The California state capital is probably one of the most underrated coffee cities in the United States. Ranking in the top ten cities in the country with the most independent coffee shops per capita, Sacramento’s craft coffee can contend with that of New York, Seattle, and San Francisco. Here is our curated list of must stop coffee shops in Sacramento to get you caffeinated before taking in the sights of the capital. 

Constant Grind 

If you aren’t really a morning person, but are still on the lookout for coffee,  Constant Grind can be a perfect spot to get your caffeine fix. Open twenty-four hours, seven days a week, this bistro is located close to your suite at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento and is a great pit stop before hitting the slot machines on the casino floor. With an assortment of caffeinated and non-caffeinated beverages, there’s something for everyone to fuel up on before taking on the day or night. Whether you’re an early bird who takes the day head on or a night owl who enjoys their evenings out, Constant Grind is a place to be your first or last stop when visiting the Hard Rock. 

Milka Coffee Roasters

What might seem to be someone’s stately Victorian home on G street, is actually Milka Coffee Roasters. Named after the owner’s great grandmother, Milka Radonich, who had an enduring entrepreneurial spirit lives on in the dedication to brewing great coffee. Milka crafts a lovely menu comprising both coffee and non-coffee beverages, with their most popular drinks being their oat iced maple latte, their orange moca, and their sparkling milka. With plenty of seats, outlets, and indoor plants it’s also a great spot to get some work done.

Camellia Coffee Roasters 

Besides coffee and California, Sacramento is also the capital of camellias as a symbol of growth, persistence, and infinite possibilities. Camellia Coffee Roasters use the flower’s name as their namesake to craft a unique and delicious menu. As one of the best cafes in Sacramento, their horchata cold brew is their most popular drink by a long shot, this drink is the perfect blend of spices and sweetness. However their breakfast sandos steal the show, with one Yelp reviewer claiming they, ‘haven’t had any other food items yet because they can’t get enough of them.’’ 

Scorpio Coffee 

This simplistic coffeehouse is an up and coming destination for the city’s caffeinistas with an unprecedented menu that celebrates diverse brewing methods and complimentary bites. Scorpio coffee exudes classic Japanese design with a spacious and clean interior with natural wood and stone elements. This minimal theme extends into their dining options with items like their seared tuna toast and their espresso tonic. Scorpio has a concise menu that changes  seasonally, drawing  inspirations from both Asian and Western cuisine.

Morgan’s Mill 

If you’re looking for a place to grab your morning coffee and then wine tasting in the afternoon, look no further than Morgan’s Mill. With some of the best coffee in Sacramento, this café has a warm and cozy atmosphere with rustic décor that is perfect for Instagram-worthy pictures. Formerly a denim store, there are different areas for customers to either study or socialize. One of their unique concoctions is their Dirty Claw, a mango white claw with oat milk, vanilla, and a shot of espresso. 

Goodside Coffee 

Coffee has always been known to cure our pre caffeine grumpiness, hence this little coffee shop’s namesake. Goodside is definitely one of the trendier coffee shops in Sacramento with their delicious and equally beautiful lattes, but last summer they created coffee popsicles featuring flavors like vanilla-rose latte and lavender blueberry lemonade as a fun way to beat the heat. They also have delicious bagels featuring unique flavors like their ‘Un’ French Toast and dreamy affogatos featuring vegan ice cream from conscious creamery and beans from Cat & Cloud coffee. 

The Morning Fork 

If you’re feeling in the mood for a more classic breakfast joint, pop in to The Morning Fork in Midtown Sac’s Lavender District. As a beloved brunch spot, there may be a bit of a wait if you don’t get there early enough, but many regulars will tell you it’s worth it. The fork has a novel of a menu, with an entire page dedicated to mimosas and cocktails. They have a solid iced coffee perfect for summer days, but their lavender or spiced papaya hot cocoa is a gem of its own. Their claims to fame have to be their eggs benny and their sage fried chicken, which keep locals coming back for more. 

Station 38 Coffee 

This local brew spot is located in the East Sacramento neighborhood with a delicious menu without the boujee price tag. Station 38 likes to keep it fresh, with their Cafe du Monde beans roasted locally and their breakfast items are made to order. They’ve received high praises for their authentic Vietnamese iced coffee as well as more contemporary flavors like their Snickerdoodle latte. Additionally their breakfast sandwiches and waffles pair great with any of their drinks, making it a great spot to grab brekkie on the go.

18 Grams Coffee Roasters 

18 Grams Coffee recently expanded from Elk Grove and opened up their second location in East Sacramento last year. This locally owned coffee shop in Sacramento has mastered both traditional brews and drips as well as ventured off in creating their own house specialties like their Matcha Lemonade and their Purple Yam Lattes (or PYL for short). This candy sweet yam is also known as Ube and can also be found in their desserts and pastries such as  flans, muffins, and cookies. If you’re feeling adventurous you can also try their pandan cookies or butter mochi, if you’re in a savory mood their hot karaage sandwich is always a solid choice.

Sibling by Pushkin 

If you or someone in your party is in need of vegan or gluten free dietary restrictions, head on over to Sibling where taste does not compromise for nutrition. This sleek Capitol Avenue restaurant is an extension, or sibling, of both Pushkin’s Bakery and Babes ice cream & donuts created by Danny and Olga Turner. Despite the pandemic, this restaurant has retained its ever-present waiting list due to its delicious gluten food options and immaculate coffee. Their scallop crudo has been a delectable addition to their dinner menu and their café mocha is even adored by non-vegans.

Now that you know how to properly fuel up while enjoying your time in Sacramento, it’s time to enjoy all that this amazing city has to offer. Enjoy exciting pastimes and unique activities in Sacramento, check out the local talent, explore the history of the area, or simply just take in the sites. No matter what you’re looking for, Northern California can deliver it all and much more.