Forget the same old morning brew. Across America, a new wave of coffee chains is redefining how we sip, gather, and savor, each cup poured with ambition and local spirit. Meanwhile, far beyond our borders, stunning global cafés beckon travelers with legendary brews and unforgettable backdrops, turning a simple coffee run into a cultural journey. Whether you’re chasing a fresh roast close to home or planning your next getaway, these 14 destinations prove coffee is more than caffeine—it’s connection, craft, and the world in a cup. Here’s where to go when your taste buds crave adventure.
1. 7 Brew Coffee
Speed meets southern hospitality at this Arkansas-born chain experiencing mind-boggling 373.7% annual growth. Founded with a simple premise – make great coffee fast – 7 Brew has transformed the drive-thru experience with energetic staff and customizable drinks.
Their compact stands minimize real estate costs while maximizing efficiency, allowing for rapid expansion across multiple states. Music pumps through outdoor speakers as baristas (called “cultivators”) create connections with customers.
The menu balances classic coffee with creative concoctions like the German Chocolate energy drink. With hundreds of new locations planned, this high-octane brand is proving that small footprints can make massive impressions in the competitive coffee landscape.
2. Dutch Bros Coffee
Founded by dairy-farming brothers in Grants Pass, Oregon, Dutch Bros has evolved from a single pushcart to nearly 1,000 locations across the western and central United States.
Unlike traditional cafés, their drive-thru model creates an unexpected party atmosphere where “broistas” remember regulars’ orders and foster genuine connections. The company’s secret weapon? An employee culture so strong that team members genuinely enjoy coming to work, translating into infectious customer experiences.
Beyond traditional coffee, Dutch Bros offers energy drinks, smoothies, and signature “Rebels” – caffeinated, flavored sodas that appeal to younger consumers. Their blue windmill logo has become synonymous with quality drinks served with authentic enthusiasm.
3. Scooter’s Coffee
Born in Bellevue, Nebraska in 1998, Scooter’s Coffee has quietly built an empire of over 800 locations by mastering the drive-thru experience. Their “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast!” promise resonates with time-pressed commuters seeking quality without compromise.
The brand’s compact kiosk model allows for quick service and lower startup costs compared to traditional cafés. Their signature Caramelicious – a velvety blend of espresso, caramel, and cream – has developed a cult following among loyal customers.
Scooter’s recent investment in a massive Indiana distribution center signals confidence in continued expansion. With franchising opportunities in high demand, this Midwestern powerhouse demonstrates that focusing on operational excellence can create remarkable growth.
4. Blank Street Coffee
Launched during the pandemic in 2020, Blank Street reimagined coffee shops for the digital age. Starting with a single coffee cart in Brooklyn, they’ve expanded to Boston, D.C., and even London with their innovative micro-café concept – spaces a fraction of the size of traditional coffee shops.
Technology drives their efficiency: mobile ordering, cashless payments, and automated equipment allow small teams to serve quality drinks quickly. The minimalist aesthetic – clean lines, neutral colors, simple menus – appeals to urban millennials and Gen Z customers.
Venture capital backing has fueled rapid growth, with dozens of locations opening in just three years. By keeping overhead low and operations streamlined, Blank Street offers specialty coffee at prices that undercut larger chains while maintaining quality.
5. The Human Bean
Started in Ashland, Oregon in 1998, The Human Bean pioneered the specialty coffee drive-thru concept before it became mainstream. Their distinctive green-roofed kiosks now dot landscapes across 25 states, with over 180 locations serving carefully sourced beans and house-made flavors.
Community engagement defines their approach, with initiatives like “Coffee for a Cure” raising funds for breast cancer research. Regular customers rave about the Snowy Mocha – a white chocolate creation topped with their signature chocolate-covered espresso bean.
Unlike many competitors, The Human Bean roasts their own beans, ensuring quality control throughout the supply chain. Their measured expansion through franchising has created sustainable growth while maintaining their original commitment to friendly service and environmental responsibility.
6. Biggby Coffee
Biggby (originally Beaner’s) burst onto the scene in East Lansing, Michigan in 1995 with a radical idea – make specialty coffee approachable and fun. Their bright orange branding and whimsical store designs create an instantly recognizable presence across their 390+ locations in the Midwest and beyond.
Pronunciation guides on menu boards (it’s “BIG-bee”) reflect their unpretentious approach to coffee culture. Seasonal favorites like the Butter Bear latte have developed passionate followings, while their commitment to fair trade beans satisfies ethically-minded consumers.
The company’s franchise model emphasizes owner-operators rather than corporate investors, creating deeply rooted community connections. This Midwest success story demonstrates that coffee doesn’t need to be serious to be seriously good.
7. Philz Coffee
Phil Jaber spent 25 years perfecting coffee blends in his San Francisco corner store before launching Philz Coffee in 2003. Unlike espresso-centered chains, Philz built its reputation on meticulously crafted pour-over coffee, with each cup individually brewed to customer specifications.
The signature “Mint Mojito” – coffee infused with fresh mint, cream, and sugar – exemplifies their innovative approach. Their 75 locations across California, Chicago, and Washington D.C. maintain the original’s laid-back vibe with mismatched furniture and walls adorned with customer photos.
Tech industry adoption helped fuel growth, with Silicon Valley workers embracing Philz as an alternative to corporate coffee. Their philosophy of “making better people through coffee” translates into genuinely warm service that transforms coffee breaks into meaningful daily rituals.
1. Costa Coffee
Brothers Bruno and Sergio Costa brought Italian coffee tradition to London in 1971, creating what would become the UK’s largest coffee chain. With over 4,000 locations across 37 countries, Costa balances British sensibilities with global coffee trends through their signature Mocha Italia blend.
Their red and white storefronts offer a distinctly European alternative to American chains. Recently acquired by Coca-Cola, Costa has accelerated international expansion, including limited U.S. presence in Atlanta. Beyond traditional cafés, Costa pioneered self-serve “Express” machines in grocery stores and gas stations.
Their commitment to sustainability includes ambitious recycling programs and plant-based menu options. For Americans seeking a taste of British coffee culture, Costa delivers a familiar yet distinctly different coffee experience.
2. Luckin Coffee
Founded in 2017, Luckin Coffee revolutionized China’s coffee market through technology-driven efficiency and aggressive pricing. Their meteoric rise to 22,000+ locations made them China’s largest coffee chain in just six years, despite early financial controversies.
The Luckin model minimizes physical space – many locations are pickup-only kiosks – while maximizing digital engagement through their mandatory app ordering system. Their data-driven approach allows for personalized marketing and rapid menu development.
Recently expanding to Singapore and launching in New York City, Luckin brings signature items like the Brown Sugar Latte to American consumers. For visitors, Luckin offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s digital-first approach to traditional retail experiences, where convenience and affordability create an entirely new coffee consumption model.
3. Gloria Jean’s Coffees
Though originally founded in Chicago in 1979, Gloria Jean’s found its true identity after being acquired by Australian entrepreneurs in 1996. Now headquartered in Sydney, the chain has grown to over 1,000 locations in 50+ countries, including 56 shops across the United States.
Flavor innovation defines the Gloria Jean’s experience – their extensive menu features creative options like Caramelatte Chillers and White Chocolate Cookies & Cream drinks. The cozy café atmosphere encourages lingering, with comfortable seating and signature aromas.
Unlike chains focused on coffee purism, Gloria Jean’s embraces indulgence through rich flavored coffees and decadent toppings. For Americans seeking something between neighborhood café charm and international sophistication, Gloria Jean’s delivers Australian coffee culture with approachable flair.
4. Ediya Coffee
Challenging the notion that specialty coffee must be expensive, Ediya has conquered South Korea with 3,000+ locations offering quality brews at accessible prices. Founded in 2001, the chain’s rapid growth stems from a franchise model that keeps startup costs low and operations streamlined.
Unlike Korea’s trendy café culture that emphasizes elaborate interiors, Ediya focuses on takeaway service with minimal seating. Signature drinks include the Sweet Potato Latte – a uniquely Korean creation – alongside familiar espresso classics.
Their expansion to Guam marks the beginning of a cautious international strategy targeting Asian-American communities. For visitors seeking authentic Korean coffee culture without the intimidation factor of high-end cafés, Ediya provides a practical window into daily Korean coffee consumption patterns.
5. Joe & The Juice
Copenhagen-born Joe & The Juice reinvented café culture in 2002 by merging premium coffee with freshly pressed juices and healthy sandwiches. The brand’s distinct personality – energetic music, stylish interiors, and charismatic staff – creates an atmosphere more akin to a cool bar than traditional coffee shop.
Their 380+ global locations include approximately 65 U.S. stores concentrated in urban centers like New York and Los Angeles. Signature drinks like the Energizer (strawberry, apple, ginger) complement their robust coffee program.
The chain’s commitment to sustainability includes plant-based milk alternatives and eco-friendly packaging. For Americans tired of conventional coffee shops, Joe & The Juice offers Scandinavian design sensibilities with a health-conscious menu that transitions seamlessly from morning coffee to afternoon pick-me-up.
6. % Arabica
Founded in Kyoto by Kenneth Shoji, % Arabica embodies Japanese minimalism through pristine white interiors and an obsessive focus on coffee purity. Their logo – a simple percentage sign – reflects their singular mission: delivering the highest percentage of quality in every cup.
Unlike chains with extensive menus, % Arabica offers only coffee essentials, each prepared with meticulous attention using custom-designed Slayer espresso machines. The brand’s 170+ global locations include outposts in New York and Los Angeles, attracting design enthusiasts and coffee purists alike.
Founder Shoji owns coffee farms in Hawaii, ensuring bean quality while creating Instagram-worthy cafés in architecturally significant locations. For Americans seeking coffee as aesthetic experience, % Arabica delivers Japanese precision and visual harmony alongside exceptional brews.
7. Juan Valdez Café
Named after the fictional character who represented Colombian coffee farmers globally since 1958, Juan Valdez Café brings authentic Colombian coffee directly to consumers. Owned by the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation, the chain ensures farmers receive fair compensation while showcasing the country’s diverse coffee regions.
Their 630+ locations across 40 countries include nine Florida stores, with expansion plans targeting Miami and Orlando. Beyond standard café offerings, Juan Valdez celebrates Colombian coffee culture through origin-specific beans and traditional preparation methods.
The cafés’ warm wood interiors and cultural artifacts create an immersive experience transporting visitors to Colombian coffee farms. For Americans seeking coffee with genuine heritage and direct farmer connections, Juan Valdez offers an authentic taste of Colombia’s rich coffee traditions.
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