Coffee still leads the way, but many of Stark County’s most popular coffee shops have evolved into full-fledged beverage destinations, serving everything from handcrafted teas and fresh-squeezed lemonades to smoothies and energy drinks.
Whether visitors need a strong morning coffee before festival events or an iced refresher to cool off between stops, Stark County offers no shortage of options. From neighborhood gathering spots and locally owned roasters to national chains offering seasonal favorites, these cafes blend convenience, creativity and local flavor.
Here are some of the best places in Stark County to grab a coffee, iced refresher or afternoon pick-me-up during Enshrinement Festival Week:
Walkie Talkie Coffee
Housed in a nearly 100-year-old building, this woman-owned neighborhood coffee shop serves specialty drinks with plenty of personality. The menu features creative offerings such as the ever-popular Cinnabrew, a blend of oat milk, cold brew and house-made cinnamon cereal syrup.
Customers can also add house-made purple ube milk for a colorful twist on their favorite beverage.
Where: 504 15th St. NW, Canton
More details: walkietalkiecoffee.square.site
Tremont Coffee Co.
Founded in 2016 by lifelong Stark County residents Mark and Michelle Kemp, this family-owned business has grown from a single coffeehouse into a specialty coffee roaster with five locations across the county.
While coffee remains at the heart of the business, newer offerings such as Tremont T-Pops have developed a following of their own. The company’s take on the popular dirty soda trend comes in several flavors, including Sour Patch, Blue Lagoon and Creamsicle.
Where: 2433 Cleveland Ave. SW, Canton; 215 Erie St. N, Massillon; 4859 Tuscarawas St. W, Perry Township; 540 N. Main St., North Canton; and 5555 Fulton Drive NW, Jackson Township.
More details: www.tremontcoffee.com
RHOW Coffee
More than a coffee shop, this community gathering space is built around connection and encouragement. Short for “Rise Humbly Over Worry,” it serves handcrafted espresso drinks, specialty cold foams and fresh baked goods in an atmosphere designed to help customers slow down and recharge.
Enjoy a unique Belgium Syphon coffee experience tableside. The welcoming environment has helped make it a favorite place to meet, grab a cup to go or unwind over a cup of coffee.
Where: 7924 Hills and Dales Road NW, Massillon
More details: www.rhowcoffee.com
Muggswigz
This longtime local favorite, which has multiple locations, has built a loyal following by sourcing premium coffee beans from family farms, partnering directly with tea growers and creating an extensive menu of specialty beverages.
Signature offerings include its popular Coffee Cream Soda, made with house-made coffee syrups and crafted to stand apart from traditional coffee drinks. Owned by longtime Canton resident Alex Haas, the business is celebrating 23 years this year while continuing to earn recognition for its coffee, tea and community presence.
Where: 137 Walnut Ave. NE, Canton; 5854 Fulton Drive NW, Jackson Township; 373 S. Main St., Akron; and 3452 Manchester Road, Coventry Township.
More details: www.muggswigz.com
Carpe Diem Coffee Shop
Another family-owned staple in the heart of downtown Canton, this coffee shop pairs specialty coffee drinks with a welcoming atmosphere. Grab a Jolly Rancher Refresher made with green coffee extract or a Nitro Cold Brew and congratulate them on 20 years.
Visitors looking to make the most of Canton’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area can also add an adult beverage to their order and enjoy it while exploring the downtown DORA district.
Where: 215 Market Ave. N, Canton
More details: www.carpediemcoffeeshop.com
Ohio Roasting Co.
Freshness is at the center of the experience here, where coffee is roasted in-house each week before making its way into customers’ cups.
Guests can enjoy the signature Interstate 77 House Blend as a drip coffee or espresso, sample single-origin coffees or try one of the rotating monthly specialties. Popular year-round drinks include the Banana Bread Latte and Salted Caramel White Mocha, while matcha lovers will also find plenty to enjoy.
Where: 4870 Frank Ave. NW, Jackson Township
More details: www.ohioroasting.com
UnionPark Coffee & Cocktails
Two patio spaces — one upstairs and one downstairs — give visitors plenty of options for enjoying a drink outdoors, while the inviting interior offers a comfortable place to relax year-round.
Known for serving both handcrafted coffee drinks and cocktails, the café offers something for nearly any time of day. Summer favorites include the Tanlines, made with espresso, coconut and chocolate and topped with a caramel drizzle; The Bees Knees, featuring espresso, honey and lavender; and the Berry Matcha with strawberry purée and blueberry cold foam.
Where: 4700 Everhard Road NW, Jackson Township
More details: www.unionparkcanton.com
Shale Craft Coffee
Whether enjoying the sunshine on the patio or settling into a cozy seat indoors, guests can relax with a carefully crafted beverage made from fair-trade coffee and tea. Lean in to a classic drip coffee or chai.
Popular menu items include the Honey Bee and Buckeye Blitz, while those looking to sample more than one favorite can order a flight featuring four signature drinks.
Where: 1160 S. Main St., North Canton
More details: shalecraftcoffee.com
Whole Latte Love Café
Every cup served here supports a broader mission focused on community impact and opportunity.
The café serves cold brews topped with sweet vanilla cold foam and handcrafted lattes made with freshly roasted coffee from locally owned Cherry Blend Coffee Roasters. It also promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging through person-centered training and mentorship opportunities for differently abled adults.
Where: 1308 S. Main St., North Canton
More details: wholelattelovecafe.org
M&H Beans Coffee Roastery
Veteran-, woman- and family-owned, this North Canton coffee roastery has been roasting and packaging its own coffee and tea, crafting house-made syrups and creating specialty beverages since opening its current location in September 2022.
It’s the kind of neighborhood spot where customers come for a specialty drink and a friendly conversation. Popular menu items include the Peach Brown Sugar with Cinnamon, available as a latte or cold brew.
Where: 706 S. Main St., North Canton
More details: www.mhbeans.com
Pearl Tea & Coffee
The hardest decision here may be deciding what to order.
Alongside specialty coffee drinks such as flat whites and caramel macchiatos, the menu features an extensive lineup of fruit teas, milk teas and customer favorites. Options range from lychee and kiwi fruit teas to Thai red and Thai green teas, plus specialty milk teas including crème brûlée and strawberry.
Where: 4339 Dressler Road NW, Jackson Township
More details: pearlteaandcoffee.godaddysites.com
Starbucks
For visitors looking for a familiar favorite, Starbucks locations throughout Stark County offer a lineup of seasonal and signature beverages alongside classic coffeehouse staples.
This summer’s featured drinks include the Tropical Butterfly Refresher, Iced Mango Cream Matcha, Iced Horchata Shaken Espresso and Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, providing plenty of ways to cool off between festival events.
Caribou Coffee
Campfire season has arrived on the menu with a lineup of s’mores-inspired beverages designed for summer.
The seasonal Campfire Mocha collection includes espresso shakers, blended drinks and nitro options, while the year-round menu offers everything from handcrafted coffee drinks to teas and energy beverages.
Where: 5443 Whipple Ave. NW, Plain Township
More details: www.cariboucoffee.com
Biggby Coffee
Colorful seasonal creations and playful flavors have become a hallmark of this popular coffee chain.
Current featured drinks include the BlueRaz Fusion, Triple Berry Red Bull mocktail and Campfire Latte. Visitors looking to beat the heat can also opt for frozen favorites such as the Campfire Crème Freeze or Sun of a Peach Crème Freeze.
Where: 4015 Hills and Dales Road NW, Plain Township; and 4537 Everhard Road NW, Jackson Township.
More details: biggby.com
7 Brew
Long drive-thru lines are often a sign of what’s waiting at the window.
Known for speedy service and nearly endless customization options, this fast-growing chain serves coffee, teas, refreshers and energy drinks designed for customers on the go. Popular coffee selections include Brunette, a blend of hazelnut and caramel flavors paired with espresso and Salted Caramel Macchiato.
Where: 4405 Tuscarawas St. W, Perry Township; 2530 Lincoln Way E, Massillon; and 1515 N. Main St., North Canton.
More details: 7brew.com
The Human Bean
Friendly service and customization are at the heart of the experience, whether customers are ordering espresso drinks, cold brews, teas, smoothies or energy beverages.
One of the newest additions to the menu is the Bright Energy lineup, which combines clean caffeine derived from green coffee beans with flavors available as an original, sugar-free and lime. The chain is also celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a trio of patriotic summer beverages: the Birthday Cake Granita, All American Cherry Citrus Soda and Red, White and Blue Shakes.
Whether visitors are looking for a classic cup of coffee, a refreshing energy drink or a frozen treat, there is no shortage of ways to stay caffeinated and cool during Enshrinement Festival Week.
Where: 4660 Tuscarawas St. W, Perry Township; and 4301 Whipple Ave. NW, Jackson Township.
More details: thehumanbean.com
Bev Shaffer, Food & Drink reporter for The Canton Repository, can be reached at bshaffer@usatodayco.com or 330-580-8318.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Looking for coffee MVPs? Here’s your guide to Stark County’s scene
Reporting by Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
