There’s nothing moms love more than two things: their kids, and coffee. And sure, it’s nice to just drive through Starbucks when you need a quick fix, but what if you want something really, really good? When you’re done with the chain coffee, it’s time to find the best local coffee shops to not only give you your caffeine fix, but to boost your local economy, help a small business, and give you a better cup of coffee. It’s a win-win!
So when you’re out and about and feel like checking out some local coffee shops, we’ve got you covered. From Hershey and Harrisburg to Lancaster, and everything in between, these are our favorite spots for coffee, cappuccinos, frappes, and more.
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Coffee Shops in Cumberland County
- Denim Coffee, Carlisle: Local coffee chain with two other locations in Chambersburg and Harrisburg. They take a “holistic” approach to coffee, and roast each coffee individually for the best flavor. The shop is beautiful, filled with local artwork, and featuring great views of downtown Carlisle. Reviews say they have the best nitro cold brew in the area!
- The Cracked Pot Coffee Shop, Mechanicsburg: This specialty shop has a mission: to employ and support young adults who have aged out of foster care. In addition to coffee, they also serve food, with seating both inside and outside. For your kiddos, they have a small library, a chalkboard wall, and a play kitchen to keep them happy while you sip!
- Caffe 101, Boiling Springs: Located across from Children’s Lake, this hidden gem combines two of every mom’s loves: coffee and tacos! They serve Mexican food, in addition to their coffee, and serve up gorgeous views of Boiling Springs.
- Idea Coffee, Mechanicsburg: The staff at Idea Coffee serve hand-crafted, creative drinks in a cozy, welcoming environment. They serve Lonely Monk Coffee, a local artisan roaster, as well as a variety of baked goods and hot food. Many reviewers recommended trying their Mexican Mocha.
Left to right: Idea Coffee, Caffe 101, The Cracked Pot, Denim Coffee
- Down to Earth Cafe, Mechanicsburg: A former manager for both The Cracked Pot and Idea Coffee branched out with her own business, also serving coffee with a mission. Down to Earth’s goal is to serve delicious food and drinks from local businesses which use sustainable practices, to better help both the environment and the local community. It’s a great coffee shop to get some work done, as they have plenty of charging ports to keep your devices going, all with a quaint, homey vibe. Their menu has plenty of healthy offerings, including gluten-free choices.
- Brew Cumberland’s Best Coffee, New Cumberland: Baked goods and seasonal drinks make up this local spot. Decor is from local artists, available for purchase; if you aren’t in the market to buy, you can donate money to the artist, too! It has a real community vibe, with plenty of space for you to work alone or host a book club. If you’re in a hurry, though, you can run through their drive-thru. They also have milk alternatives for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Cornerstone Coffeehouse, Camp Hill: A local staple for over 25 years! You can try one of their signature drinks along with a bite from their breakfast or lunch menus, or just pick up one of their baked goods to take with you to go. They feature artwork from local artists, and host cooking classes and demonstrations. One reviewer compared it to a real-life Central Perk, for all of the Friends fans out there.
- P30, Mechanicsburg: Take a break from your usual and stop by this Vietnamese spot! In addition to delicious Vietnamese coffees, they also offer bubble teas and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Many, many reviewers praised the friendly staff, the cute and cozy decor, and the authentic food and drinks.
- Alba Cafe, Mechanicsburg: Welcoming, inclusive coffee shop which also serves breakfast and lunch. There is comfortable seating inside, as well as outdoor seating for those beautiful Pennsylvania days. The family-run business is also set to expand their menu, with freshly-made pasta and more entrees. One reviewer recommended the Espresso Con Panna, and noted they are LGBTQIA friendly with a gender-neutral bathroom.
From left to right: Alba Cafe, P30, Cornerstone Coffeehouse, Brew Cumberland’s Best, Down to Earth
Coffee Shops in Dauphin County
- The Tiger Eye, Harrisburg: Featuring local art for sale, ice cream from Hershey, and great coffee, this has fast become a local fave. In addition to purchasing local art, you can also patronize local artisans, with soap and jewelry for sale as well. In addition to coffee and ice cream, they also have baked goods, and seating both inside and outside. Reviews suggest the Nutella latte, and the iced lavender latte.
- Au Bon Lieu, Hershey and Harrisburg: This creperie uses local, fresh sourced ingredients from area farms, as well as fresh drip coffee, french press, and a variety of teas. The shop is small, but full of character, and the flavors they offer are huge. Try the caramel crepes with an espresso!
- Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Harrisburg: Coffee with a side of music? Yes, please! They have three locations in Harrisburg serving specialty coffee, espresso, cold brew, and small bites. You can also purchase coffee to take home with you, vinyl records, and tons of merch.
- Elementary Coffee Company, Harrisburg: Unique drinks are served with an edgy vibe in this coffee shop. Reviewers praised them for their support for the LGBTQIA and Black Lives Matter communities, as well as for their tasty drinks! They’re also kid-friendly, and they offer oat and almond milks for those who prefer dairy alternatives.
From left to right: The Tiger Eye, Au Bon Lieu, Elementary, Little Amps
- Anna Rose Bakery and Coffee Shop, Harrisburg: Coffee, cold brew, and espresso pair with an incredible array of baked goods — including plenty of gluten-free options — in this Harrisburg gem. It’s a great place for moms to stop in and treat themselves for an afternoon. Get yourself a coffee and a cupcake, sit by the window, and do a little people-watching… it’ll do your soul good!
- Lisa’s Cafe on Chocolate, Hershey: Breakfast and lunch favorites combine with great coffee for a Hershey classic. You can also get some baked goods, so there’s something for everyone on their menu. Customers raved about their omelets, quiche, and avocado toast, and one reviewer in particular raved about the La Colombe chocolate hazelnut black and tan coffee.
From left to right: Lisa’s Cafe, Anna Rose Bakery
Coffee Shops in Lancaster County
- Elizabethtown Coffee Company, Elizabethtown: Bookworms and coffee lovers can unite in this great coffee shop! Located within the Elizabethtown Public Library, every cup helps benefit the library. So you can head in, find a stack of books to dive into, and then grab some coffee for a stress-free, delightful morning! They also have kid-friendly offerings, as well as gluten/dairy/nut free choices.
- New Holland Coffee Co., New Holland: With two locations in New Holland and one in Lancaster, this coffee shop is taking over Lancaster County! All of their coffee is roasted right in the shop, for fresh, delicious coffee. They also have food for you to nibble on while you sip — the white chocolate muffin is to die for!
- Square One Coffee, Lancaster: This coffee shop is small, but it sure is mighty. They’re a family owned business, and an award-winning micro-roaster who do everything they can to respect every single step of the coffee-making process — from farming, to importing, and then to roasting. They feature small-batch global coffees, and have been rated among the best coffee shops in the country.
- Lancaster County Coffee Roasters, Lancaster: This small batch roaster has been in business for a decade, with two locations in Lancaster. Their coffee is sourced from small farms, prepared in small batches, and made daily. They have incredible artisan coffee, as well as donuts and other baked goods.
From left to right: Elizabethtown Coffee Co., Lancaster County Coffee Roasters, Square One, New Holland Coffee Co.
- Mean Cup, Lancaster: Don’t let the name fool you — the staff here is known for being very nice! They serve espresso and coffee, as well as grab-and-go food, with lots of gluten-free and vegan options. They also have some great options for kids!
- Passenger Coffee, Lancaster: Voted the best coffee roaster in the state for several years running, they believe in supporting an equitable supply chain. They are also a Certified B Corporation, meaning they have been certified as meeting the highest highest social, environmental, transparency and accountability. Reviewers said that while the menu is simple and minimalistic, it was clear how much care is poured into every cup — and the flavor shows.
- Cafe One Eight, Lancaster: Located in a historic setting, this coffee shop offers a delicious array of coffees, teas, and food. They are dedicated to ensuring that everyone feels welcome when they visit, with core values of hospitality, quality, and community. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and a perfect place to hang out and read for a bit or do a little bit of work.
- Prince Street Cafe, Lancaster: Locally-focused cafe in a rustic space with phenomenal coffee and food! Their first location was in Lancaster, but they have since opened two more cafes in York and Columbia. They offer small plates, including with gluten-free and vegan options, and many non-dairy options for their drinks.
From left to right: Prince Street Cafe, Cafe One Eight, Passenger Coffee, Mean Cup
- Aura Espresso Room, Lancaster: Award-winning espresso bar opened by a transplant from Greece, who wanted to bring the cafes of Europe to Pennsylvania. They feature Italian coffee, specialty lattes, organic teas, and a lot of delicious food. Like in Europe, patrons are invited to take their time and enjoy the experience.
- Copper Cup Coffee, Lancaster: Ditch the Starbucks drive-thru and try a local drive-thru instead. Copper Cup features a seasonal menu and yummy food — including gluten-free and vegan options — in a cute, cozy atmosphere. Reviewers recommend the tomato pie!
- Chestnut Hill Cafe, Lancaster: This homey cafe offers global coffees, ciders, and teas, alongside all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and ice cream. It’s got a chill, quiet vibe for when you need a little downtime in a beautiful setting.
- Lancaster Beignet Co., Lancaster: You don’t have to go to New Orleans for coffee and an amazing beignet; just head over to Prince Street! All of the food, containers, and supplies are sustainably sourced. If you’re not in the mood for something sweet, try one of their breakfast sandwiches instead.
From left to right: Lancaster Beignet Co., Chestnut Hill Cafe, Copper Cup, Aura Espresso
- Folklore Coffee & Co, Elizabethtown: Trendy coffee shop featuring outdoor seating and local art. In addition to their seasonal and signature drinks, they have tea, smoothies, chai, steamers, and tons of food options — including a kids menu, for those of you who can’t get a moment alone without your littles! They use fresh, micro-roasted coffee from a local roaster, and reviewers say it’s a great, comfortable spot to hang out and relax while sipping espresso.
- EVO 206 Coffee, Elizabethtown: EVO 206 is designed to serve as a vital part of the community for the Hive Etown and HUB on Market. They serve locally roasted coffee from Lancaster County Coffee Roasters, with seasonal drinks and plenty of baked goods.
From left to right: Folklore, EVO 206
Coffee Shops in Lebanon County
- Sydney Roasting Company, Lebanon: Taking a scientific approach to coffee, they offer a great cup at affordable prices, because their mission is that everyone deserves a fantastic cup of coffee every single morning. You can play the piano, sit and read, and enjoy the happy atmosphere.
- 3 Js Coffee, Palmyra: This local spot is committed to building community, both locally and around the world. They offer espresso based drinks, nitro cold brew, pour overs, and aeropress, as well as a full breakfast and lunch menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options. One reviewer described their cappuccino as tasting like “love and professionalism,” and another called it a “coffee enthusiast’s dream.”
- City Watch Coffee, Lebanon: This brand-new local spot offers ethically sourced coffee beans which are locally roasted. They also have boba teas, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and merch so you can spread the love!
- Ancestor Coffeehouse and Creperie, Lebanon: Locally roasted coffee is served alongside both sweet and savory crepes. They partner with local businesses for their ingredients, and everything is made fresh to order. They also have a second location in Campbelltown, at the Mount Gretna Craft Brewery. They have gluten-free and dairy-free options, and areas where you can work, as well as a reading nook.
From left to right: Ancestor Coffeehouse, City Watch, 3 Js Coffee, Sydney Roasting Company
- Revive Cafe and Craft, Lebanon: Located in an 1800’s building which once served as a meeting house, garment factory and place for the townsfolk to gather, Revive is dedicated to bringing that sense of community back once again. In addition to local coffee, they also have a craftery with artisans, vintage collectors, and crafters selling independently produced goods.
- Swatara Coffee Company, Annville: This shop combines fantastic coffee sourced from local farms with eco-friendly practices. They also have plenty of food, from baked goods to sandwiches, salads, oatmeal, and parfaits. Your kids will love checking out their butterfly garden and indigenous plants, too!
- Whirling Dervish Bakery and Coffee Shop, Annville: Grab-and-go bakery and coffee shop for those busy mornings when you don’t have a lot of time, but still need a great cup of coffee (none of that Starbucks mess, right?). They use locally-roasted coffee, and strive to be a happy, positive start to your hectic days. Located just minutes from Hershey!
- The Timeless Cafe, Lebanon: This cozy spot is all about being local! From displaying local art, to using fresh ingredients from local businesses, they are hailed by reviewers as a true hidden gem. The unique atmosphere only makes your visit, with delicious food and amazing coffee, even better.
From left to right: The Timeless Cafe, Whirling Dervish, Swatara Coffee, Revive
Coffee Shops in York County
- The Hive Coffee House and Cafe, York: The mission of The Hive is to build a community-centered place where everyone can feel welcome. They have partnered with Square One Coffee to bring locally-roasted coffee to York, and also offer espresso, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, soups, and other baked goods. Reviewers say to try the lavender vanilla lattes!
- The Green Bean Roasting Company, York: This cozy, colorful cafe has coffee roasted fresh on site, and can make you a custom drink based on whatever you’re craving that day. They also have some baked goods, so you can grab a coffee and a bite to eat, sit at one of the corner windows overlooking the street, and do a bit of people-watching for a relaxing morning.
- Belmont Bean Company, York: Ethically sourced, locally roasted coffee is the cornerstone of this coffee shop. It’s also dog-friendly, with a “bark-a-latte” consisting of whipped cream and dog bones! They have indoor and outdoor seating, table-top games, and plenty of yummy baked goods.
- Rustic Cup, East Prospect: This off-the-beaten-path gem provides ethically-sourced coffee, organic loose-leaf tea, smoothies, and baked goods — including vegan and gluten-free options. You can leave a note for the next person to visit in their shop journal, and spend a little time with one of the books or games they have available for customers. They also have supplies for you to make a little art, too!
From left to right: Rustic Cup, Belmont Bean Company, Green Bean Roasting Company, The Hive
