After I drop my little cherub off at Mother’s Day Out each Tuesday and Thursday, I can’t wait to get another cup of Joe in my hand. One that can be completely consumed and not return to the microwave four times. Can I get an Amen, Sisters? So I set out on a mission to find the best coffee shops in Collin County. Ones that are a little different than our beloved green and white label. And let me tell you, it was MY PLEASURE. I had so much fun visiting each one; every shop had its own personality and specialty!
Each shop offers wi-fi, a cozy atmosphere, and the BEST caffeine. So whether you need quiet time, work time, or some Mama time with your tribe, you are in luck!
I was all over the map, so we’ll start at the bottom and go East to West and then North! Are you ready?! Let’s go…..
1) Fourteen Eighteen Coffeehouse: Downtown Plano
This is the most charming little coffee house you ever did see! Downtown Plano continues to revive several of its buildings with many amazing restaurants and shops! Doesn’t the street view look like something out of a movie?
The service was outstanding and I felt like the barista really took time to ASK what I liked and suggest some things. In the end, I ended up with a “Purple Haze”, which sounds super ironic for a SAHM to be drinking at 10:00 a.m. ; ) It was a latte with lavender and it was absolutely divine! They have some delicious treats and also serve Emporium Pies!!!
What I love: This place certainly has the “COZY” factor; it gives you all the warm fuzzies. It’s packed with plush sofas and chairs that you can sink in to and escape Mommy-hood a few minutes. (Of course, there’s wi-fi if you can manage to be productive after a slice of Emporium Pie.) I also loved the service, the latte, and the neighborhood feel inside.
2) Peet’s Coffee and Tea in Market Street-West Plano
My friend actually suggested we meet up here for coffee without knowing I was on a quest for some great coffee shops! I was so incredibly surprised and impressed with the coffee shop within Plano’s Market Street!
There was NO LINE, but lots of seating and an ABUNDANCE of choices! The barista even let me behind the counter to choose from the enormous variety of flavored syrups they have! Seriously, there is a syrup for every mood or season! She ended up making my first “French Press” coffee and gave us the entire carafe, which was enough for me AND my friend! It was absolutely delicious and now I’m a big fan of the French Press!
What I love: This place is super affordable without sacrificing quality or options! In fact, they probably had the most variety of any coffee shop I visited! It also boasts the convenience factor… you can grab a great beverage and knock out some grocery shopping OR BETTER YET, just swing around to the side of the store and take advantage of their new STREETSide grocery pickup service!
3) Prestonwood Main Street Cafe: West Plano
Prestonwood is almost a city in itself as it houses a beautiful sanctuary, a gym, a couple of great book stores, and its own school! But also tucked inside their campus is a full service cafe! For those of you who have school kids in and around this area, Prestonwood’s Main Street Cafe is a great stop for delicious coffee and some breakfast!
They have a full menu of your morning favorites and I indulged in an apple crumb muffin. There is a large dining area, cozy couches, and even a semi-enclosed kids area so you can let the wild ones play while you start your engine. ; )
What I love: It’s quiet and spacious. Because of the sheer abundance of seating, I don’t feel like I’m overhearing my neighbor’s conversation, or sharing my personal bubble and a two foot wooden table with a stranger. This is a perfect place if you need to spread out and work OR meet with a group. Now, I’m sure it gets little more rowdy during lunchtime, but in regards to morning, it was calm and peaceful!
4) The Nest Cafe-Frisco
Heading North, The brand new Nest Cafe is not to be missed!
Just walking into this place is like a breath of fresh air! The decor is bright and clean, but warm and inviting at the same time! (It sorta screams Joanna Gaines!) ; )
I was immediately welcomed by a smiling barista who started asking questions about what type of coffee I usually choose and then offered up some recommendations. Seriously, I never knew there was so much variety in brewing coffee; this barista was super knowledgeable!
And then THIS BEAUTY arrived at my table.
The Nest also offers a variety of breakfast, brunch and lunch items. And OH MY, I saw these two dishes pass my table and just HAD to snap a picture. I WILL be back for that waffle with the Blueberry compote!
What I love: The atmosphere cannot be beat! It is light and bright and inspiring. The service was impeccable. Sometimes I get a little intimidated at coffee shops because I feel like I’m supposed to know all these specific ways that I want my coffee. But I felt like the barista really made an effort to put thought into my order! Rare these days, folks!
5) Global Peace Factory-Frisco
Welcome to the funkiest coffee shop you’ve ever seen! The uber modern and industrial interior is SO much fun! I drank an Americano with a pump of Peppermint and it was delicious! I LOVE when coffee is HOT, and this place delivered!
Downstairs hosts several tables, a cozy corner with a couch, and a fun coffee bar area. The loft upstairs has more work space!
What I love: A lot of coffee shops seem dark and subdued, but the colors and vibe of this place made me feel happy and creative! I loved sitting in the loft, it just felt tucked away and private! I can’t wait to go back and get the brown sugar latte!
6) Coffee N Cream– North Frisco
If you were waiting for a Drive-thu option, here you go! BUT-you’d miss out on the amazing display of desserts and the darling neighborhood vibe! Coffee N Cream had ALL the coffee and tea options PLUS the most incredible baked treats! I ended up with a Peach Mango tea and a double chocolate cookie for my little guy. (I may have stolen a couple bites though.)
What I love: They are proud to be kid friendly, so this is the BEST place to take your little one for a treat while you have a REAL cup of coffee with your fellow Mamas. The atmosphere is lively and fun. They also do custom cake orders, so you can even do some party planning while you’re there! The drive-thru is a plus if you just can’t make it inside! (I’m sure they’d send you a delicious cupcake through the window!)
7) Frogg Coffee Bar and Creperie- Allen
Let’s head EAST to one of my favorite areas in general: Watters Creek! (There’s some amazing restaurants and shops that surround a darlin’ green space with a tree house that the kids can play in!) Frogg is simply charming from the outside in!
They make an amazing latte with several different flavor choices. (I got the vanilla one and it was incredible!) You could really stake out here for a while, as they have plethora of delectable pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches. But they are known for their crepes, and LISTEN. They DO NOT disappoint. I’ve had the Classic and the Plain Jane, and they are delicious!
What I love: On a beautiful day, the outdoor patio cannot be beat! I feel like spacious lovely patio WITH wi-fi is a rare combo! If you’re kiddos are bigger, it’s even close enough to the tree house/green space to watch them play while you sip and relax!
8) Filtered-Downtown McKinney
I finally ended my “tour” in Downtown McKinney, which is just one of my favorite places in general! Right off the town square, Filtered has to be the one of the coolest coffee shops I’ve been in. (Is cool still a word?..) Trendy, hip, whatever… it had so much personality with its 40-foot long bar, exposed brick, and art gallery in the back. Filtered even caters to budding community artists with their Open Mic Nights! I indulged in another French Press, and it was amazing.
What I love: Filtered clearly has a love of art and community and it just feels like a “gathering place”. SO “COOL” ; ) I also loved their little private room tucked away in the back! Also great for a larger group or meetings!
I hope you enjoyed my tour as much as I did! I’m sure there are a few great places that I missed, so I’d LOVE to hear about them!
CHEERS Mamas to another day and LOTS of caffeine!
