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Top 10 Places to Get a Cup of Coffee

By Teresa R. Simpson, About.com

It seems like coffee shops are on almost every corner these days. From giant nationwide chains to eclectic little local shops, your choices are almost endless. If you need help picking out a good place to get a cup of Joe, check out this list of some of the best coffee shops in the Memphis area.

1. Center for Southern Folklore & Café

The Center for Southern Folklore and Cafe is undoubtedly one of Memphis' better kept secrets. Visitors to the center can enjoy the works of some of the South's most talented artists, musicians, and writers. While you're there, enjoy one of the cafe's many specialty coffees, beers, and southern delicacies like cornbread or cobbler.

119 S. Main Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
(901) 525-3655

2. CK's Coffee Shop

Okay, you won't be able to get a latte, espresso, or cappucino at CK's. But what they do sell is a reasonably priced cup of coffee (regular or decaf) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And if you're hungry, CK's serves up burgers, waffles, and other diner food anytime day or night.

Memphis Locations:
3530 Summer Ave.
3139 Poplar Ave.
567 Perkins Ext.
509 Highland St.
2474 Covington Pike
4969 Park Ave.
3291 Austin Peay Hwy.
1698 Poplar Ave.
1308 Union Ave.
6815 Stage Rd.
5370 Winchester Rd.
1642 E. Shelby Dr.

Other Mid-South Locations:
740 W. Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN
7665 Poplar Ave., Germantown, TN

3. The Common Ground Coffee Bar and Gifts

The Common Ground Coffee Bar is a welcome addition to the Arlington area. They offer a wide variety of coffees and teas and a nice selection of gift items, as well. While sipping a cappuccino or a latte, take advantage of the free Internet access or stop in on a weekend evening for live music.

5780 Airline Road, Suite 112
Arlington, Tn 38002
(901) 867-8262

4. Crema Coffee

Crema Coffee is the home of a fabulous array of coffee drinks and fresh coffee beans. Their delicious blends will tempt the most discriminating palate and they have a knowledgeable staff to help you make the perfect coffee choice. In addition to coffee, the shop also carries a small variety of gourmet food items including spices, oils, and teas.

5101 Sanderlin Avenue, Suite 114
Memphis, TN 38117
(901) 685-6833

5. High Point Coffee

This small chain of coffee houses has two Memphis locations, plus one in Tupelo, and one in Oxford. The shops offer friendly service, delicious coffee, and fresh pastries and cheesecakes. If that's not enough, you will find free wireless Internet access at each of High Point's four locations.

Find a High Point Coffee Location near you.

6. Otherlands

Otherlands is a unique little coffee bar in the Cooper Young district of Midtown Memphis that hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights. In addition to coffee, they offer tea, homemade soups, bagels, muffins, and other snacks. What makes Otherlands both well-known and well-loved, however, is their funky decor and eclectic gifts.

641 South Cooper Street
Memphis, TN 38104
(901)278-4994

7. Java Cabana

The Java Cabana has been a fixture in the Cooper Young District since 1992. Many factors have contributed to its popularity, not the least of which are the delicious coffee drinks that they serve up fresh at the Java Cabana. In addition, they offer sandwiches, desserts, and even breakfast.Their weekly entertainment schedule includes live music and poetry readings.

2170 Young Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 272-7210

8. Precious Cargo Coffeehouse

Precious Cargo, located in downtown Memphis, is one of the most unique coffee houses in the city. Their Caribbean inspired coffees, teas, beer, and food give visitors a taste of the exotic in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Precious Cargo also features live music and open mic poetry nights.

381 North Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 578-8446

9. Quetzel

Though well-known for its coffee, Quetzel is more than just a coffee shop. It is also an Internet cafe, restaurant, and bar. If that's not enough, Quetzel is rumored to have an active ghost on its premises!
668 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 521 8389

10. Starbucks

Most people are familiar with this coffee giant. In the Memphis area alone, there are 36 Starbucks locations! It is undoubtedly Starbucks' enormous selection of coffee drinks, convenient locations, and popular brandname that bring people back again and again. What put it on this list, however, is that in addition to good coffee, Starbucks also serves up a fabulous cup of hot chocolate.

Find a Starbucks location near you

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