9 Best Coffee Shops in Carmel

For many people, the act of making a cup of coffee is a beloved daily ritual. For others, it's a task lazily completed each morning on the way to work. Regardless of your personal relationship with caffeine, a coffee shop can be the backdrop for dates, meetings, or remote work. And beyond their masterfully crafted brews, these Carmel, Indiana coffee shops work tirelessly to build a warm environment to help their patrons relax. Friendly faces, cushy seats, and community-driven missions make these Carmel coffee shops the perfect place to cozy up.

Indie Coffee Roasters is the perfect place to kick-start your day. Indie Coffee Roasters got their start selling beans at local farmer’s markets, and quickly found their way into the heart of the Carmel residents. Indie Coffee Roasters provides both excellent coffee and a warm environment in which to work. Carmel’s community remains the central pillar of their business, and the staff strives to form meaningful connections with everyone who comes through the door. Spend a few hours curled up with a good book, forgetting the stress of the week, and feel at home in this family-friendly environment.

At Indie Coffee Roasters, you’ll find five single-origin coffees on the menu — Amizade from Brazil, El Jaguar from Honduras, Palmera from Colombia, Finca Muxbal from Mexico, and Gasharu Washed from Rwanda. Each roast has a unique flavor profile, from El Jaguar’s surprising blend of dark chocolate and melon to Palmera’s decaf flavors of cinnamon and citrus. 

This downtown Carmel main-stay is sure to become a fast favorite for your morning cup. 

Rose & Lois is a breath of fresh air in the Carmel community with bright, joyful energy. Designed to bring the community together, this one-of-a-kind Carmel coffee shop offers both inventive coffee drinks and scrumptious food selections. Their impressive menu includes a wide variety of hot and cold coffee and non-coffee options in a myriad of tempting flavors. Try one of their signature drinks like a Pistachi-Oat Latte or their take on a Starbucks Pink Drink called Sunrise. Those unsure what to try first can sample both a coffee and milk flight. 

While Rose & Lois does have a drive-through window, their comfortable back patio and relaxing atmosphere beg to be enjoyed. Their breakfast menu and atmosphere makes for an ideal weekend brunch spot in Carmel. Slow down, take a breather, and settle in at Rose & Lois.

Experience a taste of Hawaii in the heart of the Midwest with Manele Café. While fan favorites like nitro cold brew, iced coffee, and lattes are all available, drinks like Manele Mocha and Hawaiian Vanilla lattes offer an exciting twist. Honey Ginger Lemonade, Tropical Matcha Freeze, Banana Mocha Freeze, and local craft sodas all appeal to those trying to cut back on caffeine. If you find yourself missing the sun and summer when the weather in Indianapolis turns cold, turn to Manele Café for a refreshing pick-me-up.

Java House Coffee Bar offers an exclusively iced coffee menu. Java House soaks their coffee beans in cold water for 12 hours in order to craft excellent cold brews. If you’re craving a hot latte—or simply don’t enjoy iced coffee—have no fear, their cold brew tastes just as good warm. Java House locations (of which there are two in Carmel) offer a very warm, welcoming environment. Dark-themed, industrial-style decorating and exceptional staff make it the perfect place to bring your work and sit awhile.

If you’re looking for a proper sit-down meal and a fantastic cup of coffee, Café Patachou is sure to deliver. They’ve garnered national accolades for their five-star menu and stellar community focus. Each dish is made to order, often with organic ingredients from local vendors. Their devotion to the community and crafting a warm, customer-focused setting makes for an ideal spot to connect with Carmel.

Brand new to town, Just Love Coffee Cafe opened on Old Meridian Street this January. This Carmel newcomer has thriving locations throughout the United States, as far west as Chadron, Nebraska, and as far east as the Savannah suburb of Pooler, Georgia. This cafe was designed with a simple mission: put a smile on every guest’s face. 

The robust drink selections here will do just that. Signature lattes like the dark chocolate and hazelnut Cha-Cha or white chocolate tiramisu will satisfy any sweet tooth. For the more traditional coffee aficionado, there are plenty of espresso options available — cortados, cappuccinos, and cold brews are just the tip of the menu. And, of course, Just Love Coffee Cafe isn’t immune to the seasonal latte fanatics. You’ll be sure to see delectable seasonal offerings that put fresh, inventive spins on fan favorites. As delightful as their drink menu is, their food options are just as appealing — sprawling breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus make this perfect for a pick-me-up any time of day. 

Warm, welcoming Zing! Cafe by Coffee Zon in The Village of WestClay is a beloved coffee shop for Carmel residents. This West Carmel outpost has something for everyone on the menu — espresso and coffee drinks, smoothies, and a wide array of freshly-made baked goods, including pastries, bagels, and muffins. 

Located at 12710 Meeting House Road, #150, you can dine-in or grab your order to-go. Swing by for breakfast or lunch, and Zing! Cafe will have just what you need, whether you’re craving that first sip of caffeine in the morning or a mid-afternoon snack. 

The South Bend Chocolate Company has opened the Carmel Chocolate Cafe on West Main Street. Open daily, this unique cafe is the perfect place for your morning meal. Their menu features hot sandwiches, crisp salads, and baked goods you’ll love — cinnamon rolls, bagels, and muffins are just the tip of the iceberg here! 

Of course, the Carmel Chocolate Cafe is also home to mouth-watering sweets. Here, you’ll find decadent ice cream, gorgeous cake creations, and the cafe’s namesake gourmet chocolates. Grab a warm drink, and stay awhile! 

Carmel City Center is home to Eggshell Bistro, offering globally-inspired fares right here at home. With an industrial-chic interior and an undeniable, award-winning menu, it’s no surprise that Eggshell Bistro has become a fast favorite since opening in 2011. 

As for coffee, Eggshell Bistro is one of the few cafes in the midwest that offers Four Barrel Coffee, which consistently ranks among the nation’s top ten coffee roasters. With classic espresso options, single-origin Japanese siphons, pourovers, and affogato, when you stop by Eggshell Bistro for a cup of coffee, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.