"Daily Grind"
For those who believe the perfect cup of coffee is more than just a caffeine fix, this trail is brewed for you.
From cozy neighborhood cafés to artisan roasters, Lafayette–West Lafayette is full of spots pouring lattes, americanos, cold brews, and everything in between. Whether you’re chasing bold espresso shots or smooth seasonal blends, follow this trail to discover your next favorite cup.
☕ Local Coffee Shops That Brew Up Community (and Flavor).
Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. and The Lobby by Greyhouse
If you're scouting for a coffee-spot with personality in Lafayette, The Lobby by Greyhouse is a standout. This café opened in 2023 as an expansion of the beloved Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. brand, bringing the same warm hospitality and artisan coffee into a new downtown environment. A rich menu that goes well beyond standard coffee: brunch dishes (think biscuits, avocado toast, quiche), an array of sandwiches and salads, and specialties like handcrafted lattes and cold brew. A cozy yet elevated environment: the name “Lobby” conjures a welcoming space where people gather — much like a hotel or theatre foyer — and that vibe comes through in the design and service. Beyond morning coffee, they serve cocktails and mocktails in the later hours, making it a good spot for a social or meet-up outside the standard café rush.
History & Heritage
What’s something unique about your coffee shop’s origin story that most people don’t know?
Something people may not know is that Greyhouse started in 2008 as a project of Campus House to create a "third-place" environment where students and the community could meet. The goal was never just to sell coffee—it’s always been about fostering connection and hospitality.
We opened The Lobby by Greyhouse in 2023 as an expansion of Greyhouse located downtown Lafayette. In addition to the full Greyhouse drink menu we also have a cocktail bar, daily brunch, café sandwiches, salads, evening sharables and desserts. It’s our way of bridging the daytime café culture with Lafayette’s downtown nightlife.
Coffee Focus
What’s your top-selling coffee drink or roast?
Our top-selling drinks are our lattes, especially with our house-made syrups like Vanilla Bean or Dr. Strangelove (Cinnamon, Orange, Cloves). On the roasting side, our workhorse is our ‘Flying Monkey’ espresso blend—it’s the backbone of every one of our espresso drinks. At The Lobby, Flying Monkey also makes an appearance in our beloved Espresso Martini.
What’s an underrated drink or menu item you think deserves more love?
An underrated drink is our Cortado—it’s a simple classic with the perfect balance of milk and espresso but is sometimes overlooked for the bigger flashier drinks.
Guests are often surprised by how expansive our tea program is. All our shops carry a large selection of high quality looseleaf teas that can be made hot or iced! We also have five standard tea lattes for all the fans of chai and matcha out there who want to mix it up.
The Experience
How would you describe the atmosphere or vibe you’re creating for guests?
Greyhouse is known for its welcoming, bustling energy. It’s a place where energy hums—students studying over laptops, professors meeting advisees, alumni catching up, and families treating themselves.
The Lobby offers a more intimate, elevated vibe. By day it’s a café, by night a cocktail bar, inviting you to linger as your drinks evolve with your day.
Do you offer anything special like cupping sessions, latte art classes, or seasonal specialty drinks?
We do occasionally offer coffee cuppings and change our seasonal menu four times a year. Our fall drinks are just about to drop—expect apple cider, and a new Bonfire Latte with all the comfort of roasting s’mores. Keeping up with us on Instagram is the best way to know what’s coming @greyhousecoffee @thelobbybygreyhouse
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Community Roots
How has the Lafayette community influenced your coffee shop’s journey? Are there local events, traditions, or collaborations you love being part of?
The Lafayette and Purdue communities have shaped Greyhouse from the start, from partnerships with organizations like Lafayette Urban Ministry and Purdue Convocations, to festivals on both sides of the river and collaborations with local businesses and artists. We recently collaborated with Soul in a Jar, a local dessert maker, to offer something sweet alongside our coffee.
Being downtown at The Lobby lets us be part of Lafayette’s arts and food culture in addition to campus life. We host local musicians and artists, and love being woven into Destination Downtown, the Farmer’s Market, and other events. We’re especially excited for Star City Nights that we participated in during September 2025.
Fun & Personal
Do you remember the first drink you ever served here? Is it still on the menu?
So many of our original drinks are still around! The Grey Capp, a classic double ristretto cappuccino; our Crème Brulée Latte; Dr. Strangelove Latte; and Masala Chai. One of our original drinks, the Blueberry Cinnamon Latte, isn’t on the permanent menu anymore but occasionally pops back up as a seasonal favorite—so keep an eye out!
Looking Ahead
What’s next for your shop—any new drinks, roasts, events, or expansions on the horizon?
We’re actively engaged in ever-changing Chauncey Village area to keep Greyhouse in the social heart of campus, while continuing to strengthen our presence downtown Lafayette at The Lobby by Greyhouse and on Campus at our shop inside Campus House. New seasonal drinks, continued partnerships, and deepening our roots in the community are at the forefront.
At The Lobby we’re continuing to experiment with the line between café and cocktail bar—expanding seasonal drinks with crossovers between seasonal lattes and cocktails.
How do you see your brand evolving within the local coffee scene?
We see Greyhouse and The Lobby continuing to evolve as spaces where excellent coffee meets genuine hospitality. In the local coffee scene, we hope to keep raising the bar for quality while staying deeply rooted in community connection. And just as important—we love being part of the wider specialty coffee community. Building friendships with other local café owners and baristas, collaborating and learning from each other, is one of the things that makes this work so meaningful.
Saxbys
For coffee lovers outside the traditional chain scene, Saxbys offers quality beans and thoughtful sourcing. The company roasts in-house in Philadelphia and emphasizes long-term relationships with growers. Its unique mission and student-led model give it character; you’re not just getting coffee, you’re supporting a learning-hub where students run the show. Because it’s on a university campus, there’s an energy and convenience to the setting — perfect for meeting, studying, or just grabbing a good drink between classes.
History & Heritage
What’s something unique about your coffee shop’s origin story that most people don’t know?
Saxbys is an "education company disguised as a coffee company" on a mission to make life better by supporting and empowering the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs through experiential learning.
We are completely student run by Purdue students. We have a Student CEO that runs the cafe and gets credits through Purdue and paid through Saxbys. It's a win-win situation.
Coffee Focus
What’s your top-selling coffee drink or roast?
This would be a tie between Vanilla Bean Cold Brew and Salted Caramel Cold Brew
What’s an underrated drink or menu item you think deserves more love?
Anything Chai!! Also, any of our teas, hot or cold.
The Experience
How would you describe the atmosphere or vibe you’re creating for guests?
Always fun and upbeat, let’s have a great time.
Do you offer anything special like cupping sessions, latte art classes, or seasonal specialty drinks?
We do offer seasonal specialty drinks - Starting 9/16/25 is the new pumpkin matcha and starting 9/23/25 is the Ube matcha
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Community Roots
How has the Lafayette community influenced your coffee shop’s journey?
We are an integral part of the Purdue University community. We are a cafe led by Purdue students and for students. We are partnered with the Daniels School of Business and the HTM programs at Purdue for bringing in our Student CEO’s.
Are there local events, traditions, or collaborations you love being part of?
Homecoming on the Engineering corridor. We enjoy interacting with alumni and promoting Saxbys.
Fun & Personal
Do you remember the first drink you ever served here? Is it still on the menu?
Chai Cold brew. Yes, it is still on the menu.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for your shop—any new drinks, roasts, events, or expansions on the horizon?
Pumpkin starting 9/16/25 and Ube drinks staring 9/23/25. Later this fall Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mocha
How do you see your brand evolving within the local coffee scene?
Saxbys is actively looking for another location at Purdue and at other Universities across the midwest. We are always looking for the new next Student CEO.
Fuel Coffee Shop (West Lafayette and at Five Points)
Fuel Coffee Shop has carved out a reputation as a cozy, locally-roasted favorite. Owned and operated with real focus on craft, they serve coffee roasted locally (via their sister company) and pair it with a thoughtful breakfast & lunch menu. The coffee is locally roasted, giving it a freshness and character that many chain cafés don’t offer. The food menu goes beyond pastries: guests love the breakfast/lunch dishes like quiche, paninis, and the highly-praised streusel pancakes. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with good seating, friendly staff, and perfect for lingering over a coffee or doing some work.
History & Heritage
What’s something unique about your coffee shop’s origin story that most people don’t know?
Two years after we opened Fuel’s doors, and after much discussion, we decided to try our hand at roasting our own coffee. We converted my home garage into a roasting facility by outfitting it with heat and air conditioning, replacing the garage door with french doors, adding an appropriate flu and talking to the city of course.
We found a used coffee roaster, a Deidrich IR-12 drum roaster, in the Los Angeles area, and ordered it sight unseen. With a 12kg capacity, it’s roughly the size of a stackable washer and dryer, twice as deep, and can roast up to 26 lbs. It is old school: no rate of rise data printouts, no bells, no whistles, no auto anything. It’s got a gas line and a power cord. The right price point, and its simplicity means it’s less complicated to repair, a rotating oven over a heat source.
The 20 year old roaster was delivered on a flat bed semi, by a truck driver whose handle was “Big Dog Daddy”, a kind and patient guy. He arrived from Los Angeles at around 10p, his road weary family in the cab with him, ready to turn in for the night. Just one 1300 pound coffee roaster to drop off… in this chick’s driveway.
Being complete rookies at this, we didn’t foresee the need for a loading dock, so when Big Dog’s truck arrived at our newly prepared roasting space, we didn’t have a load off plan. At his suggestion, we called all the local towing companies to see if anyone would be willing to use their winch to drag the roaster from its temporary home. The good sports at Joey’s Enterprise Services thought the task sounded interesting and doable, so they came and did just that. I think a couple friends joined the effort.
Once the roaster was on solid ground again, it took six humans and loads of grunting to push, drag, and walk the roaster to its (probably final) place of honor. Our patient semi driver stayed and helped us heave that thing into place before clocking out for the night, and getting his kids to bed.
Today, despite its age, and barring a couple of small maintenance fixes, and a once confounding head scratcher of an air flow problem, it’s been our reliable coffee roaster ever since, 9 years and counting. I currently roast about 200 lbs of coffee per week, here in Lafayette, and distribute that coffee to both our locations for brewing and selling whole bean.
Coffee Focus
What’s your top-selling coffee drink or roast?
Harpy’s espresso blend is our most hailed roast, I think. Harpy’s is a dark roast blend of South American beans, with a little medium roast Brazil blended in post-roast. The beans
have natural sweetness from the caramelization process, yet retain a hint of the brightness a medium roast offers. We brew it as espresso, and drip both- at different grinds, of
course. Unrelated trivia, the name Harpy’s is a nod to the band I had the utter delight of being a member of in my 20’s. No reunion planned.
What’s an underrated drink or menu item you think deserves more love?
The Fueljack has a dash of vanilla syrup, espresso and whipped cream, with steamed spicy hot chocolate poured over all, for a freak out symphony of deliciousness and
texture. Not even kidding. I think people are scared off by the “spicy”, as it really does have a pleasant kick, not a double dare you kind of kick.
The Experience
How would you describe the atmosphere or vibe you’re creating for guests?
We’re stylistically “eclectic”, as in nothing really matches, which says a lot without saying it. We like for people to feel welcome to move around the space, rather than
feeling confined to a table. Play a game, read a book, get a little work done, have a chat, enjoy decent to great music, and we hope, exceptional food and drinks that you crave
when you’re away from us. We try to put a fun spin on deliciousness, adding bearnaise to our breakfast sandwich, crunchy pancakes to die for, unexpected delights of that sort. We
are definitely not an eggs, meat and hash browns type of place, though those places have massive appeal to me too.
Do you offer anything special like cupping sessions, latte art classes, or seasonal specialty drinks?
Fuel baristas are impressively faithful and inspired in brainstorming seasonal drinks. We’re currently featuring one of my recent faves, Sweater Weather: espresso with vanilla, cayenne, honey and milk.
Community Roots
How has the Lafayette community influenced your coffee shop’s journey?
In 2012, I got a job barista’ing at KDee’s Coffee Shop because I’m a decades committed waitress, had recently recognized my alcoholism, and needed to work away from booze. I had a new baby, and was just trying to live right.
I loved the barista job out of the gate, coffee shop life itself, great hours, smart co-workers, a civil crowd (versus bartending). Two years later, my boss Jerry put that shop on the market. Through a series of small miracles, my partner Tim Butzen and I bought it from him, and flipped the sign to “Fuel” May 1, 2014. We immediately put Tim to work in the back of house, baking our goodies from scratch, then adding quiche, and slowly growing our menu over time. We got a feel for our regular crowd and new guests alike,
that they’d be open to creations with sensible quirk. Over time, that’s translated to a mutual trust we have with the community.
I think because of how we got our start, we both feel deeply connected to the Lafayette community. There’s a richness to our roots here, of knowing our regulars, meeting new ones, seeing people move to their next chapters, and come back grown, or married, or having changed from when we knew them best. It’s really cool.
More to the question, Fuel’s journey has been shaped by a huge demographic swath of Lafayette, and the impact has both physically and inspirationally helped shape it. From the early days, existing regulars seemed to appreciate our food, our story, rooting for and supporting us in ways that still leave me stunned.
One example, we started out on Main Street, where East End Grill is now. A year after we opened, our lease expired, and we needed to move across the street, adjacent to the former R&M, our second location. As the date approached, it was more or less all I could talk about, the enormity of the move. We put up a “help moving” sign, and something like 40 regulars showed up to help us move the entire business, equipment and all, on a Saturday in April. We rewired the sound system, hooked up the equipment, made some minor construction mods. It was so touching. People carted loads in their arms, brought a moving truck, dollies, gave us their backs and their whole day. We couldn’t even provide coffee because everything was unhooked. People showed up and helped get this difficult thing done. It was just amazing.
Other examples of support we’ve had are similar, if not as cinematic, and many. And I guess it illustrates the point I’m trying to bring full circle. From sheer time spent with countless neighbors, friends, and guests, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many good natured, smart, sweet, talented humans. To me, Fuel has become a place where that family meets.
Are there local events, traditions, or collaborations you love being part of?
Fuel publicly supports efforts aligned with the No Kings movement. I guess I love that, given an alternative of nervous and timid silence.
Fun & Personal
Do you remember the first drink you ever served here? Is it still on the menu?
The first drink I made at Fuel was for myself at 6am on Thursday, May 1st, 2014. It was a small, hot Dirty Ivan in a mug. Familiarly a DI, it’s a latte perfectly sweetened with raw sugar. Sounds simple because it is. But it’s also dangerously enjoyable. More than once, I set alarming daily shot records drinking them, and had to give them up. Credit: Dirty Ivan was a popular drink at Fuel before Fuel was Fuel, thanks to Jerry Kalal who thought it up.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for your shop—any new drinks, roasts, events, or expansions on the horizon?
We honestly have no idea. Stay tuned, I guess. The last thing being kicked around was incorporating Horchata, but it’s hard to tell what will take root.
How do you see your brand evolving within the local coffee scene?
Boy. We have three years left on our lease at Fuel West. While bittersweet, I think we’re looking forward to focusing our energy on just one brick and mortar. And a fleet of coffee trucks. That’s how rumors get started. :)
The Eleventh House
Nestled in downtown Lafayette The Eleventh House is a creative pop-up espresso experience. The interior is decorated with abstract art, posters, and a creative energy that blends café culture with a venue aesthetic. The Eleventh House features well-crafted espresso, specialty lattes (including house syrups and rotating seasonal flavors), and a solid bagel sandwich menu with options like lox, avocado, ham & brie, and creative spreads. Their mission emphasizes strengthening Lafayette’s coffee scene by bringing people together via shared spaces, collaborations, and creative events.
History & Heritage
What’s something unique about your coffee shop’s origin story that most people don’t know?
We opened up inside of Spot Tavern in 2020 and operated out of there during the day. It was a cool way to start because it encouraged us to collaborate with Spot and Snuggs Pizza at the time which went further into doing events that showcased local artists and small businesses. That is something that will forever be at the core of The Eleventh House.
Coffee Focus
What’s your top-selling coffee drink or roast?
Our top selling drink is our Good Karma latte - it’s basically a Chinese Five Spice Mocha. It’s incredibly cozy and is great hot or iced.
What’s an underrated drink or menu item you think deserves more love?
Oh, I think the Lemon Bar Matcha deserves all of the love it can get. It’s an incredible drink that highlights the beautiful flavor of our Matcha and mixes it with just a little bit of vanilla and some fresh lemon peel to give it that perfect lemon bar flavor.
The Experience
How would you describe the atmosphere or vibe you’re creating for guests?
Our atmosphere is definitely creative and social - sometimes, I walk in here and forget that I’m in Lafayette (not that I want to - I love Lafayette). We want people to feel seen and connect with each other here. I love when people engage in conversation as they wait for their drinks. It’s a true community atmosphere.
Do you offer anything special like cupping sessions, latte art classes, or seasonal specialty drinks?
We are working on doing more events - but we will do shows with Doom Room that are cool because they’re all ages. We also do a “Noodle and Thread” night on Tuesdays where we make a big batch of pasta and stay open until 8pm so people can work on any fiber projects/crafts here. We try to do special menus for certain holidays (like tacos on the 4th of July) and just give Lafayette something different to look forward to.
Community Roots
How has the Lafayette community influenced your coffee shop’s journey?
Oh, Lafayette. I think I’ve always trusted that Lafayette is cooler than people think it is, so I’ve wanted to prove that by opening up a space that is more progressive and offers flavors that are more out of the box. Sure enough, Lafayette’s responded well to it. I think it’s really just made me realize that if you provide people the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, they totally will. Sometimes you have to hold their hand along the way - but sometimes they just need an opportunity to do so.
Are there local events, traditions, or collaborations you love being part of?
Here’s a cheesy but true answer - we just love being on the square. There are so many events and collaborations that we do that it would be hard to pick one. But I can say with confidence that being a gathering space for Downtown Lafayette is the one of the best things about The Eleventh House and we are forever grateful for it.
Fun & Personal
Do you remember the first drink you ever served here?
Is it still on the menu? Oh yes, when we first started, I didn’t have an espresso machine so I used an aeropress to get a concentrated shot of coffee that I would use in our “lattes.” Because we didn’t have a way to froth milk, I would just warm up giant batches of milk and keep them in airpots. This would, of course, mean that our lattes had ZERO good texture so I knew I had to rely on flavor to carry them so I did the Chinese Five Spice Mocha (now our Good Karma) and the Sweet Potato Latte (we bring it on seasonally every fall). I think technically the Sweet Potato Latte was our first drink we served - it was definitely a hit.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for your shop—any new drinks, roasts, events, or expansions on the horizon?
I think our next step is to work on getting our liquor license. I love going to Europe and enjoying all of the cafes so it would be cool to give The Eleventh House more of that European vibe.
How do you see your brand evolving within the local coffee scene?
I see our brand evolving by focusing more on the employee experience. I think that in our industry, we are always so focused on who we are serving that it’s sometimes easy to not give enough to the people who make it happen every single day. While I haven’t figured it out exactly yet, it’s always on my mind on how we can have jobs like being a barista as our full-time jobs where we make enough money to live. I know that The Eleventh House feels like a home to our staff and provides them with a strong sense of belonging. As we evolve, I want it to also be something they don’t need to step away from in order to live comfortably financially.
Wanderlust Coffee Shop
Wanderlust Coffee Shop captures the spirit of adventure in every cup. Designed with a cozy, travel-inspired atmosphere, the space features warm wood tones, maps, and inviting décor that reflect its name and mission—to inspire exploration and connection. Wanderlust is known for its smooth espresso, handcrafted lattes, and creative seasonal drinks, as well as a selection of local pastries and light fare. Whether you’re fueling up for your next journey or simply pausing to enjoy the moment, Wanderlust Coffee Shop offers a welcoming stop for dreamers, doers, and coffee lovers alike.
History & Heritage
What’s something unique about your coffee shop’s origin story that most people don’t know?
We introduced 3rd wave/craft coffee to downtown Lafayette in late 2012.
Coffee Focus
What’s your top-selling coffee drink or roast?
Our Regular Lattes.
What’s an underrated drink or menu item you think deserves more love?
Drip/Black coffee.
The Experience
How would you describe the atmosphere or vibe you’re creating for guests?
Hip urban vibe on the service side, and mid century library vibe in the study lounge side.
Do you offer anything special like cupping sessions, latte art classes, or seasonal specialty drinks?
We offer an array of seasonal roasts and drink specials.
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Community Roots
How has the Lafayette community influenced your coffee shop’s journey?
As a lifelong resident bringing something unique and edgy to the community has been important to us. While being welcoming to each and every person on our community.
Are there local events, traditions, or collaborations you love being part of?
We love any and all local collaborations with other local businesses.
Fun & Personal
Do you remember the first drink you ever served here? Is it still on the menu?
Our house roasted espresso.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for your shop—any new drinks, roasts, events, or expansions on the horizon?
Wanderlust West is opening this winter(2025) on Kalberer Rd.
How do you see your brand evolving within the local coffee scene?
Keep pressing forward to set the standards as high as we can to continue bringing the most intentional, and best executed coffee and welcoming atmosphere to the Greater Lafayette community.
Reveille Coffee Shop
Reveille Coffee Bar is a modern, community-centered café that blends sophistication with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. The shop features sleek, minimalist décor accented by natural tones and warm lighting—creating the perfect space for studying, socializing, or starting the day with intention. Reveille offers a thoughtfully curated menu of espresso-based drinks, signature lattes, and specialty teas, complemented by fresh pastries and light bites. Dedicated to quality and connection, Reveille embodies the spirit of a neighborhood coffee hub where every visit feels both energizing and familiar.
History & Heritage
What’s something unique about your coffee shop’s origin story that most people don’t know?
I opened it during the height of Covid without any real knowledge of how a coffee shop works. It was a matter of the right place available at the (not so) right time.
Coffee Focus
What’s your top-selling coffee drink or roast?
We sell Tinker coffee exclusively, along with some specialty teas. We don’t differentiate much between dark and light roast because we present them more along the lines of flavor profiles. Iced lattes are our biggest seller.
What’s an underrated drink or menu item you think deserves more love?
I am a huge fan of matcha. We can make it any flavor that people want. It’s slowly catching on.
The Experience
How would you describe the atmosphere or vibe you’re creating for guests?
We are a fast paced, yet relaxed vibe coffee shop with a definite European flair. Our music is chill, yet on point. The atmosphere is comfortable for all ages. Students love to cross the bridge knowing they will find a quieter and less crowded space to study.
Do you offer anything special like cupping sessions, latte art classes, or seasonal specialty drinks?
We offer a new menu of five seasonal inspired drinks that change each month. Our staff has a lot of fun coming up with delicious combinations.
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Community Roots
How has the Lafayette community influenced your coffee shop’s journey?
A coffee shop requires a solid, dependable and dedicated staff to make it run smoothly. It’s very difficult to achieve, but the love this community shows us every day makes it all worthwhile. They show up several times a week knowing someone behind that bar will remember their favorite drink, usually have it started for them, and will always ask about their day, genuinely caring about the answer.
Are there local events, traditions, or collaborations you love being part of?
Downtown Lafayette is really stepping up their game on fun and engaging events. We are here for all of it, from the Farmer’s Market all summer, Monster Mash in October, the Christmas Parade and Shop Small Saturday in November and December…we love how the community gets involved and supports the small downtown businesses.
Fun & Personal
Do you remember the first drink you ever served here? Is it still on the menu?
I don’t recall the exact drink, but we have had fun since day one showing our customers an alternative to the chain coffee shop drinks they may be used to ordering. We always serve traditional European espresso drinks and that won’t change.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for your shop—any new drinks, roasts, events, or expansions on the horizon?
No immediate plans for expansion, but I never say never. Regarding shop specifics, we are always looking for ways to improve upon what we already do at Réveille. We care deeply about our environment and leaving this earth better for our grandchildren than it is currently. We already recycle, use compostable cups, don’t offer things that are harmful to the environment whenever possible (which is why we don’t offer almond milk, sorry). So, look for us to offer reusable cups to be purchased here and a discount on your drink each time you bring it back.
How do you see your brand evolving within the local coffee scene?
We love the local coffee scene and feel there is room for us all to serve the Lafayette community. Of course we love it when we see people walking around with a Réveille drink, but we support the local coffee scene and all that it offers. There’s something for everyone here. We are always listening to our customers' ideas and we work hard to keep up on the next thing coming as long as it’s good for the community we serve.
Jump Start Cafe
Tucked away just across the river from Purdue’s campus, Jump Start Coffee is a cozy, car-themed coffee shop with plenty of personality. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by walls lined with classic car memorabilia and even a half-Volkswagen turned into a booth, giving the place a playful garage-meets-café vibe.
What really sets Jump Start apart is its local spirit. As an independent, community-oriented business, they aim to treat every guest like family and build genuine connections in Lafayette. Whether you’re looking for a spirited latte to fuel your study session, a cozy place to meet a friend, or just a dose of small-town charm with your caffeine, Jump Start Coffee revs up just the right blend.
History & Heritage
What’s something unique about your coffee shop’s origin story that most people don’t know?
Jump Start Coffee opened its doors in March 2025. It’s owned by the same family as the Autotorium garage next door and was created, in part, as a waiting spot for customers having their cars serviced there. The shop’s classic car theme features vintage memorabilia with personal stories behind many items. The centerpiece—a 1957 Morris Minor—is the same make, model, and color as the owner’s first-ever car. Look closely, and you’ll find several historical “Easter eggs” hidden throughout the décor.
Coffee Focus
What’s your top-selling coffee drink or roast?
Top-selling drinks: Jump Start Java (a caramel vanilla latte) and the Roadster Mocha (chocolate, caramel, and coconut).
What’s an underrated drink or menu item you think deserves more love?
My personal favorite is the Turbocharged, which is a pistachio mocha, and I also think the Aromatorium, a lavender and honey latte, is a slightly unexpected option that is also very good.
The Experience
How would you describe the atmosphere or vibe you’re creating for guests?
We strive to provide a unique, memorable, classy, and positive experience for everyone who comes in.
Do you offer anything special like cupping sessions, latte art classes, or seasonal specialty drinks?
We sometimes have events in our back room. Some examples of past ones have been a beginner crochet class and a charm bar pop-up
Community Roots
How has the Lafayette community influenced your coffee shop’s journey?
Lafayette has been a wonderful place to open this business! It is a diverse community full of friendly faces and it has been so fun to get to know our customers from all walks of life.
Are there local events, traditions, or collaborations you love being part of?
Lafayette has been a wonderful home for Jump Start—diverse, welcoming, and full of friendly faces. The shop recently participated in the Marquis de Lafayette scavenger hunt and looks forward to joining more local events.
Fun & Personal
Do you remember the first drink you ever served here? Is it still on the menu?
I don’t remember what the drink was, but our main contractor, Mike Breece, gave us the business’s first dollar, which was very special. Renovations of the coffee shop took over 5 years, so we have had a longstanding relationship with Mike and his brothers, who put a lot of work into our building.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for your shop—any new drinks, roasts, events, or expansions on the horizon?
We just had our Grand Opening celebration on October 17th and 18th 2025!
How do you see your brand evolving within the local coffee scene?
We hope to become a staple in the community, and that our shop will become an iconic must-stop destination in Lafayette.