Best Independent Coffee Shop in Every State

Megan and Wade Preston had spent time working in the non-profit sector and were looking for a way to create a space that cultivated an authentic and diverse community while also improving the lives of their friends in the developing world, and they realized that coffee was the perfect solution. They opened Prevail Union in 2014 and it was such a success that they soon began roasting their own beans. They now offer a variety of single origin coffees as well as blends, and each comes with handy tasting notes (like “strawberry, vanilla, walnut” for their Ethiopian Sidama Legend). They also offer a wide variety of gift subscriptions. They work closely with each of their coffee farmers, and the coffee shop itself is sleek and comfortable.

Going strong since 1975 (making it a true pioneer in the world of craft coffee), Black Cup was founded as Café Del Mundo by Perry Merkel after traveling through Central America touring coffee farms. He started roasting his own coffee in a small shed, and as word got out and more people stopped by to get their first taste of fresh roasted coffee, business exploded. Merkel retired in 2011, and the new owners renamed it Black Cup, on a mission to serve “Extraordinary Coffee Best Served Black.” Their emphasis has always been on farm-to-cup transparency, roasting to promote origin characteristics, coffee education, and delivering the world’s finest coffees to Alaskans.

A.T. Oasis imports Ethiopian specialty coffee exclusively, sourcing it from the Sidamo and Yirgacheffe regions, where the beans are grown at elevations between 4,600 and 7,000 feet. Founded in 2013 by Eritrean-born Aisha Tedros and her husband, Abdul, A.T. Oasis starts with all-natural green coffee beans bought directly from farmers by Aisha, who then roasts them in small batches; it’s then served in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. She also serves traditional Ethiopian snacks as well as a wide variety of teas, including chai made with all-natural spices imported from Eritrea.

This wouldn’t be a bad place to wait if Doomsday were approaching. Doomsday roasts a variety of coffees, including Guatemala Antigua Carmen and Costa Rica Turrazu El Pastora, and they provide useful info for each, with notes on its region, growing altitude, and even the milling process. There are also plenty of iced drinks available (try the iced white mocha) as well as some of the best breakfast tacos in town.

The folks at Dune Coffee Roasters have worked to create partnerships with sustainable coffee growers around the world, and are committed to integrity and transparency in all their coffee buying practices. At their four spacious, bright, and airy locations, they offer brewed coffee as well as pour-over, French press, cold brew, and custom-made espresso drinks, as well a nice selection of fresh pastries.