My Top 5 Coffee Shops in Auburn, AL

If you know me, you know I am a coffee ADDICT. I’m a little embarrassed to admit it, but I’m currently at about 2–3 coffees a day... oops. The upside? I’ve got strong opinions on all the coffee spots in Auburn. While Auburn may be a small college town, it’s brimming with coffee shops, especially if you include the Opelika area. This list goes beyond just how the coffee tastes. It’s about atmosphere, vibes, and whether a spot feels like the go-to for studying, catching up with a friend, or just soaking in some quiet time. So whether you’re a high school senior looking for your future coffee date spot or a seasoned Auburn student curious about my faves — here are my top picks for coffee in Auburn!

#1 Side Track

This is the best coffee I’ve ever had. Side I’m Track has such a warm, homey vibe right in the heart of downtown Opelika. The menu is creative and constantly changing — you can really feel the passion behind everything they serve. And the coolest part? You get to choose what you pay. After ordering, the barista flips the iPad to you and you type in what you want to pay. It’s such a unique experience, and the staff is so kind that you genuinely want to tip well.

The only downside? Limited seating. Fridays especially get crowded. You’ll always see a few familiar faces — whether it’s someone studying or showing the place off to an out-of-town friend.

It's also important to add that it's a solid 30-minute drive from campus, so it’s not your quick caffeine fix. It’s more of a sip and stay awhile kind of place. Your drink may take a bit longer to come out, but trust me it’s worth the wait. Inside, there are two rooms: a cozy front space with small tables and the barista bar, and an artsier back room with a piano that often hosts evening events.

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 8 AM–4 PM, Side Track is my #1 for its incredible coffee, beautiful atmosphere, and genuine community. Try something new when you go- you won’t be disappointed!

#2 Well Red

Well Red earns my #2 spot for being classic and reliable. With three locations around Auburn, I end up here at least once a week. It’s a great coffee date or study spot with tons of seating and convenient parking (though it’s still always busy!). But the real win is the food. Honorable mentions go to their bacon cheddar biscuit with sweet butter, the chocolate cake, and the pesto parmesan quiche that I dream about going to sleep at night.

Each location has its perks, but the original Well Red has my heart. It’s cozy, filled with colorful chairs, bookshelves all around, and it’s just a short walk from campus. Oh — and it doubles as a bookstore and wine bar in the evening. (Hence the name). So why isn’t it my #1? Honestly, the coffee is pretty average. It’s solid and consistent, but if you’re a coffee snob looking for that perfect pour, this might not blow you away. But it's always golden for the classic tea or latte.

#3 Thrive

THRIVE!! Y’all, it is so good. The main reason it ranks high? It’s included in Auburn's Dining Dollars! (For those not familiar Auburn students get $450 per semester to spend at on-campus dining spots.) Located in the Laurel/Rane Center, Thrive actually roasts its beans in-house right behind the counter. The coffee leans sweet, so I usually ask for mine half-sweet, but a lot of my friends love the flavor as-is. They’ve got great pastries, matcha, and tea including a sparkling on-tap hibiscus tea that’s super refreshing.

The rooftop garden!

The Laurel is one of my favorite campus spots. It’s centrally located, perfect for studying, and functions like a tiered quiet space — the higher the floor, the quieter it gets. You can even catch glimpses of cool classes (like wine tasting) through glass walls.

Pro tip: Head to the rooftop garden (open until 3 PM)! On a sunny day, bring your croissant and coffee up and take in a stunning view of campus. And it’s right by Hey Day, the perfect meet-up spot before or after class.

Definitely make Thrive part of your campus coffee rotation.

#4 Well red Second Story

This is Well Red’s second location — and it’s massive.

With two patios, tons of indoor seating, and a huge parking lot, it’s much easier to find a spot to sit or park here. And best of all? They have a drive-thru! Perfect for grabbing your favorites on the go.

That said, it doesn’t have the cozy charm of the original Well Red. It’s also on the opposite side of town, much closer to the Village area, and it closes at 2 PM on Sundays — not ideal for late weekend study sessions.

Open Monday-Thursday from 7-9, Saturday from 8-10, and Sunday from 9-2, Well Red Second Story is always a great choice!

#5 The Bean

The Bean is a total hidden gem. It feels a bit more low-key compared to the others, but it’s been holding it down in Auburn since 2015. It may not be the trendiest spot, but it’s comfy and welcoming. Plus, their food is AMAZING. The avocado toast? Dreamy. The cinnamon rolls? Iconic. They also serve unique items like wraps and oatmeal bowls.

I’ve never had a coffee I didn’t like from The Bean, and they consistently deliver great service. It’s also a little further from campus, which means it’s usually less crowded, there's always a seat available.

Their matcha is one of my absolute favorites.

If you need a quiet place with a seat always open, head to The Bean on North Dean!

Im excited to share that that's my current top 5! There are so many different spots in Auburn that you truly can't go wrong, but I hope this inspires more coffee adventures to come! Enjoy!