Catalina Coffee

Named one of the ‘100 Best Places to Drink in the South,’ by Imbibe magazine, Catalina Coffee is serious about its brew. Max Gonzales’ independently-owned, Washington-Avenue-set shop offers up artistic lattes and cappuccinos, top-notch espresso, as well as pastries and light-bites.

The space itself is cozy and urban with a mishmash of seating options, exposed brick walls, art-adorned walls and oversized windows overlooking Washington Avenue. There, newbies find an eclectic clientele of area regulars, students and bean scene insiders that know Catalina Coffee is one of the best places to find coffee-infused creations in the city. It’s also a great place to crank through work, thanks to the subdued music and free wifi. In a hurry? Sure, customers can get brew-to-go, but it would be a crime not to sit back and appreciate the perfectly-poured foam art that accompanies Catalina’s caffeinated concoctions.

Catalina is open daily, starting at 6:30 a.m., on weekdays, and 7:30 a.m. on weekends.