Evansville Living readers love their caffeine, hence why a category about coffee typically shows up in the annual Best of Evansville contest. The top vote-getters for “Best Locally Owned Coffee Shop” in 2026 include two businesses celebrating 10th anniversaries, a spot noted for celebrity guests, a cafe where you can also get cat cuddles, and a network of nine-plus family-owned shops where you can fill up on award-winning sweet treats.
1. Honey Moon Coffee Co. (2026 winner for “Best Locally Owned Coffee Shop)
612 S. Weinbach Ave.; 1211 Tutor Lane; 2903 Mount Vernon Ave.; 20 W. Water St., Newburgh
Zac and Jessica Parsons’ nearly 10-year-old business claimed the top prize for coffee for the fifth time, and readers enjoy seasonal sips at four locations. Try the current Lunar Cycle Waffle and monthly autumn-themed drink or the fall drinks menu, which includes a Sweet Cinnamon Cold Brew, Apple Pie Latte, Orange Spiced Chai, PB S’mores Latte, and Teddy Graham Latte.Â
2. Penny Lane Coffeehouse
600 S.E. Second St.; 601 E. Boonville-New Harmony Road
Follow the lead of former U.S. President Bill Clinton, actor Rob Schneider, and more celebrities who have stopped for a hot sandwich and cup of joe at this Riverside Historic District staple or its newer location near Darmstadt. Fall menu highlights include a Fuchsia Fest Frap, a Dolly Parton tribute brew, and a Blueberry White Mocha Latte nodding at Ethan Douglass & Christian Schmitz’s “Baggy Genes” art show Oct. 23 at Willard Public Library.
3. Donut Bank
5 N. Green River Road; 210 N. Saint Joseph Ave.; 1031 E. Diamond Ave.; 1200 Lincoln Ave.; 1950 Washington Ave.; 2128 N. First Ave.; 4800 W. Lloyd Expressway; 6415 Vieth Lane; 3988 State Route 261, Newburgh
The Kempf family has been known for their award-winning pastries since 1967, and you definitely shouldn’t skimp on those chocolate iced long johns, cinnamon twist Tiger Tails, and cream- and jelly-filled Bismarks. But you also should fuel up on Donut Bank’s house blend, nitro cold brew, and flavored coffees like the caramel-centric Turtle Latte.
4. River Kitty Cat Cafe
226 Main St.
Cats and coffee? Yes, please! Snuggle felines available for adoption from the Vanderburgh Humane Society while sipping a Meowcchiato, Purr Over, Turkish Tabby, and other cat-monikered brews that pair nicely with colorful macarons in more than a dozen flavors. Speaking of colorful, check out Jenna Sharp’s mural near the entrance, which Best of Evansville voters named “Best Mural” in 2026.
5. River City Coffee + Goods
223 Main St.
Heather Vaught’s Downtown coffee spot is pairing National Coffee Day with celebrations for its 10th anniversary A Toast to 10 Years events include a tattoo flash event upstairs at Crescent City Tattoo on Sept. 26, a morning run with Eight12 Run Club on Sept. 27, and crafting with the River Sh*tty Craft Club that afternoon. Stop by River City on National Coffee Day for exclusive merchandise, free coffee with purchase — seasonal drinks include a coconut-cardamom combination and an iced matcha named Hocus Pocus — and a Latte Art Throwdown with cash prizes and for National Coffee Day.
