Before I ever tasted a single bean, the name stopped me cold. Calusa. A roaster bearing the name of…read morean Indigenous people -- the Calusa, the ancient shell-mound builders, the unconquered lords of South Florida's mangroves and waterways. People who never surrendered. People whose bones are folded into this very soil. As someone who walks through this world carrying Taíno blood and the memory of peoples whose names colonizers tried to erase, that word hit different. It wasn't a gimmick. It wasn't a logo. It was a declaration -- that this land has a story older than any espresso machine, and somebody here understood that. That understanding alone earned my curiosity and my respect before I'd even stepped through the door. "The name carried the weight of a people who never bent. That's the kind of legacy worth building a roastery around." Then I learned the story behind the man behind the roaster -- and it only deepened my respect. Luis Arteaga came home from serving in the United States Marine Corps and did what so many veterans do: he looked for work. No fanfare. No red carpet. Just a man with discipline in his bones and calluses on his hands, trying to find his next mission in a civilian world that doesn't always know what to do with people like that. He found his way to the original owners of Calusa Coffee Roasters. They saw in him what the Corps had always seen -- dependability, grit, and a willingness to learn. They gave him a job. A floor to stand on. And Luis did what Marines do -- he didn't just fill a position, he grew into something greater. Over time, through sweat and dedication and an unmistakable passion for the craft, he rose to become the owner of the very roastery that once took a chance on him. That's not a business story. That's an American story. A veteran's story. And it's exactly the kind of origin that makes a cup of coffee taste like something more than coffee. CALUSA COFFEE ROASTERS IS A SOUTH FLORIDA INSTITUTION Fast forward to today, and Calusa Coffee Roasters isn't just surviving -- it is a staple. Walk into the right cigar bar on a Friday evening and someone at the table will mention the name. Sit down at the right diner counter on a Tuesday morning and a regular will nod toward that familiar bag. In South Florida's rich, layered, cafecito-and-culture coffee landscape, that kind of word-of-mouth is earned over years of consistency, of showing up, of never letting the cup get small. Luis continues to build something that belongs to this community -- rooted in the terroir of a region as complex and layered as its people. The coffee is exceptional. Bold where it should be bold, nuanced where it earns it. The kind of roast that makes you sit down instead of rushing out. That's no accident. That's someone who respects the craft because he was forged in institutions that demand nothing less than your best. "When a Marine finds his mission in a roastery, every bag he puts his name on carries the same standard -- do it right or don't do it at all." Meeting Luis was one of those moments I didn't expect to move me the way it did. We are both moving through the coffee world trying to build something that means something -- something rooted in identity, in service, in the belief that what's in the cup should tell a story worth hearing. And here was a fellow Marine who had walked a road I recognize: uncertain ground, earned footing, and a refusal to quit. And finally, if you are in South Florida and you have not made the pilgrimage to Calusa Coffee Roasters on Commercial Blvd, you are overdue. Go for the coffee -- stay for the story. And if you're lucky enough to meet the man himself, shake his hand. He earned it in more ways than one. To Luis Arteaga and everyone at Calusa: thank you for carrying a name that honors this land. Thank you for honoring the service that shaped you. And thank you for a cup of coffee that carries the weight of all of it without spilling a drop. Semper Fi, brother. Keep roasting.

It's a cute coffee shop in an unexpected format. Cozy to sit inside…read more But the coffees and baristas' experience are horrendous. And I didn't expect much, but I definitely expected from "roasters" more than extra dark coffees and barista who could not do not an overextracted bitter hell of an espresso. Even milk in a flat white couldn't beat that bitterness in it, and that tells a lot. I always get espresso, flat white and pour overs to try a new coffee spot, and it was a miss on all three of them. Okay, I decided to give it a try for their beans, and asked for something light roasted and got a bag of Costa Rica Tarrazu roasted a week ago from them with words "it's medium-light. Guys - it's so "medium-light" that it would perfectly work for any Cuban place or Starbucks. Not even close to "light" or "medium". So overall - cozy and cute place that has potential and horrible coffee and underqualified staff that ruins that potential completely. Do not recommend.

love this place and the atmosphere coffee and bagel was sooo good and everyone was so niceread more

Let me start by saying that I am very very picky with my coffees…read more This coffee had to be some of the best that I have tried in a very long time. The place is so inviting as soon as you walk in. Very wholesome vibes. Easy parking. Many people. Some were even studying . I went with the churro latte. It was absolutely delicious . I am definitely coming back here again ! Highly highly recommend .

Service is awesome. The coffee even better. Best coffee in the area . It's all about the bean …read more Welcome to the neighborhood.

Absolutely love the The Bean. Nadia, the owner, is incredibly welcoming and makes the place feel…read morefriendly and relaxed from the moment you walk in. The atmosphere is great, the drinks are on point, and it's clear that she genuinely cares about creating a good experience for her customers. Big bonus for being dog-friendly too! It's always nice finding a place where you can enjoy a coffee or a drink without leaving your four-legged friend at home.

I think I just stumbled across the best coffee I've ever tasted. Tucked away in a secret little…read morespot surrounded by lush greenery and even some horses, this adorable setup operates out of a cute, food truck-esque trailer, and the entire vibe is nothing short of magical. There's even a local sourdough booth right next to it for fresh bread! There aren't tables and chairs to sit at so don't plan on sitting around however it's like a mini market in a sense and it's perfect when you're ready to climb out of the chain coffee funk. The workers were super sweet and helpful and even gave their recommendations for the best coffee!

I wish I could rate this place higher because I had heard great things about it, but unfortunately…read moremy experience was disappointing overall. When we arrived, there were only two customers waiting, yet it took around 10 minutes for them to receive their drinks before we were even acknowledged. By the time we were finally able to order, a long line had formed behind us. The drinks themselves had unique flavors, and the Salted Pistachio Matcha was genuinely good. While $9 for a small drink felt a bit expensive, especially without changing the milk option, I understand this is a small business in a high-cost area, so that wasn't my main issue. What was more frustrating was the overall wait time, especially standing outside in the heat for over 20 minutes, and seeing a customer who ordered after me receive his drink first because he appeared to know one of the baristas personally. That left a disappointing impression. I will say that once I finally got to order, the barista Bilal was friendly and pleasant. Overall, the drink was enjoyable, but the service and overall experience made it unlikely that I would return.

Great service and a lovely atmosphere. Was there when the owner was there and he was also very…read morenice. Love the vibe they have created and would definitely go back.

This is such an amazing Coffee shop, the ambiance, the smell of fresh coffee brewing everything…read moreabout this place was a vibe! They have many different options for brewing your coffee. I ordered the Vanilla Latte and it was so good, I wish I lived closer to this place, I'd be there everyday. Service was quick and the staff were friendly. A bit small but that's expected, it's in a small plaza like so grab it and walked around for a bit.

I've been following their Instagram account for a while and was finally able to go to one of their…read morelocations. Great food , matcha and coffee. Love the vibe as well. Highly recommend!

Stopped by with the family for a drink. The spot was very cute upon arrival and the girls who…read moreattended us were the sweetest. I ordered the lucky charm latte, my boyfriend ordered a chagaccino and my son got the funky monkey. The coffee's were so good they were there one minute and the next it disappeared. We inhaled them. We also ordered a cheddar, bacon and chive scone that was to die for. So moist and very flavorful definitely a must grab. I ordered an amazing acai bowl. It was called pink flamingo. So refreshing and a great size as well packed with lots of fruits. The outdoor sitting is a must if you are going with friends and family. Has a wonderful view of the water.

We stopped here after our Sunday run! The matcha was on point, my husband really liked his iced…read morecappuccino, and we absolutely loved the cachitos, los mejores en FLL! I just learned that I don't need to drive all the way to Doral anymore to enjoy delicious bakery items :) The place is super cute and well maintained, and the service was great too. We'll definitely be back!

We came to Si Buenas Cafe 7 minutes before they closed. Thankfully they still took our order and we…read moredidn't want to impose so ordered everything for Togo. My fiancee had dulce de leche flavored coffee and I had strawberry matcha latte. Her coffee tasted better than mine. So next time I will try one of their coffees. We also ordered the cheese danish warmed up for togo. Man, I don't know if I was just hungry or what but it was one of the better cheese danishes I had in a long time! The interior is nicely decorated. I really like how they have real plants inside the cafe. They have plenty of coffee tables and the staff are really friendly. Will definitely be back again in the future. I also would recommend this place to everyone to try for themselves. Next time I will be sure to come earlier so the tv doesn't get shut off on me. This place offers limited parking so be prepared to park elsewhere and walk some distance!

On an early Saturday morning, my kid and I stopped by Gathering for some drinks before heading to…read moremy niece's wedding dress fitting nearby. The café itself has a cute, modern-boho vibe and the menu looks promising. Unfortunately, the drinks fell flat. One of my sisters ordered the iced 'hot' chocolate, which lacked true chocolate taste. My other sisters didn't mind their coffees and while my niece and I had matchas, we both felt they could've used a little more "pow." The highlight, without a doubt, was the super warm and friendly service from Steven and Gentry. They truly made the visit enjoyable. Maybe the pastries shine more than the beverages here?

An interesting two business collaboration between the Lovelee Bakeshop and the Gathering Grounds…read moreCoffee Co. Thirteenth Street is under extreme remodeling and the growth of small businesses are popping up between Andrews Ave and US1. Gathering Grounds recently found a new home within the Lovelee Bakeshop offering homemade cakes. Free parking next to the building. Met with the sole barista who explained the dual business concept. The menu for the cafe has staggering low prices for espresso and lattes. Every Saturday the Lovelee Bakeshop offers a cinnamon bun special to complement a Gathering Grounds coffee and is the hot item at $5.00 which sells out quickly. Ordered the single shot espresso of Common Grounds Day Break blend for only $2.00. A small couch and wicker chairs are available to sit and sip your coffee or two white metal tables with blue umbrella shade are on the outside sidewalk. The roasted almond scent was inspiring with a bold taste. They offer the same coffee grinds in bags to go including some logo caps. The single room gender neutral bathroom was clean with wood panels flooring accented by peach painted walls. Funny framed sayings are posted on the wall to read and chuckle with examples as "Ready, Aim, Fire" or "Hello Sweet Cheeks".