Best Coffee Places in Munich: A Must-Visit Guide

Ever feel like you've had so much coffee that you're practically half espresso and half human? Yeah, me too. But let's face it, not all brews are created equal. Especially in Munich, a city that takes its coffee as seriously as it does its beer. I'm talking about a coffee scene so rich, it's been brewing (get it? 😄) since the 17th century!

From the moment Munich's first coffeehouse opened its quaint doors, the city has been obsessed. Today, it's jam-packed with cozy cafes, trendy roasters, and craft breweries. Whether you're a traditionalist sipping your drip coffee or a modernist craving an oat milk flat white, Munich has you covered.

If you are looking for the best places to drink coffee in Munich, you are in the right place. I will take you on a tour of the top 5 barista coffee shops in Munich. From quaint spots perfect for some "me time" to bustling roasters where you can watch the beans grind while you sip, this list has it all. Before we get started, though, here's a quick history lesson on Munich's coffee culture. Ready? Awesome! Get your cup of coffee and let’s get started!

Munich's Rich Coffee Culture: From 17th Century Intellectuals to Modern Artisan Brews

Ah, Munich - a city not only of lederhosen and Oktoberfest but also of rich, aromatic coffee history! Prepare to travel back in time to 1685, when Munich popped its coffee cherry with its very first coffeehouse. Imagine 17th-century hipsters (yes, they wore wigs and petticoats, not flannel) discussing art and politics over a cup of black gold. That's right, OG cafes like Café Luitpold, Café Tambosi, and Café Rischart were the TED Talks of their day.

Fast forward to the 1950s, and Munich went into full espresso mode. Thanks to the invention of espresso machines, coffee went from being a fancy, sit-down affair to something a little faster and more sophisticated. Suddenly, lattes and cappuccinos became the new black, turning Munich into a caffeinated wonderland.

Today, Munich's coffee culture is as diverse as a Pinterest mood board. Want a classic espresso? Simple. Want to get adventurous with a lavender-infused latte? We got you covered. From Viennese-style oldies to trendy specialty coffee spots, Munich's coffee game is strong. So if you're a coffee connoisseur-or even just a casual drinker-you need to make Munich a pit stop on your caffeine pilgrimage.

Top Picks For Munich’s Best Coffee Places

Raise your cups, folks - here comes the ultimate list you've all been caffeinating for! Trust me, these aren't just ordinary coffee shops. No, these are the crème de la crème of Munich's modern coffee shops, places that take their beans as seriously as a chess player contemplating his next move.

Man Versus Machine

Get ready for a coffee experience as exciting as its name! Less a coffee shop and more a temple to coffee lovers, Man Versus Machine is a roastery located in both the chic Schellingstrasse and the bustling Glockenbachviertel.

They handpick their beans from all over the world and roast them in-house, so you know you're getting A-list coffee. Whether you're an espresso extremist or a pour-over connoisseur, they have something for you. The flavors? Coffee is intense, complex, and ever-changing based on the beans in rotation. Yum!

Oh, and they also serve an array of Instagram-worthy pastries, sandwiches, and sweets.

Man Versus Machine is so popular that people often line up to get in! Especially in the winter, it can be very difficult to get in. So get there early and bring plenty of time!

Sweet Spot Kaffee

If you believe that good things come in small packages, then Sweet Spot Kaffee is your coffee stop. This tiny coffee shop next to the Viktualienmarkt is big on flavor. Seriously, the coffee here could give a peacock's feathers a run for their money!

Due to its cozy size, seating is as rare as a unicorn. But who needs a chair when you can enjoy your coffee on the go? Or stand and sip while you soak up the charming atmosphere.

Fun fact: Oh, and here's a cup of joy for you - when you've enjoyed every last drop, look inside your cup. You'll find a smiley face at the bottom, like a cherry on top of your coffee experience. It's a small gesture, but it's guaranteed to add a little sunshine to your day!

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Fausto Kaffeerösterei

Discover the essence of fresh coffee at Fausto Coffee Roastery. This specialty roaster offers a choice between their staple barista mix or the rotating coffee of the week, perfect for those who like to explore different flavors. My favorites are Paradiso and Simao, as I like the more intense and chocolatey flavor.

Fausto values a direct relationship with the farmers who supply his beans, ensuring an organic and ethical journey from farm to cup. Like!

Curious about making coffee? They are ready to share their insights on choosing the right beans for a great home brew.

My girlfriend Andy and I get our coffee beans from Fausto's roastery. Recently, the fruity notes of the Flor de Macala caught our attention, hinting at a new favorite in the making.

Billy's Café & Kiosk

Ready to be schooled in good coffee? Head over to Billy’s Café & Kiosk, a cute coffee shop run by LMU students in the University District. Don't judge this book by its cover - or this kiosk by its exterior.

The mocha and small cappuccino are my favorites! On top, I can highly recommend their banana cake. Just know that seating is limited, and you'll be rubbing elbows with the busy street. But trust me, the coffee is so good, you won't even notice.

Good to know: They get their beans from Munich's own Fausto coffee roastery. My friend Andy and I loved Billy's so much that we now get our coffee beans from the same place. Coffee nirvana, here we come!

Coffee Espresso Colonial

Coffee Espresso Colonial is a hidden gem near Donnersbergerbrücke. Coffee is served in a quaint interior with vintage furniture and objects, a perfect setting for my personal favorite, the Turkish Mokka.

Why is it so special? Turkish coffee isn't your average cup of coffee. It's brewed in traditional copper pots called "cezve," which yield a thick, aromatic elixir. This form of coffee-making dates back to 1555, when it arrived in Istanbul via Syrian traders.

Did you know: By the mid-17th century, Turkish Mokka had become the star of Ottoman court ceremonies. Even the Sultan had his coffeemaker!

The only downside? The coffee is so good, that you'll wish you had a bottomless pot. In addition to exquisite coffee, they also offer an array of salty and sweet dishes and Turkish delicacies. Go ahead, try something new today!

Morso Cafe

If you're looking for specialty coffee and a cozy atmosphere, you can't go wrong with Morso Cafe. With three prime locations in Munich - in the Elisabethstraße, near the Universität, and near the Pinakothek - this cafe has mastered the art of ambiance. I very much like their modern interior which gets even cozier when it is dark outside. Perfect for the colder winter times!

Whether you're a student cramming for exams, a culture vulture exploring the Pinakothek, or just strolling down Elisabethstraße, a stop at Morso Cafe is a must for any coffee lover!

Did you know: Morso Cafe sources its coffee from a specialty roaster in Switzerland.

Wrapping Up: Why Munich Should Be Your Next Coffee Crawl Destination

All right, coffee lovers, you've reached the end of this caffeinated journey! Munich's coffee scene is a brewed blend of history, culture, and pure coffee joy. Whether you're a certified coffee snob or just a regular Joe looking for a cozy corner, Munich has you covered.

And hey, it's not just about slurping down your cup. Many of these cafes also offer lip-smacking pastries and light bites to make your coffee rendezvous complete.

So while I've shared my top picks, like the bustling Kaffeerösterei in Viktualienmarkt and the uber-cool Man Versus Machine, keep in mind that Munich is a city full of hidden coffee gems just waiting to be discovered. Don't be a stranger to its charming neighborhoods next favorite coffee spot could be just around the corner!

Pro tip: I'll be checking out new cafes and updating this article regularly, so be sure to check back!