Buzz
Coffee is an essential part of daily life for countless individuals. In the U.S., the average person spends nearly $2000 annually on coffee. While chain stores are widespread, many prefer the charm of smaller, independent shops for their daily brew. According to OnDeck, a small business lender, the specialty coffee industry is projected to grow by $39.17 billion between 2022 and 2027, driven largely by independent businesses. Explore the map and list below to discover the cities with the best independent coffeeshops in America.
To compile this data, experts first identified the most populous cities in each state. They then analyzed Tripadvisor reviews for all local coffeeshops, focusing on five-star ratings for non-franchise establishments. The cities were ranked based on the weighted average of these ratings across their independent cafés.
Knoxville, Tennessee, leads the nation with the highest-rated independent coffeeshops, averaging 4.59 out of 5 stars. A standout is Coffee & Chocolate, which has earned 94 “excellent” reviews out of 129 on Tripadvisor. Patrons rave about their beverages, desserts, and exceptional customer service.
Bentonville, Arkansas, follows closely behind Knoxville, with its independent coffeeshops averaging 4.58 stars. Kennedy Coffee stands out as the city’s favorite, with many Tripadvisor users praising their frozen beverages. Lincoln, Nebraska, secures the third spot with an average rating of 4.56 stars. Mill Coffee & Tea is highly recommended by TripAdvisor reviewers, celebrated for their brownies, sandwiches, and exceptional coffee.
Below is the complete list of the top 10 cities for independent coffeeshop enthusiasts, including their states and average ratings:
Rank | City | State | Average Rating of Independent Coffeeshops (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Knoxville | Tennessee | 4.59 |
2 | Bentonville | Arkansas | 4.58 |
3 | Lincoln | Nebraska | 4.56 |
4 (tie) | Springfield | Missouri | 4.53 |
5 (tie) | Portland | Maine | 4.53 |
6 (tie) | Dallas | Texas | 4.53 |
7 | Spokane | Washington | 4.51 |
8 | Anchorage | Alaska | 4.50 |
9 | Kansas City | Missouri | 4.49 |
10 | St. Petersburg | Florida | 4.47 |
