The 10 Most Beautifully Designed Modern Coffee Shops

For more than a few of us, a visit to a local coffee shop is an essential part of daily life. Whether we’re picking up a to-go cup on our way to the office or setting up shop with a laptop and a cappuccino, coffee shops have become like a home away from home. That said, frequenting the same one for too long can make you appreciate its nuances less with each visit. So no matter where you are—a big city like Singapore or a seasonal locale such as Aspen—be sure to check out the locally-owned coffee shops that offer more than just a caffeinated beverage.

And a select few of the world’s coffee shops feature interiors as delicious as the freshly baked pastries behind the counter. From a hyper minimalist spot in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to a colorful outpost with a retro edge in Atlanta, these coffee shops are giving the cup of joe we know and love a proper home. Discover these 23 must-visit coffee shops across the globe and take your daily cup up a notch.

Third Wave (Torquay, Australia)

On a pristine stretch of Victoria’s coastline, the undulating façade of Third Wave recalls the waves below. The compact kiosk—occupying just over 200 square feet—houses the beach’s changing rooms in addition to the coffee bar, which serves international brews. Weathered sheet-metal that was used for flood protection in the area a few years prior was repurposed for the structure, which can be easily broken down and relocated if necessary.

Don Café House (Pristina, Kosovo)

More than 1,300 pieces of plywood were used to construct the organic forms in this shop’s modern interior. The sculpted walls—along with coffee bean–shaped light fixtures and rippled tabletops—were crafted to conjure the feeling of being inside a sack of the caffeinated seeds. Local firm Innarch designed the plywood slats on the main wall to protrude outward, forming one long banquette.

Case Study Coffee (Portland, Oregon)

A chandelier depicting a caffeine molecule hangs above the bar at the Alberta Arts District outpost of the popular Portland coffee company. Owners Wes Russell and Christine Herman designed the Case Study Coffee—the company’s third location—and incorporated Heath Ceramics tile, George Nelson Bubble lamps, and woodwork by Russell, creating a midcentury vibe that nods to the iconic Case Study Houses of the era.

Felix Roasting Co. (Aspen)

Few interior designers do maximalism quite like San Francisco–based mastermind Ken Fulk, and Felix Roasting Co.—which neighbors Aspen’s Hotel Jerome—is proof. The space, with its glowing ceiling, jewel-toned velvet seating, and Murano glass fixture, is a celebration of tamed opulence. The menu is just as bold, with drinks like the s’mores latte served in a martini glass and adorned with a roasted marshmallow.

Go Get Em Tiger (Los Angeles)

With several locations scattered across Lala Land, Go Get Em Tiger’s Music Center outpost is one of the most charismatic. At the top of Grant Park, the coffee shop is quite a destination, to say the least.

September (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

September is the coffee shop equivalent of a wind-swept bird’s nest. The architects at Red5studio got the nest part down with hidden nooks and crannies throughout the multi-level space. As for the wind, the firm took a more literal approach: The circular wallhangings dance as the breeze blows them about. Plus they emulated the feel of a gentle wind with curved ceilings, walls, and floors.

Tatte Bakery (Washington, D.C.)

“When you walk into a Tatte shop, you feel the warmth. It encourages you to treat yourself, indulge, and be inspired,” says Tzurit Or, founder, pastry chef, and creative force behind Tatte Bakery & Café. For each of her locations—which are spread across Washington, D.C., and Boston—Or has amassed a collection of furniture and light fixtures from around the world to bring a sense of authentic culture and worldliness to her shops. “We are so grateful to the neighborhoods and communities we are a part of and for the incredible support of Tatte fans across the country,” she adds.

Citizens of SoHo (New York City)

With four locations in Manhattan, Citizens—founded by two Australians—is shaping up to be one of the city’s most beloved spots for digital nomads who have traded their offices for communal workspaces. The SoHo location is a minimalist gem on Lafayette Street, with long tables and banquettes set underneath locally-painted art.

Carpenter Coffee Bar (Austin)

This may be a myth, but coffee and treats taste better when prepared and served in a historic spot. In Austin that spot is the Carpenters Local 1266 Union Hall, which was built in 1948 and reopened as the Carpenter Hotel seven decades later. Not only does it boast 93 charming guest rooms, but it’s also home to Carpenter Coffee Bar. Like the rest of the hotel, the all-day lobby café and lounge feature an undeniable Bauhaus influence mixed with that coveted minimalist look.

Jumpin Jacks (New York City)

The brainchild of hotelier Jack J. Sitt, Jumpin Jacks is a mix between a coffee house and a late-night bar on the second floor of the ModernHaus SoHo. With super-high ceilings and an impressive array of art—including works by Hans Hartung, George Condo, Harland Miller, Jean Dubuffet, Hans Hofmann, Nicolas Party, and Kaws—Jumpin Jacks looks like a place Don Draper would spend both an early morning and a late night. Did we mention that the art is part of Sitt’s personal collection?

Article transferred from Alyssa Bird, Elizabeth Stamp, and Jessica Cherner https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/best-modern-coffee-shop-design-slideshow