Buddy Brew Coffee image

Buddy Brew Coffee

Cafe Bar Coffee shop Bakery Sandwich shop Coffee store Espresso bar Pastry shop Coffee roasters

This coffeehouse using carefully sourced beans roasted on-site also offers espresso drinks & snacks. People often mention coffee, great, good, Buddy, Brew, brew, friendly, nice, Tampa, staff,


Address

Buddy Brew Coffee, 2020 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Website

www.buddybrew.com

Contact

(813) 258-2739

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 6:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 6:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 6:30 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (43) great (16) good (13) Buddy (13) Brew (12) brew (11) friendly (10) nice (9) Tampa (8) staff (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Irene S. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place for its affogato!!! Perfection of a espresso with vanilla gelato. Yummmm
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karl P. 1 year ago on Google • 417 reviews
    Cool boutique coffee bar with plenty of light and different seating options while you enjoy very good coffee or espresso. We had a double shot and an americano and both were quite well done. Nice residential area too so not loud or crazy. Parking available on the street if the lot is full.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul V. 2 years ago on Google • 673 reviews
    The original location of Buddy Brew just a stone's throw away from the University of Tampa, Kennedy is a great quick stop for delicious Java. There is plenty of parking around back, curbside pickup and order ahead options, indoor and outdoor dining experiences, a rewards program, and plenty of merch to bring home with you if you find yourself to be an avid supporter of the brand, such as fresh roasted beans (which they'll grind for you should you wish), mugs, stickers, shirts, light hoodies, hats, and more. For my first experience, I'd say it produces a cozy vibe, stellar customer service, and pretty solid coffee. I tried the Cortado, which was prepared beautifully and was unique from others that I have tried on flavor (presumably from the choice of roast). Since I purchased beans as well, I received a drip coffee to go, so I tried their Pig Jig roast. I thought it was pretty good, but I don't usually prefer medium roast and would probably not order that particular brew again. I'm very excited to try their Free Wheelin' and Mexico roasts back at home in my new Buddy Brew cup since in my area back in South Florida I can't find these roast options in stores! In summary, I would say they are more like a 4.5, but since I was pleased with the overall experience, it was hard to say 4/5.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Vivien C. 2 years ago on Google
    I had a bad experience at this store this afternoon. My family had been a loyal customer of Buddy Brew for years, and I always buy its coffee bean every time I visit the store. When I went to this store today for restocking my coffee bean, the lady cashier was putting on the wrong price. I kindly reminded her about that, she changed the price afterwards, but she treated me with really cold attitude and had never said a word or apologized for it. Putting on the wrong price is really unprofessional, but without apology is even worse. I may consider coming back to your store, but without improvement on customer servicing, I worry my future experience with your store will diminish my enjoyment from your coffee. Please work hard to make a real change.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Cindy W. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Very nice environment to work in, very calm and nice lighting. However, the service was terrible, we had to continuously raise our voices at the girls working to help us because they were turned around laying the other direction of the counter? Not really sure on that one. The coffee is not that good. If you’re looking for quality coffee, I’d say a different place would be better.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Timothy T. 3 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    I won't comment on the food because I wouldn't ever come here for the food. The coffee is where it's at. I always get a cold brew or a pour over and it has been good every time I've visited over the past few years. The atmosphere is great, staff is friendly, and during my most recent visit my friend and I sat at the bar and we were served our pour overs in a carafe with warmed mugs for us to serve ourselves. This was an amazing touch and felt very inviting. I wish there was more seating (there's less now than ever before because they have these tables with espresso machines for some classes they do I guess) and the vegan pastry and food options are not great, but none of that has ruined my experience going here. I recommend this location to everyone that visits this area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Natalie M. 1 year ago on Google
    UPDATED: The wifi has been working great the past few times I’ve come. There are plenty of seating options and a good work/study vibe. Staff are super friendly. The coffee is good! Love their lattes and just tried their new seasonal nitro cold brew drink 💯 But the food could be better IMO! I’ve gotten a couple of sandwiches and there is just SO much bread and little on the inside. You take a bite and just taste bread. Not worth the money. So far I’ve had the TBR and the Kennedy and they weren’t my fav, huge slices of bread. Previous review: Don’t go here if you have work to do. The WiFi is trash. Ordered a $7 latte and had to leave cuz I couldn’t get any work done.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 S D. 1 year ago on Google
    I WAS SUPPER DISAPPOINTED!!! I have not been to Buddy Brew on W. Kenndy St. in over 2+ years went there yesterday with my friend. I was So excited!! That excitement soon went to disappointment. Ordered Hot mocha latte was cold, They were not able to make half the sandwiches on menus. The ones we did get were given no mayo or mustard for the price it was beyond Disappointed!!!. I have been there before was always great. I have ordered coffee on line from you at least once or twice. I don't think I'll be stopping by any time in the future. I live 35- 40 minutes away.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric H. 1 year ago on Google • 219 reviews
    First time and I had a great time. Staff was very helpful. During my stay I had caramel latte and Avacado BLT with Sriracha aoli instead of mayo. Everything was sooo goood I had a matcha latte with honey to go 😀 I will be back when I'm in the Tampa area.

  • 3/5 Agustin C. 3 months ago on Google • 63 reviews New
    This was my second visit since I went there and didn’t like it so I decided to give it another chance. The coffee is Ok 7/10. But the food doesn’t approve. We tried the biscuit sandwich, and I didn’t understand the presentation, the orange there? And the egg served in a plastic container its an absolutely no. Extremely greasy the biscuit, unfortunately won’t come back.

  • 5/5 Jeannette W. 3 months ago on Google • 51 reviews New
    This was my first time here. I had a vanilla latte with oat milk and peanut butter and banana on gluten free toast. I was very happy to see the gluten free option on the menu and it was delicious. He atmosphere is very nice and even though it was fairly busy, it didn’t feel overwhelming. They have a lot of different seating options which is really nice. The staff is also very nice and friendly and helpful. I’m glad I happened to be in the area and found this place.

  • 5/5 Divya K. 6 years ago on Google • 23 reviews
    By far the best coffee I've ever had in Tampa! The staff is great and friendly! The location is beautiful and very clean! Walking distance from the University of Tampa. They have almond and soy milk, which is amazing! Their coffee is not bitter at all! Their lattes, iced and hot, are really good!! Highly recommend to visit if you're in the area!

  • 5/5 Tim M. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly staff, delicious fresh quiche, and amazing cappuccino! Perfect way to start your day!!!

  • 5/5 Michael 2 years ago on Google
    Great coffee shop with friendly staff that know the products offered and can make quality recommendations. The seating area is relaxed with ample seats, types, and views. Their rewards program is a nice perk without spamming your inbox. Overall great place to relax or complete some work.

  • 5/5 Michael C. 2 years ago on Google
    Dark roast deliciousness! Nice comfortable place with lots of friendly people around on a weekday morning. Staff were kind and pleasant. They seemed to form a natural connection with evey customer.

  • 4/5 J M. 2 years ago on Google
    Up: Great coffee. Great food. Great staff. Great ambience. The music is not too loud. Down: The restroom is not thoroughly cleaned each day. Summary: I’ll be back.

  • 5/5 Amanda F. 5 months ago on Google
    Relatively spacious classic coffee shop with *actually fast* guest wifi--amazing! Stopped by to pick up a bag of beans to gift someone and enjoyed the free "cup of brew" along with the purchase. Confirmed with the barista that the parking lot directly behind the building is fair game, though the one to the side of the building is reserved for apartments. Street parking available as well.

  • 5/5 Bessie R. 5 months ago on Google
    Down to earth great coffee place. Great coffee, they know how to make them and simple breakfast. Suggestive Tipping was not aggressive at all, in fact I was overly surprised how grateful they are. Compare this to the lady and the mug , this place wins hands down; coffee , food, service and tipping attitude.

  • 5/5 Rachel K. 5 months ago on Google
    This is a great spot. I was happy it opened at 6:30 because I was awake early and really needed a coffee while I was visiting Tampa. Coffee was good and general vibe of cafe was nice. I'd visit again!

  • 5/5 John D. 2 years ago on Google
    Buddy Brew on Kennedy has been a long term favorite of me and my family. Post Covid however things were slipping… Until now! The addition of Jonathan as manager transformed BB back to the fan favorite they deserved to be. They brought back all the things that were successful and added extra attentiveness and wining personalities. We’ll be back to our every Saturday morning routine. Thanks buddy brew for great coffee, treats and management in staffing decision making.

  • 5/5 Kayla G. 8 months ago on Google
    I really enjoyed the Iced Carmel Cold Brew! When we asked questions about the Geisha Washed Process, the employee was incredibly helpful in explaining how that processing would influence the bean flavor.

  • 4/5 Andrew L. 8 months ago on Google
    Same great Buddy Brew, hindered by location. Not allowed to give cups out due to facility rules. I spent $30 something on breakfast including a bottled water but could not provide me a cup of ice. What?

  • 4/5 Stephen L. 9 months ago on Google
    Buddy Brew Coffee is always great. The atmosphere was casual. The tables and chairs did not seem like they had been wiped down in a while (crumbs all over the chairs, tables with dried coffee spills)

  • 5/5 Gabby S. 9 months ago on Google
    This is one of my favorite coffee and breakfast/lunch locations. Their Kennedy is amazing and so is their expresso! I love everyone in there and they are always so sweet and patient and helpful! And they are dog friendly

  • 3/5 whoisanthony 1 year ago on Google
    The nitro cold brew was good. My partners vanilla latte was too milky with not enough espresso flavor. We were not called or greeted when our drinks were ready, and we had to ask to confirm that the drinks sitting on the counter were in fact ours, while employees awkwardly looked at us. Pretty atmosphere!

  • 5/5 Adam J H. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing coffee. Definitely can tell the quality in this coffee. Great staff. Very friendly. Warm and welcoming. Quiet on the inside. A lot of people studying. The only problem I have with this place is it’s always over crowded and sometimes you can’t even sit down that’s the only problem with buddy brew. Once it gets warmer out I’m sure they’ll put tables and chairs outside. Thank you guys!

  • 5/5 Chelsea Drda, D. 4 years ago on Google
    Huge fan of all things Buddy Brew Coffee! Get a pour-over, it's absolutely worth the wait if you are a true coffee connoisseur, but the lattes are also wonderful. You absolutely must get the poached egg and avocado toast (they have a gluten free option as well), it's TO DIE FOR! Wonderful atmosphere great for a short visit (it's a fast-paced coffee shop). Have loved watching this company grow over the years and they continue to raise the bar.

  • 5/5 what w. 1 year ago on Google
    I love some of their coffee, and truly dislike some of it. i have ordered coffe that tasted horrible, multiple occasions.,i lot of line pomegranate flavor that just to me taste off, personal taste probably, but when you get a good bag of there coffee , especially the old florida roast , it is absolutely great.I originally gave 1 star. Which was based on past 6 months or bit more of coffee taste issues , the last bag i purchased, i startded grinding beans day(s) before use and it taste better. up until recently its been the best coffee i have ever gotten.....Ive been getting their coffee for about 4 years or so ,now. Normally buy 2lb or 5lb bags sometimes the smaller bags.

  • 5/5 rachael a. 2 years ago on Google
    Cute coffee shop in a swanky little Tampa neighborhood. The ambiance was very inviting and a well designed space. The coffee is amazing, gluten-free and vegan donuts that are actually good. In coming back to try the Gelato (outside of my coffee)

  • 5/5 Jonathan J. 2 years ago on Google
    Americano no cream needed. Limited parking. The barista is legit!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • 5/5 Alexander A. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing coffee and equally amazing staff, especially the barista Alix and the super friendly server Abigail! The best flat white in Tampa and they serve it in proper cups! If you want a cool place to take your friends for a chat and a delicious cup of Joe this is the place and specifically the Kennedy location.

  • 3/5 Kieran K. 1 year ago on Google
    Buddy Brew is probably the best place for cappuccino in Tampa. I buy their Double Dog and Columbia decaf beans. Sadly, of late, their espresso shots are not consistent and same high quality they used to be. Please refocus on barista training and get the brew back on taste track. I am an amateur and when my home cappuccino is better than Buddy Brew using the same beans then it is very disappointing

  • 5/5 getting It done s. 1 year ago on Google
    Buddy brew coffee is simply the best coffee place in tampa bay - there is no debate about that. Sorry store named caffeine . sorry some of the other unmemorable ones. Buddy brew is where its at. I've gotten to know the employees and they are what make the experience. Hands down. Super cool creative bunch that of lately have been making my day that much better . Thanks B-Brew!!!! FOR ALL U DO DO!!!! (That rhymes kinda)

  • 5/5 Nancy M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great! No drive through, but they did do curbside delivery. They were out of chai, but made me a latte with lots of cinnamon - very good. Very friendly as well.

  • 4/5 U G. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s a nice place, we stopped by for a quick coffee break on our way back home. It’s a nice spot to hang out with friends. They have got great options for coffee and sandwiches as well. Another good aspect of this place is that they have got a few parking spots at the back of the store.

  • 5/5 Ashleigh 1 year ago on Google
    This is our favorite location for Buddy Brew coffee. The service here is phenomenal. It's a little difficult to find a parking, but once you find a place it's worth it. 😉 we had a yummy nitro cold brew float. Can't wait to come back again.


Call (813) 258-2739 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
    • ✓️ Good for working on laptop
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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