Austin Coffee and Film

Not Your Average Cup of Joe: Unique Coffee Houses in Orlando

Here are three unique coffee shops where the cup of joe isn't the only thing that'll get you moving.

by Tony Taylor | August 8, 2022

The brand of coffee, taste, location, all these reasons can culminate into your favorite coffee spot. There are a few independent coffee houses in Orlando that are unique. If you’re tired of the corporate coffee shops popped up all around town here are the unsung heros of the caffeinated concoctions I prefer. Check out our list for the most unique coffee houses in Orlando.

#3: Austin’s Coffee

Austin’s Coffee Interior

Ironically, it may not look like much, but Austin’s Coffee is all about presentation. I mean by the presentation that there is a live event there almost every evening. From poetry readings, music, and open mic, Austin’s is an excellent way to spend some time with a cup of Joe.

 I know that doesn’t sound different than other coffeehouses across the country, but trust me, Austin’s is different, and it doesn’t discriminate With the type of live acts allowed to perform. You get the good, the bad, and the very ugly. 

And when I say “ugly,” some are bad. But I’m used to being in a live show atmosphere. Maybe it’s the stage manager in me. But I feel It’s the atmosphere of those moments that will leave you wanting more coffee and more Austin’s. And like most businesses struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic, Austin’s Coffee is struggling.  Let’s hope patrons like me will continue to come to Austin’s and keep it alive.

#2: Stardust Video and Coffee

Unfortunately, Stardust Video and Coffee doesn’t have a lot of videos anymore. Times change. The age of videotape has gone the way of the floppy disc. The Stardust’s walls, once hidden behind large stacks of VHS tapes, are now plainly visible. But the name has stuck, and once you go inside the Stardust, the spectacle of lighting, shelves of books, and busy adult beverage bar all work together to create a party atmosphere right out of a John Hughes movie. 

If you were alive in the ’80s, you recognize it. If you weren’t around in the ’80s, but you’ve heard about them, it’s what you imagined. Maybe I love Stardust because I love the John Hughes movies. Stardust captures that feeling but gives it its 21st Century vibe.

#1: Prometheus Esoterica

Photo courtesy Prometheus Esoterica

No other coffeehouse in Orlando can compare with Prometheus Esoterica.

Part antique shop, part house of oddities, Prometheus Esoterica is all about atmosphere and turn of the century dental tools. Where else can you have Orlando’s “Weirdest Cup of Coffee” next to a real, stuffed ostrich and a real coffin? Any description I could write could never fully describe this unique coffeehouse experience.

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Tony Taylor

Tony Taylor

Tony Taylor is a writer/filmmaker based in Orlando, Florida. Tony works as a freelance DGA Assistant Director and film technician. With the acceptance of three films and one screenplay as OFFICIAL SELECTIONS in various film festivals, Tony has been a working member of the film community for 25 years. In 2016, Tony started freelance writing professionally, contributing works to several media outlets. Tony is also a passionate supporter of independent film. Tony also has his own podcast,“UnScripted,”a live interview/call-in show broadcasting every Thursday night on BlogTalk Radio.

His ultimate career goal is to write full-time while also continuing to make films and live a creative life.

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