The Coffee Loft

This is my favorite coffee shop in Sarasota. What separates it from the other places in town is its atmosphere. It is the perfect study spot or place to read and decompress. Separated into two floors, there is always available couches or tables. I always feel comfortable and the staff remember you and make you feel at home.
I do wish they had an expanded lunch options but their paninis are solid.
Check them out if you are looking for more than just a coffee to go.

Been going here since it opened up and the quality has deteriorated while the prices have increased. The baristas seem disinterested now whereas they used to be quite friendly and fun to interact with. As mentioned above, the prices have increased. For instance, I paid $ 4.00 (with tip) for watery Café Bustelo/​pre-​ground espresso. I could pay that amount at one of the high-​end coffee shops in Sarasota for well-​sourced coffee.
I’ve had some good experiences at Coffee Loft and some bad ones, but today was a real disappointment.

Went here to collaborate with my business partner. Upstairs was quiet. Good work/​study space. Coffee was okay. Overall good experience.

Desperately searching for a temporary study location was this non-​profit coffee shop, located on North Tamiami Trail. Due to outstanding reviews and proximity of this student-​oriented coffee shop, this was the perfect place to stop by.
Menu was very limited. Mango smoothie was fair but did not meet expectation, as I felt I could have stirred up a smoothie of my own from home. Turkey Pear sandwich with Brie cheese was a complete joke, as I could have made my own sandwich as well.
Prices are reasonable as student discounts are offered, but what I was digesting was not worth putting time and money into.
Not ordering coffee or asking for sandwich substitutions is my only regrets.
Atmosphere, board games, and furniture made my stay worthwhile, as I hope to have a better experience when I return.

The location and theme are fantastic! Customer service and my soy latte was terrible. I asked for additional hot soy milk and barista didn’t heat the milk to right temperature so she actually ended turning my hot latte into a cold one. No smiles or welcoming atmosphere. For these reasons I would not go back. Baristas need training.

Really good coffee latte find on early morning circle exploring the area. Cute shop and setting. Very good Americano and service to match. I hope to return. Nice food choices of different sandwich options.

Finally got the chance to stop and try it ! Just great ! Great service with a smile which these days is hard find. Beautiful places and atmosphere. We tried the mocha that was just delicious and my son a hot chocolate it was made with local ingredient and perfect !. Definitely going back soon to try the cappuccino and food.

There are many reasons why this is the café I’ve chosen to frequent in Sarasota. Not least of these reasons is the workers. They are profoundly human, and seem to take every customer in with a sense of acceptance that you don’t always find in an areas trendiest, highest volume Java filling station.
The building that this café resides in is amazing! True to its name, it has a comfy and inviting upstairs featuring love seats, a couple couches, plenty of table seating, and lots of window space. There are board games and communal books, and a clean restroom.
Downstairs, where the coffee magic is made, an ornate bar separates the lowly plebes from the maestro of joe. It’s nice, wooden, and well appointed. There is additional seating here, and a small offering of snacks for the open palate, as well as some vegan options.
Hot food offered here is good. I tried the hummus/​pepper vegan panini, and was happy.
The coffee is good! They use local ingredients, and appear to focus on locality and quality over affordability… which I fully support. If you’re going to spend $ 5 on a cup of milk with $.18 of coffee in it, don’t be finicky about a muffin or vegan doughnut costing $ 3.
This space is forever clean. The clientele is diverse but polite. I hope this spot stays successful, because they raise the bar on coffee in the community.

THIS IS THE HANGOUT
Before I even speak caffeine, let’s talk about the comfy cuteness of the inside. There’s high-​top seats on the 1^st floor but once you climb up the spiral stairs to the loft, there’s a plethora of space for studying with semi-​privacy. You’re bound to see half the spaces taken up by the college crowd yet it’s never been rambunctious during my visit. A mini stage sits up front where I imagine acoustic crooners take flight.
THAT CAFFEINE TASTE AND BUZZ
When one orders a Macchiato with a pump of Caramel and the barista’s eyes get this look before saying, «If you’re wanting the Starbuck’s version…» that’s typically a good sign. I’m seeking the REAL version! Something the size of a large shot. I’ve enjoyed every sip of their Espresso-​based drinks. But during my last visit the barista (a guy) – it felt like talking to a wall. He got my order but he just oozed this auro of lack-​of-​energy or caring.
MORE ON SURROUNDINGS
A clear counter displays visually tasty pastries including alternative-​diet treats. (Gluten-​free or vegan). An entire wall showcases Coffee Loft’s social awareness issues.

Have not been here in several months until today and I was pleasantly surprised by the improved cleanliness and organization. Love it here even more.

For Sarasota and most locations, this is a super cute coffee shop. Mindful contributions back to the community make the great coffee taste even better! Paninis, gluten free desserts, nice selection of teas, decent pull of espresso, coffee is roasted a bit dark for my taste but most people like that. Exceptional is the quiet workspace upstairs with ample seating, outlets, and windows. Cute!

This is a great little local coffee shop and hang out. The coffee is delicious, the food is good, and my order is always right.
I meet friends here weekly and then stay in to get some school work done. It’s quiet and peaceful and just pleasant to be at.
When I want coffee, this is my place.

No complaints here!
The Coffee Loft is the perfect place to set up your «work from home» office. Plenty of tables, awesome menu (the Asiago bagels are flaky, light, and Heavingly), and most important– very quiet… Unlike many other coffee shops.
The baristas are knowledgable and friendly and you feel like you are getting a hand crafted beverage in Seattle. * The way coffee should be!

This little place is a bohemian gem! The barista is a true artist and the coffee was wonderful. You must stop here when I. Sarasota. It feel like a Seattle coffee shop with strong ties to the community. I loved the idea of decorating a bag and they fill the bag at the end of the month with food and feed the people.

I travel a lot and enjoy finding local coffee shops. Enjoyed this one! Great machiatto and delicious lemon poppy seed muffin. Cool interior with upstairs loft seating! Signs chalked on the walls indicate social conciousness which is awesome. Kind of quiet on a mid afternoon in July but supposing it will pick up when the college down the street is back in session! Glad I stopped! Easy to find!

Loved the atmosphere – my favorite of all we tried in Sarasota! Clean and modern… kind of quiet. But they have a fun little basketball challenge for a free drink & games on both levels for adults and children.
My latte was ok, but it was very strong for my taste until I put some Splenda in it. My daughters ate my breakfast panini; I did not like the cheese used. My husband got a kind of peach tea that was very watered down & unfortunately undrinkable. If I lived here, I would give it another shot due to the shop itself & friendly servers! Sad I didn’t get a chance to try their smores treat!

Amazing food and atmosphere. The food was really good and the vibe was super super chill. You definitely get what you pay for!!!

Great place to get coffee. I love the vibe and atmosphere here! I walk here about three times a week. Definitely recommend trying it if you haven’t yet!

Good coffee but the place itself is kind of stark. Staff was great.

This was a really interesting find. While in Sarasota for the day we needed a small coffee break. Of course, I Unilocaled it and the Coffee Loft came up… off we went.
Downstairs it was just like a coffee house. The counter area had a display of pastries, downstairs there were also some tables and chairs. There was a spiral staircase in what seemed like the middle of the store which I had to check out. Atop the stairs was a study/​sitting area. It had couches, small tables and chairs as well as board games and a foosball table. It was really nice to have that loft area available, it was spacious and not as crowded as the downstairs area. Our quick coffee break turned into an hour of relaxing, talking, and playing a game… an overall serene and fun experience.
The service was great. Our barista asked us if we were from Sarasota, and had a couple of fun suggestions in the area for us to try out. He talked us through his cold brew selection which sold me. I tend to only drink americanos or cold brew. It was great! Just the right amount of crisp and it was done right, no bitter taste.
While in the Sarasota area I would definitely go back and pick this place over the more commercial coffee options available.