Top 10 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in Annapolis

Annapolis, Maryland known for its historic charm, sailing culture, and the U.S. The Naval Academy also boasts a thriving coffee scene. Whether you’re a tourist strolling the brick-lined streets of downtown or a local looking for your next caffeine fix, the city offers a delightful mix of independent cafés and popular chains to satisfy every coffee lover. From cozy, tucked-away spots perfect for curling up with a book to vibrant, Instagram-worthy cafés and historic hangouts, here are the top 10 must-visit coffee shops in Annapolis as of 2025. Each spot on this list has its own unique vibe, specialties, and practical perks, ensuring that both visitors and locals find a coffee experience tailored to their taste.

Big Bean Coffee House

Address: 888 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
Big Bean Coffee House has been a favorite in the Annapolis area for years, its original shop opened in Severna Park in 2000 and in summer 2021 they expanded with a second location right here in Annapolis​. Locals rejoiced, not only because of the great coffee, but also for the much more spacious setting this newer café provides​. The Annapolis shop features plenty of seating (a big perk for those who like to linger or get work done) in a bright, inviting atmosphere. The vibe is laid-back and community oriented, often filled with a mix of students, professionals on their laptops, and friends catching up over lattes.

What makes Big Bean special aside from its friendly service is its creative menu. In addition to expertly brewed coffee and espresso, they offer smoothies and seasonal specials. One local favorite is the Mexican hot chocolate, a spicy-sweet treat that comes highly recommended​ (you won’t be disappointed by this indulgence). They also serve tasty breakfast items and baked goods, making it a great brunch or snack spot.

Tips: Big Bean’s Bestgate Road location is in a small shopping center with free parking, so it’s convenient if you’re coming by car. Wi-Fi is available and the ample seating means you can usually find a table, but it does fill up during peak weekend brunch hours. If you’re visiting in the morning, try to arrive early to snag a spot this café is popular with the weekend crowd.

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

Address: 124 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is as uplifting as it is delicious. Located right by the City Dock in the heart of historic Annapolis, this café not only treats you to views of the downtown harbor from its cozy interior, but also warms your heart with its inspiring mission​. Bitty & Beau’s is run by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, part of a nationwide initiative to provide meaningful employment and redefine customer service standards​. The moment you step inside, you’re likely to witness the joy and positivity that have made this shop famous. Don't be surprised if you encounter high-fives, smiles, or even an impromptu dance party among the staff​. It’s nearly impossible to leave without a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart​.

Of course, the coffee here is excellent too. Bitty & Beau’s serves a full range of coffee drinks (from solid drip coffee to creamy lattes and seasonal specials), plus refreshing smoothies and baked goods​ to satisfy your sweet tooth. The navy-and-white décor with touches of gold gives a nod to Annapolis’s nautical culture and makes for an inviting, Instagram-worthy setting​.

Tips: Being on Dock Street, Bitty & Beau’s is perfectly situated for a mid-shop stroll break or a morning pick-me-up by the water you can even see the harbor while you sip. Street parking in this area can be challenging, so consider one of the downtown parking garages (Noah Hillman Garage is a short walk away). The shop is generally busiest on weekend afternoons when tourists and locals flock to the waterfront, but the line moves quickly and the upbeat staff make any wait enjoyable. There’s limited indoor seating, but many folks grab their drinks to wander downtown.

Bean Rush Cafe

Address: 112 Annapolis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Bean Rush Café is a beloved neighborhood coffee shop in West Annapolis that prides itself on friendly service and a local vibe​. Tucked on a quaint street, this café feels like a local secret the kind of place where the baristas know regulars by name and welcome newcomers with a smile​. The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, making it an ideal stop if you want to start your day like an Annapolitan. Bean Rush serves “aromatic, warm” signature brewed coffees and espresso drinks alongside loose-leaf teas, fresh salads, sandwiches, and delicious pastries​

Tips: Bean Rush opens early (weekday mornings from 6am) to catch the work crowd, and it offers a few indoor seats plus outdoor tables on the sidewalk – perfect for people-watching in nice weather. Parking is usually easy along Annapolis Street, but it can fill up during the morning rush. Free Wi-Fi isn’t a major focus here (it’s more of a grab-and-go or chat-with-friends spot than a remote office), though you’ll often see locals lingering over their coffee. It does get busiest around 7–9am on weekdays, so consider visiting mid-morning for a more relaxed experience.

Brown Mustache Coffee (at Old Fox Books)

Address: 35 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
Brown Mustache Coffee is a hidden gem tucked in the back of Old Fox Books, an endlessly charming little bookstore on Maryland Avenue​. This cozy coffee nook is a bibliophile’s dream come true picture of yourself sipping a freshly brewed cappuccino while surrounded by shelves of books in a century-old building. The shop’s secret sauce is indeed its unique location: walk through the bookstore and you’ll find Brown Mustache in a quiet corner, with a ridiculously cute garden out back for outdoor seating when the weather cooperates​. The vibe here is calm and intimate, making it perfect for a leisurely coffee date or some solo time with a novel. It’s the kind of spot where coffee and conversation blend with the rustling of pages truly an Annapolis treasure.

Brown Mustache Coffee was founded in 2016 by local owners who wanted to create a community gathering space for book and coffee lovers​. They take pride in sourcing their beans from Annapolis’s own Ceremony Coffee Roasters and getting their teas, dairy, and pastries from other local vendors​, so everything you taste is steeped in the community. The menu is focused on quality over quantity: expect expertly crafted espresso drinks, rich drip coffee, and a selection of pastries or cookies to pair with your brew.

Tips: Brown Mustache is open daily, but keep in mind it’s a small operation there are just a few tables inside and in the garden. It’s generally quiet, especially on weekdays, making it an ideal hideaway if you need a break from the downtown bustle. On weekends, the secret is out and it can get cozy (seating might fill up in the late morning), so arriving early is wise if you plan to sit and stay. Parking is available on Maryland Avenue or nearby streets (or just walk over from the City Dock area, about 5–10 minutes away). This spot is also dog-friendly in the outdoor garden, so feel free to bring your furry friend.

Curate Annapolis Café & Bakery

Address: 141 West Street, Suite 102, Annapolis, MD 21401
Curate is a chic café and bakery that opened in downtown Annapolis in 2020, quickly becoming a favorite for those seeking a modern coffee shop experience​. Run by the same local team behind Brown Mustache Coffee, Curate offers a decidedly more contemporary ambiance think bright, minimalist décor, marble counters, and plenty of greenery while maintaining the warm hospitality Annapolis coffee shops are known for​. It’s the kind of place where you can savor a latte and avocado toast in the morning, hold a casual business meeting in the afternoon, and even enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.

The menu at Curate is as curated as its name suggests. The coffee is top-notch brewed from quality beans (often locally roasted) with all the espresso favorites and seasonal specialties and the pastries are to die for​, baked inhouse daily. Don’t miss their flaky croissants or the decadent muffins, which pair perfectly with a flat white. For something heartier, they offer gourmet toasts, quiches, and lunch specials (the owners have hinted at expanding into evening small plates as well). Many locals also love Curate as a remote work spot, it’s spacious with plenty of seating options and reliable Wi-Fi, not to mention an abundance of outlets for your devices.

Tips: Curate is located on West Street’s burgeoning café row, just a few blocks from Church Circle. There’s a parking garage (Noah Hillman Garage) a short walk away and some street parking out front. It tends to be busiest during breakfast and lunch hours if you want a quieter time to work or relax, mid-afternoon is ideal. On weekends, you might encounter a line for coffee and pastries (a testament to their popularity), but service is efficient. This café is also pet-friendly with outdoor seating, so you can bring a pup and sit at their sidewalk tables.

The Red Bean

Address: 220 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
The Red Bean brings a fun twist to the Annapolis coffee scene by doubling as an ice cream shop, yes, you read that right. This cheerful café on Main Street serves specialty coffee and artisan ice cream under one roof, making it a go-to spot for affogatos (espresso poured over ice cream) and other creative treats​. Walk in and you’ll be greeted by the aroma of fresh espresso mingling with the sweet scent of waffle cones. The interior is cozy and vibrant, often filled with families, students, and anyone with a sweet craving. It’s hard to resist the gleaming freezer case of gelato and the menu of espresso drinks calling out from the chalkboard above.

What makes The Red Bean special beyond the obvious coffee + ice cream combo is its commitment to local and sustainable sourcing. The owners proudly partner with local dairies, coffee roasters, and other producers; they even list their local suppliers on their website as a badge of honor​. You can feel good about indulging here, knowing your latte or cold brew and that scoop of salted caramel gelato are supporting Maryland businesses. Recommended picks: Try their affogato for a decadent pick-me-up, or go for a scoop of their homemade ice cream in a flavor like espresso Oreo to double down on the coffee theme. If you’re not in the mood for ice cream, their coffee menu stands on its own with smooth lattes and a particularly popular cold brew.

Tips: The Red Bean sits right on Main Street, so it’s an easy walk from the City Dock or State Circle. It’s a small shop with limited seating, a couple of tables inside and a bench or two out front so many people grab their treats to enjoy while walking around downtown. Afternoons, especially in summer, can get busy with tourists looking for an ice cream break; evenings are also popular here for a dessert stop after dinner. Parking can be found at downtown garages or metered spots on Main and nearby streets (if you’re already exploring downtown, it’s simplest to arrive on foot). This spot is great for kids (and the kid-at-heart), and they’re open into the evening to satisfy after-dinner dessert and coffee desires.

Ceremony Coffee Roasters – Roastery

Address: 90 Russell Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Ceremony Coffee Roasters is a name synonymous with Annapolis coffee excellence, and the Russell Street Roastery is where it all began​. Tucked just off West Street in a light industrial enclave, this is the flagship location where Ceremony roasts its beans and serves up some of the finest brews in town. Despite being only a short distance from downtown, the roastery café feels like its own little world, a hidden gem for true coffee aficionados​. The space is modern and airy with an industrial-chic vibe, on nice days, they roll up a huge garage door, letting fresh air and mellow coffeehouse vibes spill out into the parking lot seating area. It’s a refreshing retreat where you can literally smell the roasting coffee as you sip your drink.

At Ceremony’s roastery café, you’ll find baristas who are passionate about every pour. The menu features a rotating selection of single-origin pour-overs, espresso classics, and creative seasonal concoctions for those who like to try something new. If you’re serious about coffee, this is the place to experiment. They often offer brewing methods like Chemex or siphon in addition to the standard fare. The coffee is delicious, as many customers agree, and you can even buy bags of freshly roasted beans on-site to take home. Don’t skip the pastries either; Ceremony typically stocks treats from local bakeries that pair perfectly with their brews.

Tips: The Russell Street roastery has its own parking lot (a big plus in Annapolis), making it easy to stop in. It’s a popular spot for remote work. You'll see laptops open at many tables and the Wi-Fi is strong but it manages to stay relatively quiet and laid-back, especially in the afternoons. Weekday mornings see a rush of devotees grabbing their flat whites and bags of beans, while weekends bring a mix of locals and curious visitors. If you’re visiting in warm weather, take advantage of the outdoor seating with the garage door open. Also, note that Ceremony has a second Annapolis location (at 2329 Forest Drive in the Riva area) which offers a more traditional café setting, but the Russell Street roastery is the must-visit for the full Ceremony experience​.

Rise Up Coffee Roasters

Address: 2042 Somerville Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 (and downtown at Market House)
Rise Up Coffee Roasters is a Maryland-born coffee company that has become coffee royalty in the region​. What began as a tiny coffee trailer in St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore 15+ years ago has grown into a local powerhouse with multiple locations yet Rise Up still maintains the friendly, community-oriented feel of a small town coffee shop​. In Annapolis, you have a couple of ways to experience Rise Up: there’s a drive-thru equipped café on Somerville Road and a stall inside the historic Market House at City Dock for those exploring downtown. Either way, you can expect a welcoming vibe and a darn good cup of joe.

Rise Up is known for its organic, fair-trade coffee and approachable menu. Their baristas are happy to help coffee newcomers find something they’ll love – the owner has said he wants Rise Up to be “a place where someone who doesn’t know anything about coffee isn’t afraid to order”​. Regulars often swear by their cold brew (smooth, strong, and available on nitro tap) and their seasonal latte flavors. They also offer a selection of pastries and breakfast sandwiches (the breakfast burritos at some locations are a hit). The company’s motto “Grown by friends, roasted by friends, enjoyed by friends” is more than just a slogan​; it’s embodied in the way the staff interacts with customers and the community they cultivate. Don’t be surprised if you strike up a friendly conversation while waiting for your order.

Tips: The Rise Up on Somerville Road has a convenient drive-thru for those on the go, as well as indoor seating if you want to linger. Parking there is ample, since it’s in a shopping area. The Market House location downtown is perfect for grabbing a cup while you sightsee you can take your drink across the street to the waterfront benches. Being part of the Market House, seating is shared and limited, so it’s more of a grab-and-go spot. Rise Up’s busiest times are the morning rush (everyone loves their morning java jolt) and weekend mid-mornings. If you’re visiting the Somerville café and plan to hang out, late morning or early afternoon will be quieter. And if you find a particular coffee blend you love, Rise Up sells beans (often named after Maryland locales) so you can take a bit of Annapolis coffee culture home with you.

49 West Coffeehouse, Winebar & Gallery

Address: 49 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
49 West Coffeehouse is not just a coffee shop, it's a cultural experience. For over two decades, this European-style coffeehouse, restaurant, and wine bar has been at the heart of Annapolis’s bohemian scene. Step inside 49 West and you might feel as if you’ve been transported to a cozy café in Paris or Rome: the walls are adorned with local art, there’s often live music (jazz, folk, you name it) playing in the evenings, and the well worn wooden tables invite you to stay awhile. In fact, many locals affectionately call it “Annapolis’s living room” because of its welcoming, stay-all-day vibe​. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a cappuccino in the morning, return for a glass of wine at night, and never feel out of place either way​.

49 West serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, so there’s much more than coffee on the menu​. In the morning, you can grab a latte or French press coffee along with a hearty omelet or bagel. By afternoon, the menu expands to paninis, salads, and homemade soups and don’t forget to check out their desserts like cakes and pies which pair wonderfully with a cup of their house coffee. Come evening, 49 West seamlessly shifts to a winebar vibe; you can have a full dinner here or just nibble on a cheese plate with a glass of Merlot. The fact that they handle your caffeine fix, your sweet tooth, and your boozy needs all in one place explains why it’s a one-stop shop for many and has such a loyal following​. It’s not uncommon to find an eclectic crowd here, from Naval Academy faculty grabbing lunch to local artists and musicians gathering for open mic night.

Tips: 49 West is located in the arts district of West Street, an easy walk from Church Circle. Parking is available at the Knighton Garage or Gotts Garage nearby, as street parking on West Street can be hit or miss. If you’re coming for a specific music performance or the popular Sunday brunch, reservations are recommended because the front room fills up fast (there’s a small cover charge on live music nights). During the day, 49 West is a friendly spot to linger over coffee (they do have Wi-Fi, though the ambiance might entice you to socialize instead of work). It’s pet-friendly at the few sidewalk tables out front. This spot truly captures the soulful side of Annapolis’s coffee culture, an absolute must-visit for a full taste of local life.

Starbucks (Downtown Annapolis)

Address: 122 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
No coffee tour would be complete without mentioning Starbucks and the downtown Annapolis Starbucks is worth a stop, even if you’re usually focused on local spots. Located on Main Street near the City Dock, this Starbucks has seamlessly blended into the historic fabric of the city. In fact, the store is housed in a beautiful historic building and features custom nautical-themed murals inside, giving it a distinct Annapolis character​. It’s also officially designated as a Military Family Store by Starbucks, which means it actively recruits and supports veterans and military spouses, a fitting tribute in this Navy town​starbuckseverywhere.net. With its comfy seating nooks and brick walls, this Starbucks offers a cozy respite for weary travelers in need of a familiar latte or locals who want a reliable spot to work or meet friends.

What makes this Starbucks special (besides the unique décor) is its role as a community hub. Being just steps from the waterfront and downtown shops, it’s often buzzing with a mix of Naval Academy midshipmen in uniform, tourists taking a break, and locals enjoying their daily coffee ritual. You can expect all the Starbucks standards here from that seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte to a simple cold brew made with the consistency and quick service the chain is known for. Free Wi-Fi and ample seating make it a practical choice if you need to get some work done or escape the summer heat. And if you’re visiting Annapolis around the holidays, be sure to pop in: the shop’s festive decorations and the view out to Main Street’s twinkling lights can be downright picturesque.

Tips: This Starbucks is open early (usually by 6am) and closes late, catering to both the morning crowd and those looking for an after-dinner coffee. Because of its prime location, it gets quite busy in peak tourist season and on weekends expect lines in the morning and around mid-afternoon. The staff, however, are efficient and used to the rush, so the wait is rarely too long. There is no dedicated parking (it’s right on Main Street), so your best bet is to walk from wherever you’ve parked downtown or use the nearby garages. If you’re lucky, you might snag one of the window seats, which are perfect for people-watching. And don’t forget to look around the interior; the custom murals and historic touches make this Starbucks unique to Annapolis’s heritage​.