With winter and the holiday season rapidly approaching, it’s the perfect time to take a break and cozy up with a warm beverage. Luckily, Downtown Fort Wayne is home to some of the best coffee shops in town. So whether you’re gathering gifts during Shop Small Saturday, or out with the family enjoying Downtown’s holiday decor, seek some reprieve from the cold at one of these local cafés:
Conjure Coffee: Conservatory
Conjure Coffee has made a reputation for itself since its arrival to the Fort Wayne coffee scene in 2015. Over the years, it’s been a go-to for true coffee aficionados — and for good reason. The crew at Conjure are passionate about coffee. Conjure’s beans are carefully selected, brewed, and roasted locally at their Columbia Avenue location. Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast, a cold brew connoisseur, or a latte lover, you won’t leave Conjure disappointed.
Not only is the Conjure brand known for its high-quality offerings, it’s also known for its breathtaking aesthetic, to which its downtown location at the Botanical Conservatory is no exception. Sip your drink in their beautiful cafe or grab it and go on a nature walk at the Conservatory’s awe-inspiring exhibitions.
Check out their website for hours and directions!
Dash-In
The Dash-In is one of Downtown Fort Wayne’s pioneer coffee shops — but it’s more than just a spot to grab a cup of joe. One-part café, one-part craft beer bar, and one part revolving art exhibit, the Dash-In boasts a funky, eclectic vibe all its own. Their menu features lunch classics (including their famous gourmet grilled cheeses), all-day breakfast, weekend brunch, rotating taps, and a full selection of coffee and espresso drinks, made with beans from Old Crown — another local roaster and institution in the Fort Wayne coffee scene.
Because the Dash-In is also a bar, it’s only open to folks who are 21 or older. So if you’re looking for a spot for the whole fam, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for refuge from all the holiday chaos, the Dash (as it’s commonly referred to by regulars) is a great space to look at local art and enjoy a moment to yourself, with comforting food and a latte.
Check out their website for hours and directions!
Fortezza Coffee
Fortezza is another favorite spot among coffee fans. Fortezza’s space is cozy, but with a chic, urban atmosphere — perfect for a work meeting, or if you’re simply looking for a lovely space to mingle in.
In addition to the sleek social backdrop, Fortezza offers great coffee, using beans from the nationally-revered Counter Culture Coffee. While you sip your superb beverage, you can enjoy a delectable pastry or breakfast sandwich from their small-but-satisfying food menu — with everything scratch-made in-house. Fortezza somehow manages to deliver a feeling of tranquility, even in the midst of Downtown’s bustling business scene and frequent stops from regulars placing their to-go orders. So stop in and take a moment to relax.
Hot tip: If you work Downtown, Fortezza offers a private meeting room that can be reserved on a first come, first serve basis — so you can enjoy all the comforts of Fortezza in your next group meeting.
Check out their website for hours and directions!
Kanela Blended Drinks, Coffee, & Bites
Right around the corner from The Landing, you’ll find Kanela — the perfect stop for the health-conscious coffee consumer. Kanela’s cute, stylish cafe is a go-to for those needing a caffeine kick and a nourishment kick. You can order all the traditional java favorites, like lattes and frappés, alongside an avocado toast, smoothie, açaí bowl, or fresh-pressed juice.
With all the heavy comfort foods around the holidays, Kanela is an excellent choice for those looking to grab a quick (and delicious) breakfast or lunch that’s nutritious and refreshing. After all, it’s all about balance, right?
Check out their website for hours and directions!
Penny Drip
Penny Drip is the newest coffee shop to hit the scene, and it’s quickly gained a lot of attention for its experimental coffee drinks and exceptional coffee cocktails. Its casual, hip ambiance also adds to its charm. Penny Drip is a concept of Be Better Hospitality, a hospitality group that’s all about providing extraordinary beverage and dining experiences — and Penny Drip delivers, from its hand-cut, crystal-clear ice cubes, to its top-notch Tinker coffee.
In addition to Penny Drip’s outstanding beverages, they offer applaudable breakfast sandos, light bites, and bar snacks. Penny Drip is also a full cocktail bar (kids are still welcome). So depending on when you stop by, be prepared for a vibe that might be a little livelier than your traditional coffee shop. But one thing’s for certain: you’ll have a good time and stellar coffee.
Check out their website for hours and directions!
Utopian Coffee
Utopian Coffee is coffee with a purpose. As a roaster, Utopian’s goal is to elevate and support their farming partners to create a sustainable supply chain that honors people and the environment. It’s an admirable goal that’s led Utopian to a successful coffee business and robust beans and blends. You can taste the difference of their roasts at their peaceful café located on The Landing, where you can order a beverage, purchase a bag of beans, or enjoy breakfast or lunch.
Despite all the buzz of The Landing, when you step into Utopian, you’re met with a sense of calm — perfect for getting some focus work done, or having some quality time with friends or family over an Americano or chai. Whatever your favorite coffee drink is, you can feel good about picking an option that’s ethically and sustainably sourced.
Check out their website for hours and directions!
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native and freelance writer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. With her love of storytelling and community in tow, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people, spaces, and organizations that make it thrive.