Coffee lovers, this guide is for you.
Although I try to refrain from spending $8 on an iced latte, Bloomington has such an abundance of great coffee shops that it’s hard not to. From earthy iced matchas to rich seasonal mochas, I guarantee there is a coffee shop around town for you. While I can’t include every coffee shop in this guide, here are five spots to add to your must-try list.
Soma Coffeehouse and Juice Bar
I can’t write a coffee shop guide without including Soma, a Bloomington classic. While there is a location at 322 E. Kirkwood Ave., I’m biased to the Soma at 1400 E. Third St. because that was my go-to location my freshman year.
For first-timers, you can’t go wrong with an iced caramel latte or the Miele, an espresso with honey and cinnamon. In my opinion though, the smoothies at Soma are even better than the coffee. Once you’ve tried the Jungle Juice with mango, pineapple and papaya, you’ll agree.
Crumble has three locations: 532 N. College Ave., 1567 S. Piazza Drive and 316 S. Swain Ave. The one on Swain Avenue, tucked behind Mother Bear’s Pizza, is my personal favorite for its comfortable atmosphere and great customer service. The coffee is also consistently solid; you really can’t go wrong.
Although I haven’t tried them yet, their Polar Bear Latte, a twist on their Teddy Bear latte with white chocolate, brown sugar and mint, and their Cookie Butter Chai sound divine.
If you’re looking for a drink with more sugar than espresso, then Coffee Beanery is for you. Located at 228 S. Grant St., this coffee shop features an extensive selection of decadent drinks, like the Girl Scouts-inspired Samoa Cookie Latte and the Turtle Mocha Latte with caramel and Heath bar pieces.
For chocolate lovers, I recommend trying the S’mores Latte, a rich espresso drink topped with marshmallow foam and graham cracker crumbs.
Even though Hive is more of a restaurant and less of a coffee shop, the drinks are too good to not be included in this list. Located at 2608 E. Tenth St., Hive always has unique seasonal beverages, like the Beachside Matcha with coconut or the Sample Gates S’more, a mocha with marshmallow and cinnamon.
The food at Hive is delicious and fresh, as well. My go-to order is always the turkey bacon melt with a side of fries and a Beachside Matcha.
Located inside the Graduate Hotel at 210 E. Kirkwood Ave., I honestly go to Poindexter for the ambiance more than the coffee. The cozy couches and eclectic, antique decorations make this a perfect spot to settle in for the day to study.
If you are opting for a drink, I would choose one of its seasonal beverages. Last winter I ordered a hot raspberry mocha and even though I’m not really a fan of hot coffee, it was delicious.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student’s spring 2026 Housing and Living Guide.
