10 Dallas Coffee Shops Where You Can Wake Up, Work or Rock Out

Coffee shops have taken on a new role since the pandemic and the shift toward remote working arrangements. They serve as a valuable tool in facing the world every morning, and for many, espresso machines have become the new water cooler. Table space and electric outlets are stalked, and a pleasant ambiance and strong coffee are the amenities every worker needs.

Dallas has many wonderful coffee shops, but here are 10 we're excited about right now.

Arwa Yemini Coffee

888 S. Greenville Ave., No. 223, Richardson

Arwa is a Yemeni coffee shop owned by sisters-in-law Susan Shihab and Nora Soofi. The shop name, according to Shihab and Soofi, comes from Queen Arwa, a strong female figure in Yemen's history. Arwa offers Yemeni coffee roasted in-house, teas and specialty sweets, like harissa confections and rich stuffed dates. Or have a pastry from La Casita. The Arabic music and the aesthetic are truly escapist. The art, lighting and traditional communal seating make this coffee shop special, described by customers as a “symphony for the senses.” Signature drinks include a jubani made with coffee and husks (cascara), cardamom, ginger and cinnamon ($4). The Adeni tea is made with premium black tea, milk, sugar and an Arwa spice blend ($5). Do not miss out on the dates or harissa.

La La Land Kind Cafe

Multiple Locations

La La Land Kind Cafe is a gem among cafes. All of the locations are bright and cheery, bathed in white, lemon-chiffon yellow and sunlight. You'll never meet a nicer crew of baristas, and the coffee is strong. Order online if you're in a hurry, but don't be in a hurry. Take a seat. Maybe in the deep chair or at a table by the window. Relax with your coffee and have some of the signature toasts while you're at it. La La Land hires and provides guidance for young men and women who have aged out of the foster care system. They are expanding stores across the U.S., meaning their important mission is growing.

Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters

819 Exposition Ave.

Marta and Kevin Sprague started roasting coffee beans in Dallas before it was hip. Their small but mighty cafe in Exposition Park is part art and part science. The name Noble Coyote is derived from coffee trading middlemen who don't "buy low and sell high" to the detriment of the farmers. So, here you'll get ethically sourced coffee in a welcoming space. Bonus, they'll teach you everything you ever wanted to know about your coffee, or just let you sip and stare out the window. There are a few tables outside under nice shade trees as well as tables inside.

Aussie Grind

3930 Preston Road, Frisco

Aussie Grind is a fusion of European, Asian and mostly Australian cuisine and coffee. The coffee shop displays an Australian café lifestyle with a lively interior and aesthetic, opening into a big space with a comfortable place to sit and catch up with friends or work. The coffee shop also celebrates one of Australia’s iconic animals, the koala, which can be seen on coffee cups, decorations and the logo. Signature menu items include the walnut banana bread, the avocado smash and the salmon bagel.

White Rhino

Multiple Locations

White Rhino Coffee was founded by Chris Parvin with the idea of creating a welcoming space for everyone to get coffee and meet neighbors. There are now nine locations across North Texas, with three in Dallas. The interior of each coffee shop is elegant and minimalistic, with blue and brown décor and cozy sofas and chairs. It's got library vibes, with perfect spaces to work or read a book, especially the Uptown location inside an old home. White Rhino has received four 90+ scores from Coffee Review and was named the best coffee shop in Dallas in 2022 and 2023 by the Dallas Observer. They also serve house-made pastries and small lunches.

Ascension Coffee

Multiple Locations

Ascension Coffee serves not only coffee but also a variety of teas, wines, and pastries, plus a full breakfast and lunch menu. Ascension offers open spaces with a modern décor for studying, working or meeting up with friends or family. Try the White Rock location if you can; it's in a restored chapel. Specialties include avocado toast, banana bread and an Aussie Bacon and Egg Roll sandwich with an egg and Aussie barbecue sauce on a brioche bun. All of Ascension's coffee beans are sourced directly from sustainable farms, with an emphasis on women-owned farms, and are sent to the Dallas roastery, where each batch is cupped and tasted by an in-house Q Arabica grader.

Opening Bell

1409 Botham Jean Blvd.

Opening Bell is part cafe, part small music venue. Performers from The Voice, American Idol and local artists including Leon Bridges have all graced the stage during open mic performances (Saturdays, 4–6 p.m.), but the coffee shop is great any time. With a cozy, relaxed vibe, it's decorated with vinyl records and guitars, with the stage as a backdrop. Signature drinks include specialty drip coffee, black Irish iced mocha and an affogato.

Murray Street Coffee

103 Murray St.

For almost 20 years, Murray Street in Deep Ellum has been a cozy, charming coffee shop with a relaxing vibe. Murray Street also hosts live music on occasion and displays the work of local artists. The two-story shop has several distinct areas for relaxing and hanging out. There are a variety of espresso-based drinks and locally roasted coffees, but also teas, chai, hot cocoa and wine and beer along with some bites to eat. Dogs are welcome.

Wayward Coffee Shop

1318 W. Davis St. and 2025 Irving Blvd.

Wayward Coffee Shop makes all of its syrups in-house (try the cardamon syrup) for a menu of classics. No slushies posing as coffee here: cold brews, lattes, cappuccinos and pour-overs are some of their most popular drinks. They also have a wide variety of teas. A simple sleek space makes for peaceful studying or chilling out. The main bean here is Cat and Cloud from Santa Cruz, CA. Wayward also has a guest roaster program for those seeking an adventurous sip. At the Design District spot, they offer local craft beer in the afternoons. Wayward is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Espumoso Empanada and Espresso Bar

3417 Gaston Ave. and 408 N. Bishop Ave.

Espumoso Empanada and Espresso Bar is a Latin coffee shop with two locations in Dallas. The menu includes empanadas, acai bowls, smoothies, flan and coffee. Try a Cuban coffee or go for espresso-based drinks like dulce de leche latte and café con leche latte. The empanadas are homemade and stuffed with potato, beef, chicken or cheese. They also serve sweet and savory arepas, acai bowls, pastries, tacos and burritos. Espumos serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Try the vaca frita sandwich for $8.50, made with fried shredded beef with garlic, onions and lime and a jalapeno cream sauce.