It doesn’t matter where the military takes you; finding a local coffee spot to claim as your own is a high priority on the PCS to-do list for military families. Rest assured, caffeine fiends, the Montgomery, Alabama, coffee scene has a shop you’ll crave after one visit.
If you love the continuity of national brand coffee flavors, you’ll certainly find a Starbucks, Panera, Dunkin, or Krispy Kreme to frequent. Less noticeable are the local spots you'll undoubtedly find and love.
Choose one of these establishments to start your coffee crawl near Maxwell AFB, Alabama.
1. Prevail Union Montgomery
Photo from Prevail Union Montgomery
Serving some of Montgomery’s best coffee since 2016, Prevail Union brings loyal customers in every day, not just for their to-go favorites but for seasonal-inspired blends and creations. Check out their online merch shop for branded tees, sweatshirts, and 12-ounce boxes of coffee.
2. Vintage Cafe Cloverdale
Photo from Vintage Cafe Facebook
If you’re looking for a coffee shop with a menu that serves breakfast (biscuits!), lunch (BLTs!), and even cocktails (Mimosa Margarita!), Vintage Cafe is your stop. The storefront is a renovated, historic bank building that adds an extra boost of charm that turns first-time customers into return customers in no time.
3. Hilltop Public House
Photo from Hilltop Public House Facebook Page
Hilltop Public House is an amazing spot in the Cottage Hill neighborhood, just a short walk up the hill from downtown Montgomery. It's a cozy local coffee shop and bar which focuses on building a sense of community around great cocktails, coffee, and brews. It's open daily, and you can grab anything from a perfect espresso to a craft beer or a well-made cocktail.
4. Sweet Hart Coffee Co.
Photo from Sweet Hart Coffee Co.-Millbrook Facebook Page
The Hart family, originally from Bremerton, Washington, fell in love with the Southern hospitality and charm of the River Region during a visit in 2019. Captivated by the warmth of Alabama, they felt a strong calling to move, and by late 2020, they made the leap to Prattville. Upon settling in, they noticed the absence of drive-through coffee stands, a staple back in Washington, and were inspired to bring their passion for coffee to the new community they love so much. Here, you'll find incredible coffee and a tasty bite crafted by a devoted family.
5. Red Tail Cafe
Photo from Red Tail Cafe Facebook Page
This yummy cafe started in 2021 as Prevail (mentioned above) at Maxwell, serving the freshest coffee in the River Region to the Maxwell AFB community. In 2022, Collette and Vonne took over the café from Prevail, renamed it Red Tail Cafe, and made it their own, continuing the tradition of great coffee with a personal touch.
6. Ellianos Coffee
Photo from Ellianos Coffee Facebook Page
Ellianos is a beloved regional chain. Scott and Pam Stewart, coffee lovers and experienced entrepreneurs, came back to Lake City, Florida, after visiting the Pacific Northwest and being inspired by the booming drive-through coffee scene. They brought that concept home, opening their first specialty coffee shop in 2002. The shop was an instant hit, and the Stewarts soon franchised Ellianos Coffee Company, treating franchisees like family. Today, Ellianos is a well-loved brand across the Southeast, including several locations in the Montgomery area, and are still committed to serving "Italian Quality at America’s Pace®."
Whether you're looking for a quick pick-me-up or a place to unwind, these cafés offer more than great coffee—they provide a sense of community and a welcoming space for military families living near Maxwell AFB.
Is the military moving you to the Montgomery area? Click the image below to find homes for sale and houses to rent near Maxwell AFB.
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