Best Coffee Shops Near FSU for Studying & Socializing
Coffee shops are the pick-me-up for mornings and the quiet escape for study sessions. For students at Florida State University, they’re more than just a caffeine stop; they’re a lifeline woven into daily student life. A solid coffee shop near campus can make long days feel manageable and give you a place to study and socialize.
At NxNW Apartments, you’re perfectly placed to tap into the best of Tallahassee coffee culture. You’ve got easy access to some of the top coffee shops near FSU, each offering strong brews, fast Wi-Fi, cozy vibes, and unique perks like vegan options and outdoor seating. In this guide, we’ll cover all the local favourites just minutes away from NxNW Apartments.
Top Coffee Spots Within Minutes of FSU
Tallahassee coffee culture is full of hidden gems and student staples that check all the boxes, from laid-back cafés to energizing hubs with bold brews. Whether you’re deep into a study session or stepping out for a midday latte, these spots offer the perfect balance of atmosphere and energy. They’re close enough to feel like an extension of campus, making them ideal for students searching for coffee near campus.
We’ve rounded up the best coffee shops near FSU where you can settle into your favorite study spots, connect with friendly baristas, and enjoy that much-needed caffeine fix. Each local coffee shop brings something different to the table. Some focus on highlighting supporting local businesses, others double as a live music café, and a few even offer the kind of setting that feels like a true scenic coffee shop.
Lucky Goat Coffee Co. (South Adams) – 1210 South Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Step inside Lucky Goat’s South Adams location, and you’ll understand why it’s a top pick for coffee for students in Tallahassee. With sunlit windows and community tables, it’s a go-to place to study or wind down between classes. The laid-back vibe and rustic atmosphere help you settle in, while the soft background buzz keeps your mind engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
As a local roaster, Lucky Goat Coffee serves up bold espresso, smooth cold brew, and flavorful seasonal drinks that actually taste like effort went into them. The in-house bakery brings out fresh coffee and pastries, and you’ll find plenty of dairy-free drinks too. If you’re living near FSU at NxNW, this cozy spot is just over a mile away, close enough to make it your everyday coffee shop Tallahassee fix.
Catalina Cafe – 603 W. Gaines Street Ste. 6 Tallahassee, FL 32304
Tucked into the heart of college town coffee culture, Catalina Cafe has all the charm of a true independent coffee shop. The dark, rustic interior features hand-painted murals and an open layout that makes it easy to settle in. It’s a student-friendly coffee shop with a menu that hits, offering house-made lattes like the Nutty Natalie, bold chai, and breakfast sandwiches stacked with bacon, egg, and cheddar.
The in-house bakery keeps the pastry case stocked, and the menu makes it a top choice for a quick bite, solo study time, or a low-pressure coffee date. For students living at NxNW, Catalina is part of the rhythm, one of those spots that makes it easy to enjoy local hot spots near our community without planning for it.
Black Radish Grocer & Juicery – 1304 N. Monroe St. Unit B. Tallahassee, FL 32303
Known for its seasonal produce and small-batch, plant-forward plates, Black Radish Grocer & Juicery is a haven for students looking for a healthier alternative in the café Tallahassee scene. Alongside bold FSU coffee and rotating fair trade coffee selections, you’ll find house-made mocktails and draft cocktails for those 21 and up.
Everything is ingredient-driven and sourced from farms and local roasters throughout the area. The space feels more like a modern coffee lounge than a traditional restaurant. It’s cozy enough for casual study spots, lively enough for weekend hangs, and just a few minutes from Railroad Square and Lake Ella. Living at NxNW means you’re within easy reach, making it simple to find your ideal student housing near one of the city’s most creative and community-focused favorite coffee spots.
RedEye Coffee – 1122 Thomasville Road Ste. 7 Tallahassee, FL 3203
If you’re looking for a spot that serves a purpose with your pour, RedEye Coffee delivers. It’s a nonprofit café with a mission, proudly supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through workforce programs and community partnerships. From strong cold brews to sweet cortado, this is a go-to for students who want more than just a quick pick-me-up.
As a beloved live music café and community hangout, RedEye has the kind of warm, lived-in feel that draws you in. The leafy murals and wall-to-wall windows make it one of the most inviting study spots near campus. The menu rotates with creative specials, and the toast and sandwich options hit that sweet spot between quick and satisfying. It channels the same laid-back energy you’d find at All Saints Cafe but with a mission-driven twist. Whether you’re stopping in for a late afternoon treat or just need to grab a coffee, this place has become a second home for students across Tallahassee.
Tallahassee Coffee Shops Compared
| Feature | Lucky Goat Coffee (South Adams) | Catalina Cafe | Black Radish Grocer & Juicery | RedEye Coffee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe/ Atmosphere |
Open and bright, windows on every side, bar seating, community tables, good for work or catching up with friends. | Lively, popular with students and locals, good for a caffeine boost before exploring. | Focuses on fresh, local, and organic; bright and welcoming atmosphere. | Community-minded, invests profits in humanitarian efforts, offers a welcoming atmosphere. |
| Study Friendliness | Plenty of room to work on homework with bar seating and community tables. | Likely good for a quick study session. Free Wi-Fi mentioned at other locations. | Often has a more relaxed atmosphere, may be suitable for studying. Wi-Fi availability needs research. | Free Wi-Fi and lots of power outlets are mentioned. |
| Social Scene | Good for spending time catching up with friends with community tables. | A lively spot popular with locals and students. | Can be a good spot for casual meetings and enjoying healthy food and drinks. | Welcoming and community-focused. |
| Coffee Style | Thoughtfully sourced, offers a coffee quiz to find perfect coffee, various single origins and blends. | Freshly roasted coffee, baristas who compete nationally. Offers a coffee club. | Serves coffee, likely with an emphasis on quality and potentially organic or locally roasted beans. | Organic, fair-trade coffees and teas. Offers unique options like Nitro Cold Brew and Cuban coffee. |
| Food Options | Features delicious, house-baked treats. Vegetarian pastries and vegan oatmeal mentioned at other locations. | Pastries made in-house, sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, toasts, and bowls. | Offers a variety of healthy food options, including organic produce, juices, smoothies, and likely some baked goods or light meals. | Offers muffins and other small bites, sandwiches, wraps, and toasts with an upgraded food menu. |
| Outdoor Seating | Not explicitly mentioned for South Adams, but other locations may have it. | Lots of outdoor seating available. | Research needed. | Not explicitly mentioned. |
| Vegan Options | Keeps non-dairy milk options. Vegan oatmeal mentioned at another location. | Not explicitly detailed, but likely offers some options given general café trends. | Focuses on fresh and organic, likely has vegan options for food and possibly drinks. | Not explicitly detailed but likely has some options. |
| Distance from FSU | Approximately 2 miles. | Approximately 1 mile. | [Research Distance] | Approximately 1.5 miles. |
| Distance from NxNW (800 Basin St) | Approximately 1.5 miles. | Approximately 0.5 miles. | [Research Distance] | Approximately 1 mile. |
