The best cafes in Central

5 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Highland Coffees keeps it simple and stellar with beans roasted right in the shop, fine loose teas, and pastries that vanish fast because…

3350 Highland Rd (Baton Rouge) · ✓ checked Jul 31

Highland Coffees keeps it simple and stellar with beans roasted right in the shop, fine loose teas, and pastries that vanish fast because they’re actually good. When you need a calm breather near the North Gates, their specialty drinks and in-house roasts quietly do the heavy lifting.

From the Baton Rouge newsletter, August 6, 2026

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CityRoots Coffee Bar is a neighborhood roaster and café specializing in small-batch roasting and handcrafted drinks, the kind that taste…

CityRoots Coffee Bar, 1509 Government St A (Baton Rouge)

CityRoots Coffee Bar is a neighborhood roaster and café specializing in small-batch roasting and handcrafted drinks, the kind that taste like someone actually cared. When you need a midweek reset, their creativity, culture, and craftsmanship show up in every sip, from first jolt to slow-afternoon treat.

From the Baton Rouge newsletter, August 18, 2026

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With Onyx Coffee Lab beans pulling the shots, Japanese ceremonial‑grade matcha on deck, and signature sips like the Coastal Cruz and…

4005 Nicholson Dr Suite A (Baton Rouge) · ✓ checked Aug 12

With Onyx Coffee Lab beans pulling the shots, Japanese ceremonial‑grade matcha on deck, and signature sips like the Coastal Cruz and Tamarindo Tide, Pura Vida Coffee Bar backs it up with paninis and toasts in a two story hangout perfect for working, catching up or recharging.

From the Baton Rouge newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Start this week with a hot, pillow-soft beignet, a serious cup of coffee, and a little sparkle from the champagne list at The Vintage. Cozy…

333 Laurel St (Baton Rouge)

Start this week with a hot, pillow-soft beignet, a serious cup of coffee, and a little sparkle from the champagne list at The Vintage. Cozy vibes, shareable bites, and a menu that works for breakfast, dinner, or just catching up make it an easy weekly upgrade.

From the Baton Rouge newsletter, August 10, 2026

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Magpie Cafe has been Baton Rouge’s original specialty coffee cafe and pâtisserie since 2012, which is a fancy way of saying they do coffee…

3205 Perkins Rd (Baton Rouge)

Magpie Cafe has been Baton Rouge’s original specialty coffee cafe and pâtisserie since 2012, which is a fancy way of saying they do coffee and pastries right. Swing by this week for a proper sip and a flaky something, then casually pretend you baked it yourself.

From the Baton Rouge newsletter, August 26, 2026

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