5 Coffee Shops Worth the Drive in Northern Indiana (Part 1)
I've made it my mission to explore as many coffee shops as possible this summer, and today I'm sharing five that I've visited in the past two weeks. Not only did each one serve excellent coffee, but they also offered unique atmospheres, creative drinks, and the kind of experience that makes you want to come back again.
I'm featuring them in the order I visited them.
1. The Hive Coffee House | Fort Wayne
First up is The Hive Coffee House in southwest Fort Wayne.
My daughter and I visited during one of the first days of summer vacation, and I think we were both running on pure summer excitement. We spent the afternoon sitting outside, sipping drinks, and enjoying the beautiful weather.
The Hive offers both indoor and outdoor seating in a bright, airy space filled with greenery and elegant light fixtures. It feels modern and welcoming without being pretentious.
Their spring menu was incredible. To properly do my research, I ordered both the Lemon Almond Flat White and the Carrot Cake Matcha.
The Carrot Cake Matcha was easily one of the best drinks I've had so far this summer. A perfect 10 out of 10.
If you visit, don't miss it.
Other seasonal flavors included:
Lavender Miel
Cherry Dirty Chai
Orange White Mocha
While we didn't order food, several menu items caught our attention, including:
Acai Bowls
Loaded Avocado Toast
Strawberries & Cream Croissants
Bacon Chicken Sammies
There's even a separate area for kids, making it a great stop for families
2. The Fox Den | Albion
Next on the coffee trail was The Fox Den in Albion.
This cozy coffee shop serves breakfast, baked goods, and specialty drinks in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. During our visit, Albion was preparing for the annual Chain O' Lakes Festival, and the excitement added an extra layer of energy to the experience.
Inside you'll find exposed brick walls, comfy seating areas, and string lights stretched across the ceiling.
I ordered the Strawberry Mango Crème Matcha, and somehow it managed to rival the Carrot Cake Matcha from The Hive.
Another 10 out of 10.
Fresh, flavorful, and absolutely worth the drive.
We also tried:
Coffee Cake
Iced Coffee
Strawberry Smoothie
Everything was delicious.
3. Electric Brew | Goshen
Our third stop was Electric Brew in downtown Goshen.
Located inside a historic building, Electric Brew is a family-owned coffee shop known for its house-roasted beans and homemade treats.
What surprised me most was the size of the space. There are multiple seating areas throughout, and the industrial-inspired design features bicycles mounted on walls and motorcycles displayed throughout the shop.
I was also blown away by downtown Goshen itself. The area is packed with locally owned restaurants, shops, and coffee houses, making it a destination worth exploring beyond just your morning coffee.
I ordered a Cold Brew with Spiced Brown Sugar Cold Foam.
My friend ordered the Strawberry Shortcake Latte, and my niece chose one of their energy drinks.
All three were excellent.
Before leaving, I picked up a bag of their Guatemala coffee beans, which I've been using in my pour-over at home. Every morning when I open the bag, the aroma is incredible.
4. Kanela | Fort Wayne
Next up was Kanela at their southwest Fort Wayne location.
This shop immediately feels elevated the moment you walk through the door. Between the gorgeous mural, stamped metal ceiling, and clean, modern design, it manages to feel both stylish and welcoming at the same time.
It's one of those places where you feel just a little fancy while drinking your coffee.
I ordered the Brown Butter Banana Matcha, while my friend chose the Café Miel.
I don’t normally order banana flavored items, but I was in an adventurous mood, and it was really light and refreshing. I love the creaminess of a good matcha. Both drinks were fantastic.
She also ordered one of their breakfast bowls, which was huge and packed with flavor.
We spent our visit planning our upcoming Mackinac Island trip, and it was the perfect environment for relaxing, talking, and dreaming up future adventures.
5. Mocha Lounge | Fort Wayne
The final stop on this coffee shop adventure was Mocha Lounge on Dupont Road in Fort Wayne.
I'd heard great things about this shop for years but had somehow never visited.
Now I understand the hype.
The shop was busy when we arrived, with nearly every seat occupied. Friends were catching up over lattes, coworkers were brainstorming together, and students and remote workers filled the remaining tables.
The atmosphere felt energetic and welcoming.
I ordered the Hot Cinnamon Honey Latte, while my daughter chose the Watermelon Lotus Energy Drink.
For breakfast, I had an Asiago Bagel with egg, bacon, cream cheese, and tomato.
Everything was excellent.
Their seasonal menu also featured:
Lavender Latte
Tropical Chai
Coconut Caramel Latte
I'll definitely be back to try more.
Final Thoughts
Every one of these coffee shops offered something unique, whether it was the atmosphere, the menu, or simply the experience of spending time there.
If I had to choose one standout drink from this entire coffee adventure, it would be the Carrot Cake Matcha from The Hive. But honestly, every drink I ordered over the past two weeks was memorable, and I'd happily order any of them again.
Stay tuned for Part 2 later this summer as I continue exploring Northern Indiana's coffee scene.
