By Emily Sparacino
Let’s start with an admission: Many of us can’t function, or can’t function well, without at least one cup of coffee every day. And for some of us, the amount of coffee we consume is directly proportional to the number of items on our to-do lists begging to be conquered in a 24-hour period. A steaming mug of delicious java can salvage even the most trying of days.
With some reader input, we’ve made a quick list of several spots in Shelby County where your daily grind can get a pick-me-up from the daily grounds. Just like the power of coffee, the number of places that can appear on this list is limitless. If you don’t see your favorite coffee shop, email me at emily.sparacino@shelbyliving.com and I’ll add it. Your fellow coffee lovers – including me, of course – will thank you for it.
- Kai’s Koffee House
Address: 2953 Pelham Parkway, Pelham
Phone Number: (205) 352-2290
Website: acupofkai.weebly.com
Perks: Fresh Arabica beans from around the world are used in Kai’s coffee drinks, including frappes, lattes and mochas. Hungry, too? Kai’s offers chicken salad wraps, cupcakes, scones, muffins, pound cake and more.
- Ground Up Coffee and Smoothies
Address: 15582 U.S. 280, Chelsea
Phone Number: (205) 678-3899
Website: Ground Up Coffee and Smoothies (Facebook)
Perks: Located inside Snider’s Pharmacy, this locally owned coffee shop offers a full line of specialty coffee drinks and fruit smoothies. Customers can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and a drive-through.
- Donut Joe’s
Address: 3199 Lee Street, Pelham
Phone Number: (205) 663-6006
Website: Donut Joe’s (Facebook)
Perks: The coffee is fresh and can be paired with equally fresh, made-from-scratch donuts in one fell swoop. Talk about starting off your morning (or reviving your afternoon) right.
- Starbucks (Alabaster’s Alabama 119 location)
Address: 2171 Kent Dairy Road, Alabaster
Phone Number: (205) 685-9705
Website: Starbucks.com
Perks: This Starbucks location features menu items, gift items, indoor and outdoor seating options, free Wi-Fi and drive-through Starbucks fans have come to expect. Starbucks also serves Alabaster residents at locations off U.S. 31 and inside Target.
- Chelsea Coffee House
Address: 16688 U.S. 280 Suite B, Chelsea
Phone Number: (205) 678-4444
Website: Chelsea Coffee House (Facebook)
Perks: Freshly made coffee drinks come in hot and cold options. They pair well with baked treats and menu items like the chicken salad croissant and egg and cheese wrap.
- Highland Gourmet Scones
Address: 210 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham
Phone Number: (205) 991-0442
Website: Highlandgourmet.com
Perks: Obviously, the shop specializes in hand-rolled scones, but customers who visit the physical location in Pelham can order the flavorful coffee, which is imported from Ireland.
