Academy Coffee — Restaurant in Atlanta

You wouldn't guess that a little coffee shop sharing a space with a butcher/sandwich joint in a cozy corner of the Virginia Highlands area would be the some of the best coffee in the city. But it is.

The space is small, yet very relaxed, even during a Saturday brunch rush. Everyone behind the counter is moving, coffee is being weighed to scale, and the La Marzocco machine is churning away.

I was lucky enough to catch the owner, Connan, working behind the counter. Within minutes we were nerding out about chai espresso drinks like old friends. You can tell he lives and breathes this stuff—and it shows in every sip. His passion for high-quality ingredients and exacting preparation is what gives Academy its soul.

The dirty chai is the best I’ve had. Silky smooth, a nice burn and pleasantly spiced, with a bold espresso kick that doesn’t overpower. It’s comfort and energy in one cup.

Academy Coffee isn’t trying to be like anyone else, and thank heavens for that. It’s a one-of-one kind of place. Thoughtful. Delicious. Intentional. It's what happens when coffee...

This may not be a "sit-and-work/etc" coffee shop - only two very cozy window nooks to sit inside + some limited outdoor seating - but that is truly the only trade-off with Academy.

The coffee program rotates beans regularly to different roasters, the specialty drinks are varied and well-rounded, and the folks behind the bar are huge (coffee) nerds in all the best ways. Highly recommend just standing at the bar talking coffee while you sip, if you're into that kind of thing.

Oh yeah, and then you realize you're not only in a coffee shop of incredible quality, BUT ALSO A BUTCHER SHOP?!?!!! That means the banger breakfast menu is being sliced/chopped/cut and prepared fresh right there before your eyes (and the eyes of the pig head they just wheeled in). They carry locally sourced and freshly butchered cuts of everything from chicken to cow. Great example of slow food: local-sourced produce and meats and ownership that cares about the community they're contributing...

This place is a 10/10 no joke. ABSOLUTELY worth a stop whether you're a local or just passing through. Reasons they're great?

Creative coffee done with excellence; from their cold brew, espresso pulls, matcha done right, and interesting ever changing cocktail inspired drinks. A massive one up from a basic vanilla latte (although they nail that too).

The people?! A pleasure. They'll remember you after a time or two and hold genuine conversation, even in the middle of a rush they make sure to acknowledge ya with a smile.

SUPER knowledgable. If you're looking to learn how to nerd out on coffee, this is the place to go - they're highly educated (without being pretentious) & always happy to help

They take care of their employees and pay they very fair wages which is few and far between in this industry.

Last but not least, it's the perfect cute quaint shop in the middle of a busy city that reminds ya to slow down & enjoy all of life's...