expect to see massive growth from Kahwa in the near future.”
If You Go: 6588 University Pkwy., Sarasota; 941-217-6001; BadAssCoffee.com.
Bad Ass Coffee? With a name like that, you know it won’t be the same old coffee shop. It’s not. This Hawaiian-inspired café is bold, adventurous and unapologetically fun. Good vibes are just the start. Think velvety 100% Kona coffee, lattes with a creative twist and island-inspired bites like the Aloha Sandwich — layers of savory ham, an egg, gooey Swiss, sweet grilled pineapple and a smoky BBQ drizzle, all nestled in buttery King’s Hawaiian sweet bread. Franchise co-owners Michael Miller and Daniel Slavin figured Bad Ass Coffee would be right at home in Lakewood Ranch, and they were right. “This area has an effortless charm that blends relaxation with a touch of sophistication — just like Bad Ass Coffee,” Miller says. He adds that the café’s combo of Kona drip coffee and welcoming atmosphere made it an instant hit with relaxed but sophisticated coffee lovers.
If You Go: 1570 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota; 941-217-4821; OandACoffee.com.
This crowd-pleasing coffee bar keeps a laser focus on what matters — great coffee, with no gimmicks. At O&A, it’s all about high-quality beans, expertly crafted drinks, and a laidback setting that makes you want to hang around. This walk-up coffee bar at Waterside Place began as a humble, mobile coffee bar. O&A’s commitment to direct-trade coffee and meticulous pouring practices quickly made it a local favorite. The shop makes the most of its Waterside surroundings with abundant outdoor seating, and a smart, grab-and-go setup doesn’t waste their customers’ time. Whether you’re looking for a smooth espresso, a handcrafted tea, or just an excuse to soak up the lakefront views, O&A serves it up with zero fuss — just great coffee and good energy. And no gimmicks.
