Is winter over yet? Our real estate agents probably aren't the only ones ready for spring to start. In the meantime, though, we've been enjoying spending time at all of the fantastic indie coffee shops operating around the city.

Sipping a hot cup of coffee or tea from one of these spots never fails to warm us up – at least for a little while! Visit these five Tuscaloosa coffee shops and cafes to feel the magic in action yourself.  

5 Tuscaloosa Coffee Shops to Warm You Up This Winter 

Monarch Espresso Bar 

Address: 714 22nd Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 

Monarch Espresso Bar is a coffee shop for people who feel more comfortable gathering around a counter than sitting in a plush armchair. Their big brick-walled lounge features rustic wood finishes, worn leather couches, and plenty of space for live music and dancing. Their hot drinks menu includes: 

• Simple espresso drinks 
• Specialty orders like The Zegel, a decadently dark chocolate mocha 
• Pour over coffee like their fruity Columbia la Palma Socorro Pico 
• Herbal and specialty teas, including Moroccan Mint, Jasmine Green, and Coconut Lavender 

If you plan on visiting often, you can become a member of their Coffee Club. Memberships cost $28 a month and get you:  

• Two free drip coffees on Mondays 
• A free drink of your choice on Tuesdays 
• A 10% discount on all your purchases 
• Exclusive curbside delivery 

Coastal Cowgirl Cafe 

Address: 2128 University Boulevard B, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 

Coastal Cowgirl Cafe's hot drink menu is much smaller than what you'll find at most coffee shops: just three items, to be precise. Their Maple Sea Salt is a maple-themed specialty concoction made with real maple syrup and whipped maple cold foam. The remaining two are an espresso latte and a matcha latte, both of which can be customized with different syrups to create a drink that speaks to you.  

All of their hot drinks are made with vegan milk alternatives (coconut, oat, or soy milk). You can get any order with a splash of sweet cream or a dollop of fluffy strawberry cold foam for an $0.85 upcharge.  

Strange Brew Coffeehouse 

Address: 1101 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 

Ever wondered what fun flavor combinations you could come up with if you were let loose on your favorite coffee shop's syrup collection? That kind of thinking is the key to Strange Brew Coffeehouse's success. Their staff are always experimenting with syrups and spices to come up with new combinations their customers will love.  

Their current menu features more than 20 specialty drinks available year-round. Some of the most notable include: 

• The Albino Squirrel, their signature drink flavored with white chocolate and hazelnut 
• The Dojo, a chai latte juiced with an espresso shot and hint of lavender syrup 
• The Aztec, flavored with cinnamon, milk chocolate, and cayenne pepper 

Visit them before Mardi Gras is over to try their seasonal King Cake latte and hot chocolate, festive drinks that blend praline and cake batter syrup into a delightfully sugary concoction. Each order comes topped with a dollop of bright purple whipped cream!

Turbo Coffee 

Address: 2010 8th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 

Turbo Coffee believes your caffeine fix should be just as energizing as it is delicious. Their high-octane drip coffee and espresso drinks are sure to help you tackle even the most hectic of days. You can customize your order with add-ons like whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and flavored syrups, and you can swap your milk for a dairy-free alternative for no extra cost. 

On top of their standard menu, they also offer specialty drinks like: 

• Cereal lattes, fun drinks that taste like your favorite breakfast cereals 
• Vietnamese coffee, a creamy treat made with sweetened condensed milk 
• The Green Eye, a matcha latte version of the classic hyper-caffeinated Red Eye drink 

Need even more fuel to keep you going? You can add a double shot of espresso to any drink for an extra $2.  

Heritage House Coffee 

Address: 2370 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 

Heritage House Coffee was one of the first coffee shops to open in Tuscaloosa in the early 90s. With their charming antique vibes and impressively long menu, it's no wonder they're still going strong. You can order more than 30 hot drinks here, including: 

• Standard drip coffee and espresso drinks
• Specialty coffee drinks like their triple-chocolate HH Special or their caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla Bama Blitz 
• Loose-leaf teas like their Strawberry Sassyfras and Piper Mint Blues 
• Bagged teas like their Green Dragon and Ginger Peach 

You can also purchase many of their tea blends and coffee roasts in take-home formats to enjoy later. 

Tuscaloosa is Calling You 

Tuscaloosa's welcoming communities always have room for one more. You and your family will fit right in. Contact us today for more information on our Tuscaloosa home listings and learn how easy it could be to make the big move.