​Coffee Was Black continues to be my favorite coffee shop in the Atlanta area. I absolutely love all the success they are having, and it is really great to see young, creative entrepreneurs succeed who truly care about the community. ​I typically change up my drink each time I come because they have such a huge variety, and you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Most recently, I got their seasonal juice option with espresso, and it was delicious. I also love that they collaborate with Gaia for their patties. I always get either the salmon or the curry vegetable, and they are packed with flavor and seasoned so well. The salmon patty even comes with a great dipping sauce. ​When I visit, I usually get my coffee for the day, pick up 2 to 3 canned juices to last me for the next few days, and grab 2 patties for later. My favorite canned juice is the Carnival. ​It is also such a cool location. There is seating inside, but it is located within a local art gallery, so you can peruse the rotating exhibits while you wait or after you get your drink. While you are there, make sure to check out the rest of the building. Right next door is a small African business with unique merchandise, and the owner is extremely friendly. There are also books in the back where you can sit down and read. ​Follow Coffee Was Black on social media because they are always doing cool collaborations around the city. Be sure to support them, spread the word, and help this small business continue to succeed! read more

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The drinks were definitely the highlight here. I tried the Plátanos Latte and the Plátanos Matcha, and both were smooth, comforting, and well made. The Plátanos Matcha was actually my favorite drink that I had during my trip to Atlanta. It was incredibly smooth, well balanced, and something I'd highly recommend. I just wish the plantain flavor came through a little more since it's the signature ingredient. It appears there are two vendors operating in the same space, as I was charged separately for my drinks and my food. I also tried the beef patty, which unfortunately wasn't for me. It had more of a curry flavor than a traditional Jamaican patty, the pastry was soft instead of flaky, and at $8 it was the most expensive patty I've purchased. The pastry also fell apart while I was eating it, and half of it ended up on the floor. I'd personally skip the patty and stick to the drinks. read more

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I really enjoy Coffee Was Black--it's one of those places that feels good to walk into. The energy is always right, and that starts from the top. The owner, Malcolm, has amazing energy, and you can feel that throughout the space. My favorite is the plantain matcha--it's such a unique drink and always hits. You can tell there's creativity behind what they offer, and it makes the experience stand out. It's a space that feels intentional, welcoming, and rooted in community. Definitely a spot I enjoy coming back to. read more

The matcha latte was very delicious and the barista was very sweet!I loved all the decorations and black history books! I do wish the latte was made to order instead of premade and i wish there was more seating options. read more

Coffee Was Black - plantain matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Plantain latte was on point! It was so good. Love the vibe of the place. It's really cute. There are a few parking places up front but it's tight in the area so you may have to park and walk somewhere. Staff was very friendly. Prices are higher for coffee $8 + but I felt it was a treat and worth it. Very quality coffee. read more

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Great tasting drinks and fast service. Nice people. Ambience is cool with soothing music read more

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I'm in love and obsessed with this amazing institution. Literally the BEST coffee I've ever had in Atlanta and maybe ever in my life. These drinks ooze culture, pride and excellence. I ordered a hot sweet plantain Nazareth. It was DELICIOUS. Well worth every penny. I'd order this a million times again. The coffee artist/owner is so kind and meticulous about his craft. This is far more than a coffee shop, it's an experience. As I placed my order, Popcaan was playing by a lovely female DJ. From the decor to the menu and service, this entire establishment is a vibe you want to catch whenever you're on Auburn Ave or in Atlanta. The only downside is that street parking is limited in the surrounding area but it's worth the hunt to visit Coffee Was Black. Because of them, coffee is STILL black and forever will be. read more

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I stumbled upon this very cute Carribean coffee shop while wandering around the King area. I got the wahgwan and was pleasantly astonished by the color and unique taste of it. It was very smooth and delicious. If not because I was supposed to be on a sugar cleanse, I would have gotten another one. They have a little library and art work toward the back. I grabbed a book while enjoying my drink and it was such a lovely time. I would definitely revisit. read more

Coffee Was Black - wahgwan - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Stopped by to support this Black-owned coffee brand bringing Caribbean coffee and tea culture to Atlanta. Their menu is inspired by Jamaican and Haitian heritage, which immediately stood out to me since my family is Jamaican. We ordered the City of God and the Wah Gwan: City of God mango fresca + espresso I know it sounds unexpected, but it works. Refreshing, lightly sweet, with a smooth coffee finish. Wah Gwan hibiscus, lavender, allspice + oat milk Smooth, floral, warm spices -- very Caribbean, very comforting. The drinks feel intentional, not trendy just for the sake of it. You can tell there's thought and cultural influence behind the pairings. They recently finished their residency at Grant Park Market and have now officially moved to their new residency at Haugabrooks on Auburn Ave. So glad I caught them and even better knowing where to find them now. If you're looking for coffee and tea with flavor and heritage, add this spot to your list. read more

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Inside the Haugabrooks building. No distinct signage outside. When you walk in go down the hall past the art gallery. It's small with limited seating so plan to take it to go. Really warm inviting atmosphere with excellent customer service. Coffee and cinnamon roll was spot on. read more

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Amazing latte i inhaled in two seconds (the Zion). We got coffees to go but you can tell what a community this place is. There is a lot of artwork in the back to see. Such a vibe and amazing music and staff read more

Coffee Was Black - Interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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This place was tucked away and we're so glad we stumbled upon it as we walked from the MLK Jr. National Historic Park. I had an $8 Zion (lavender and vanilla) drink with oat milk. I wish they had prices on their menu, but it's like by the time you order, you're committed! They were very friendly and it had a good vibe in the space. It's a small room, maybe two tables and a bench by the window. The drink was delicious! A bit sweet but otherwise very good. read more

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I love supporting black business and saw this place on instagram and decided to support. Very small cafe and very long wait. I think they are growing quickly and didn't expect it so I think once they get more help it will run smoothly and I will return. I ordered the mango coffee I forget the name, I definitely will come back and try more once they have a smoother process. I was there a hour and a half from ordering until receiving my coffee. But it was good and I enjoyed all the decor and educational things to look at while waiting. read more

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I had the 'zion' with matcha and it tasted amazing. It exceeded my expectations. It was a bit pricey but for the flavor, I consider it worth it. read more

This is probably the dopest coffee spot in Atlanta! I heard about it on Instagram, I was intrigued with one of their coffees containing fresh mango juice and how they made it work. I will be back to try what I came for, but the owner is actually there making the coffees and imparting facts about Black People and our relationship to coffee. It's located in an art studio, so that was fun to look around and admire the art while I waited on my drink to be made. It triples as a space to work in the back, I will definitely be back! Love this place read more

Coffee Was Black - Yardie Ginger beer, espresso, coconut honey - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Everything was perfect ambiance was amazing coffee ordered was plantains and it hit the spot.

Please support this coffee shop pop up! Check out their social media to see their location but I tried it out on a Sunday morning at Grant Park Market. Really enjoyed my drink but also the excellent conversation with the owner! I love supporting Black owned businesses in Atlanta! read more

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As an Jamerican girly I love it here! The plantain matcha tastes amazing- and that's coming from a girl who hates matcha. The service is great, the people are nice and chill! The vibes in there are 5 star! The art gallery is book area makes it all the more interesting and enjoyable. read more

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This coffee shop is a must try!! We stopped by for the first time during the coldest day but it was SO worth it! The staff are nice and we got our coffee fairly quick. Everything we ordered tasted amazing. I love that they have a variety of drinks, from tea, to coffee, and even matcha! The place is small but it's very homey with Caribbean vibes. We will be coming back soon! read more

Coffee Was Black - Plantanos, Wah Gwan, Pangea, and Zion - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I finally made it to this coffee shop on Auburn Ave. The hours were a bit tricky due to my work schedule but I got to try the wah gwan. I never thought about putting those flavors together for a latte but it was delicious. Tell Malcolm I will be back to try some more. read more

OH My Goodness. The coffee was refreshing, tasty, and a one of a kind experience in a cup. I even got some coffee beans and canned drinks to go. We had a great time. The service was friendly and the ambiance was friendly and welcoming. We will definitely visit this location again. Thanks for a great experience. read more

it was my first time going and here's my thoughts. parking: be prepared to park on hilliard st., there's maybe 3 spots on auburn ave. auburn street is street the shop is on, i went on a saturday afternoon and it wasn't busy in the area or in the store at all service: great service, we walked in and were greeted immediately by the workers and someone explained the menu price: it was about $8 for one drink, not a bad price at all taste: i've seen great reviews about their "plantanos" matcha, which is a matcha with plantain syrup added i believe and a bit of plantain cold foam (don't take my word for it). you can only do oat milk or whole milk!!! it was a really nice matcha but i didn't taste plantain, it tasted more like a cinnamon matcha to me. i also got the "zion" matcha, which is their lavender matcha, great taste, would order it. their matcha quality is very nice but if ur looking for something more "authentic" this isn't the place but theirs is definitely high on my list taste wise read more

Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love local coffee shops and this one did not disappoint. I got the plantain latte and a sweet potato cinnamon roll and absolutely loved it! The day & went they were also selling a few hot foods that we didn't and up getting. The people were so nice and gave us suggestions on what to get. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place and definitely go back. read more

I was in the area and attempted to patronize this coffee shop after seeing positive social media posts from other customers. I arrived at approximately 3:15 p.m.; the shop's posted hours online indicate a closing time of 4:00 p.m. Upon arrival, One staff member announced they had just served approximately 150 customers and needed to take a break. Since I didnt walk away after hearing the announcement, he instructed a young lady to inform me that service was being paused because the three-person staff was overwhelmed and needed time to "reset." At the time, there were four customers ahead of me who had not yet been assisted, and one gentleman behind me. I knew the people ahead of me had not been assisted because one staff member had addressed a customer in front of him, stating he would assist her after finishing a drink. Ultimately, I decided to leave because I didn't want to wait for the 30 minute break, and still be asked to leave with it being so close to closing time. After I left, I believe they locked the door. The shop itself is relatively small, with limited seating and space primarily designed for quick entry and exit. Given its operational capacity, the infrastructure may not support a significant increase in foot traffic driven by social media attention. With the summer season approaching, customer volume may present additional operational challenges. This could potentially result in an "open until supplies last" type of service model. I'd suggest going earlier in the day or on a weekday for more luck with trying their coffees and teas. If I have the opportunity to return in the future, I will update my review accordingly. read more

Such a cool spot with unique coffee choices! Got the plantain latte and it was delicious!! The staff were also super friendly! Would definitely go back!! read more

I've had their coffee and drinks a bunch of times in between capturing photos for them and I must say that they have something very special here! Everything is so fresh and flavorful! Plus, Malcolm is incredibly hospitable and always happy to educate people about the exciting ingredients that make his drinks special. If you're in Atlanta you should definitely check them out on IG to see where they'll pop up next. You'll love experiencing the cool places they always choose! read more

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The best Chai I've ever had!!!! The matcha is also phenomenal. I fee loved when I drink these beverages. You can tell they're made with care. read more