For coffee lovers, there’s nothing quite as welcoming as the aroma of a perfectly blended cup of coffee. Finding a comforting coffee shop can be just what you need to feel right at home during a PCS move to MacDill AFB.
Whether you’re looking for your new go-to spot to stop by during your morning commute or a destination to savor a midday pick-me-up, local coffee shops serve as escapes offering comfort and, of course, a boost in energy.
Great news! You’ll find fan-favorite coffee shops all over the Tampa area to find a soul-warming cup of coffee near MacDill AFB housing.
1. Buddy Brew Coffee
What started as a simple homemade Christmas gift from coffee enthusiasts Dave and Susan is now a hot spot for locals searching for the perfect cup of coffee. Buddy Brew Coffee is a well-established Tampa coffee roaster with several locations throughout the city. Known for their commitment to quality, they offer a variety of single-origin coffees and blends, all roasted in-house. The cafes provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, making them popular spots for coffee aficionados and casual drinkers.
Find their beans at various grocery stores like Whole Foods, Publix, and Sprouts to create the perfect coffee at home, or visit one of the Buddy Brew cafes for a cup out!
2. Ginger Beard Coffee
Created by Derek and Josh, each one with, you guessed it, red beards, this coffee shop has personality written into its name. Together, they decided to say goodbye to the daily grind associated with corporate life and dive into entrepreneurship.
Ginger Beard Coffee is a local favorite known for its nitrogen-infused cold brews, offering a frothy and smooth coffee experience. The shop provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for socializing or working remotely. Their unique offerings, like the peanut butter nitro cold brew, have garnered a loyal following.
3. Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters
Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters is a standout among Tampa’s coffee scene, blending 1920s speakeasy charm with modern, handcrafted brews. It was founded in 2014 by Roberto Torres as an extension of his Black & Denim clothing brand, and it's grown into a local favorite with multiple locations across the city, including a flagship café in historic Ybor City.
Known for its rich signature blends like Pirate’s Plunder and a menu of artisanal pastries inspired by the cultural roots of Ybor. Blind Tiger offers a cozy yet stylish atmosphere, perfect for casual meetups or quiet work sessions.
4. Caffeine Roasters
Caffeine Roasters offers a modern and sleek environment, perfect for those looking to enjoy specialty coffee in a contemporary setting. While their original location is in downtown Tampa, "The Mothership" is in Kennedy. This location is the backdrop for all the good behind-the-scenes action. Not only does this spot sport a quick drive-thru for when you’re in a hurry, but it can accommodate a larger gathering inside. Combine the location with a fresh menu featuring breakfast and lunch favorites, and you might have a new favorite spot on your hands.
5. Spaddy’s Coffee Co.
Spaddy’s Coffee Co. is a beloved Tampa coffee shop founded by Greg “Spaddy” Spadaccini that began as a mobile cart in 2015 and quickly grew from the cart into a neighborhood staple. With two locations, its flagship in Seminole Heights and a South Tampa outpost near MacDill AFB housing, Spaddy’s is known for its laid-back, outdoor courtyard vibe, friendly staff, and dedication to quality.
The shop offers a range of handcrafted espresso drinks, cold brews, and creative iced teas. They also have vegan-friendly bites like bagels with dairy-free cream cheese and hearty breakfast burritos when you need a little food to accompany your coffee. It’s a community-driven café where locals gather for fantastic coffee, good conversation, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
Whether you're grabbing a quick cup before heading to base or settling in for a relaxed weekend brew, the Tampa area near MacDill AFB is full of incredible coffee spots worth exploring. From community favorites like Spaddy’s to the vintage-inspired vibes at Blind Tiger, each shop brings a different flavor to the table, literally and figuratively.
If you're making a military move to the Tampa Bay area, check out these MacDill homes for sale and houses for rent, then download our guide to MacDill AFB for tips on neighborhoods, military spouse employment, area schools, and more.
