When it comes to coffee, big things are brewing in Little Rock, Arkansas. From community favorites in the city’s historic and arts districts, to newcomers with big, creative ambitions, here are the best coffee shops in the Capital City.
Located in the hip and funky Hillcrest neighborhood, Mylo Coffee got its start at the local farmer’s market with a small selection of homemade pastries and pour-over coffees. Soon, locals caught on and the concept took off. Today, Mylo is a go-to for remote workers, business meetings, studiers, and more, and is a staple of the Little Rock coffee scene. Pour-overs, cold brews, batch brews, lattes, mochas and cortados are all available here, plus a selection of teas.
The food is also a draw at Mylo. Stop in for breakfast and order a refreshing cucumber toast–house-made Hokkaido bread topped with cream cheese, thinly sliced cucumber and red pepper flake salt–or opt for a flaky biscuit stuffed with egg, local Petit Jean smoked bacon and Wexford cheddar. French toast, oatmeal, and yogurt with granola round out the options for early birds.
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Coffee meets the creative community at Nexus Coffee & Creative. Opened in 2017, downtown along President Clinton Avenue, this airy, industrial space offers plenty of room for remote working and friends gathering.
Here the coffee is roasted in house for the freshest taste. Lighthouse Blend is the shop’s signature espresso roast–never a bad option. And from the Minas Gerais region, Brazil is a drip-coffee, medium roast option with hints of walnut, molasses and chocolate. For the dark roast lovers, Burundi is Nexus’s darkest option, available as a pour-over or French press. Seasonal go-tos include the Almond Joy latte and the Iced Ethiopian pour-over. Teas and other soothing options, like the Sleepy Beekeeper (honey and steamed milk) other alternatives for the caffeine-free crowd.
With two popular locations in the Heights and the Argenta arts district, Mugs Coffee Co. has become a staple for Little Rock’s caffeinated crowd. Single-origin filter coffees are available, along with signature drinks, like the Mayan mocha, a blend of espresso, milk, chocolate, and cayenne, plus lattes and teas.
Coffee is one draw, but so is the clean, airy environment—great for students, coffee chats with friends and solo workers. And the hearty breakfast options, from the fried bologna, egg and cheese sandwich to pancakes, French toast and breakfast tacos are also worth a look.
A Hillcrest mainstay for decades, River City Coffee draws for its cozy environment, focuses on showcasing local art, homage to throwback vinyl music, and of course, coffee. All of the regular orders are available here (Americano, mocha, latte, cappuccino, etc.), complemented by a fun mix of specialty drinks, like the lavender latte, oatmeal cookie latte and raspberry mocha.
River City is also a great stop for kids, offering other sweet treats and ice creams.
One part coffee shop, one part deli and one part bar, Boulevard Bread Company has something for everyone. Hungry for breakfast? Stop in for a cup of joe or a latte and ask about one of the quiche breakfast options or opt for a breakfast sandwich, which comes with pancetta, a fried egg, lettuce, tomato and aïoli on hearty house-made 8-grain bread.
Want to go at lunchtime? Accompany an afternoon pick-me-up with one of several salads or a sandwich made with fresh-daily breads from ciabatta and sourdough to baguettes. An array of tasty products from local-area vendors is also available at the shop, plus pies, cookies and other treats. Boulevard has two locations, one in the popular Heights neighborhood and the other in artsy South Main (SoMa).
