Being an avid coffee drinker, I believe fall is the best season for having a cup of coffee with its chilly weather and overall aesthetic. However, I’m guilty of pulling up to a Starbucks whenever I’m craving a pumpkin spice without exploring the different options that are available. So, as the coffee season starts, I decided to try and rate local coffee shops instead of giving in to the convenience Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks provide.

Coffee 151: 7/10

121 S. Denton Tap Rd, Carrollton, TX 75019

I would call Coffee 151 more of a “come and go” than a coffee shop. There is no seating inside and most customers just pick up their drinks through the drive-thru. Every time I’ve driven past this shop, there’s always been a long line, and after visiting, I can somewhat understand the hype. 

I went basic and ordered a normal iced coffee with a little sugar and milk and it seemed on par with Starbucks. It was nothing out of the ordinary, and if I ever went back, I would definitely order something more unique from their menu. They have a huge variety of drinks to choose from, including smoothies, energy drinks, teas, shakes and frappuccinos. With the cost, convenience and quality in mind, I think Coffee 151 is worth a shot. 

Tom N Toms: 8/10 

2625 Old Denton Rd #406, Carrollton, TX 75007

This cafe was located in Koreatown and was a culturally distinct experience. The dark and private environment provided the perfect place to sit in your own confined space. I honestly wasn’t a fan of the cappuccino due to its basic taste with nothing outstanding. 

The highlight of this coffee shop is its snacks. I tried the Boongeo Bbang or “fish shape waffles” and the chocolate butter bread, both of which were amazing. I would definitely recommend this cafe to someone looking for something intimate and unique.

Edison Coffee Co.: 10/10

420 Parker Square Rd, Flower Mound, TX 75028

Starbucks is nothing compared to Edison. The environment, coffee, food, aesthetics and everything else were on point. The shop is located in a vintage building and is modernly designed to be an open and welcoming space that is ideal for hanging out with friends or studying. 

I ordered a mocha and the taste of it were incredible. Not to mention Edison does coffee art with heart-shaped designs made of steamed milk on their drinks, making it taste even better. The food consists of classics like avocado toast, grilled cheese, muffins and cakes, but it tastes so much better than the standard. Overall, this was definitely my favorite coffee shop and although it was a little pricey, it was worth the splurge. 

Honorable Mention

TeaLatte Bar

3052 Old Denton Rd #106, Carrollton, TX 75007

For the not-so-crazy coffee lovers, boba seems to be a popular drink. The only thing that makes a boba place better is that they offer coffee as well. Tea Latte Bar is known for its organic teas, but their organic coffee hits right. What really stood out was that they had the “World’s Strongest Organic Coffee.” 

I ordered the death wish latte which was highly caffeinated and it went above the expectations I had for a boba shop. You can taste the difference in the drinks, and that really surprised me when I tried them. So, if you’re more of a tea person, this place might be a more comfortable environment for you to discover and try the joys of coffee. 

As a self-appointed coffee connoisseur, I feel much more knowledgeable of the local offerings that aren’t mainstream. Exploring different shops has broadened my taste buds and I want to continue discovering these local gems throughout the coffee season and beyond.