5 Best Independent Coffee Roasters That I’ve Ordered From (so far!)
I drink way too much coffee. And because I drink so much, I definitely can’t buy it at a coffee shop. Instead, I’m trying to make high-quality coffee at home on a budget. So over the last 15 years I’ve been on the lookout for the rare independent coffee roaster who can sell a high quality but also affordable bag of whole coffee beans. Here are my five favorites.
Jittery Joe’s Coffee
If you went to the University of Georgia or lived in Athens, Georgia…then you know. And if you don’t know, then you should buy their coffee. It’s affordable, interesting, consistent, and just a perfect brew of coffee. Their Wake & Bake and House blends are the best.
Humboldt Bay Coffee Co.
I discovered this shop on a total lark while traveling in Northern California near Redwoods. We had stopped in Ray’s Food Place (a small grocery store). They had the normal mass-market stuff and this brand from Eureka. It is incredible. Some of their blends are a bit too dark for me, but Humboldt’s Finest is some of the best at-home coffee I’ve ever made.
Check out Humboldt Bay Coffee Co…
Dancing Goats
Atlanta is, in general, a Starbucks town. But! We do have quite a few coffee shops. And Dancing Goat is one of the older, more established shops that also roasts their own coffee.
Chrome Yellow Coffee Roasters
I discovered Chrome Yellow coffee via Switchyards (my coworking space). They are consistent, interesting, and very unique. They have excellent lighter roasts.
Check out Chrome Yellow Coffee Roasters…
Counter Culture Coffee
Counter Culture is the largest independent roaster in the US (that I know of). And, yes, unlike some others, like Stumptown, they are still founder owned and operated. They are far and away the best mass market independent brand – and the most accessible. They are the one I go to when I forgot to place and order and need to run to Kroger. Their coffee is excellent and very worthwhile. I discovered them years ago when reading God In a Cup.
Check out Counter Culture Coffee…
Bonus: TeaSource
I also drink tea along with some family members and TeaSource is the best place to find loose-leaf tea. I love the Vanilla Thrilla for caffeine-free tea.
