Best Specialty Coffee Roasters in Port Elizabeth for Serious Coffee Drinkers
Words by
Thandi Nkosi
The Real Specialty Coffee Roasters in Port Elizabeth Worth Your Time
I have spent the better part of three years chasing the best specialty coffee roasters in Port Elizabeth, dragging friends to early morning cupping sessions and arguing with baristas about extraction times. This city does not shout about its coffee scene the way Cape Town or Johannesburg do, but that is exactly what makes it worth your attention. The roasters here are small, fiercely independent, and deeply connected to the character of this windy, salt-stained coastal city. If you are a serious coffee drinker, Port Elizabeth will surprise you, and I want to show you exactly where to go.
1. Urban Grind on Cape Road: Where Port Elizabeth Third Wave Coffee Started
Urban Grind sits on Cape Road, one of the busiest arteries in the city, and it has been quietly shaping the conversation around Port Elizabeth third wave coffee since it opened. The space is compact, almost cramped during the morning rush, but that is part of its appeal. The roasting happens on-site in a small Probat machine that you can see through a glass partition behind the counter. I watched them pull a batch of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe last Tuesday, and the smell alone was worth the trip.
What makes Urban Grind worth your time is their commitment to rotating single origin offerings. They rarely serve the same bean for more than three weeks, which means the menu changes often enough to keep you curious. Order the pour-over if you want to taste what they are most proud of on any given week. The flat white is also excellent, pulled with a consistency that most cafes in the city cannot match.
The best time to visit is between 7:00 and 8:30 on a weekday. By 9:00 the small seating area fills up with regulars who have been coming here since the early days. On weekends it gets uncomfortably crowded, and the single barista on shift during Saturday afternoons visibly struggles to keep up with the espresso orders.
One detail most tourists would not know is that the owner sources beans directly from a cooperative in Huila, Colombia, and visits the farm personally every eighteen months. That relationship is why their Colombian single origin tastes different from anything else you will find in the Eastern Cape.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask for the 'barista's choice' pour-over. They will brew whatever they are most excited about that week, and it is never on the printed menu. I have had some of my best coffee experiences in this city by just saying yes to whatever they recommend."
2. The Coffee Beanery in Walmer: Artisan Roasters Port Elizabeth Regulars Swear By
The Coffee Beanery operates out of a converted garage on 6th Avenue in Walmer, a leafy suburb that most visitors to Port Elizabeth never explore. This is one of the artisan roasters Port Elizabeth locals talk about in hushed tones, partly because the space is so unassuming you would walk right past it if you did not know what you were looking for. The roasting is done in small batches, and the owner, a former engineer named Johan, treats every roast profile like a science experiment.
I visited on a Thursday morning and spent nearly an hour talking to Johan about his approach to light roasting. He is obsessive about moisture content and water activity in green beans, and he will happily explain both if you show genuine interest. The Kenyan AA he was roasting that day had a brightness that cut through the milk in a way I did not expect. Order the Kenyan as a filter if it is available. The espresso shots here are dialed in with a precision that rivals anything I have tasted in Johannesburg.
The best time to visit is mid-morning on a weekday, when Johan is usually on-site and the space is quiet enough for a real conversation. Avoid Saturday afternoons entirely, because the limited parking on 6th Avenue becomes a genuine problem and the wait for a table stretches past twenty minutes.
What most people do not realize is that The Coffee Beanery supplies beans to several restaurants and guest houses across the Baywest and Summerstrand areas. If you have had a surprisingly good cup at a local B&B, there is a decent chance it came from here.
Local Insider Tip: "Bring your own bag and ask for a discount on bulk orders. Johan gives a small price break for 500-gram bags, and he will sometimes throw in a sample of whatever experimental roast he is working on. I have discovered my favorite beans this way."
3. Bean Juice in Newton Park: Best Single Origin Coffee Port Elizabeth Students Depend On
Bean Juice is tucked into a small strip of shops on Diaz Road in Newton Park, right near the Nelson Mandela University campus. This is where students and young professionals come for the best single origin coffee Port Elizabeth has at a price that does not punish your wallet. The space is no-frills, with mismatched furniture and a chalkboard menu that changes every Monday, but the quality of the coffee is anything but basic.
I have been coming to Bean Juice since my own university days, and what keeps me coming back is the Ethiopian single origin they source through a Johannesburg-based importer. It has a floral, almost tea-like quality that works beautifully as a V60 pour-over. The cortado here is also outstanding, made with a ratio that favors the espresso just enough to keep things interesting. If you are hungry, the toasties are made with bread from a local bakery on Burt Drive, and they are better than they have any right to be.
Visit between 10:00 and noon on a weekday for the calmest experience. The lunch rush between 12:30 and 1:30 is chaotic, with students flooding in between lectures and the single espresso machine groaning under the demand. Service slows down noticeably during this window, and you may wait ten minutes for a simple flat white.
One thing most visitors would not know is that Bean Juice hosts a monthly cupping session open to the public, usually on the last Saturday of the month. It is free, informal, and a fantastic way to meet other coffee-obsessed people in the city.
Local Insider Tip: "Sit at the counter near the window if you want to watch the barista work. The V60 setup they use is a Hario with a specific gooseneck kettle, and watching the pour technique alone is worth the visit. Also, the oat milk they stock is the Barista version of a well-known brand, which makes a noticeable difference in the flat white."
4. The Windbreak Cafe in Summerstrand: Ocean Views and Serious Roasting
The Windbreak Cafe sits on the Marine Drive strip in Summerstrand, a stone's throw from the beach and the famous Humewood Golf Course. This is the kind of place where you come for the view but stay for the coffee, which is saying something because the Indian Ocean panorama from the outdoor tables is genuinely spectacular. The roasting is done off-site at a small facility in the North End, but the beans are fresh and the baristas know what they are doing.
I spent a full Saturday morning here last month, working through a long black made from a Guatemalan single origin that had deep chocolate notes and a clean finish. The food menu is simple but well-executed, with a smoked salmon bagel that pairs perfectly with a strong filter coffee. The chai latte is also worth trying if you want something different, made in-house with actual spices rather than a syrup.
The best time to visit is early morning, between 6:30 and 8:00, before the beach walkers and joggers descend on the area. By 9:30 the outdoor seating is full, and the noise level rises considerably. On windy days, which are frequent in Port Elizabeth, the outdoor area becomes unusable and the indoor space feels very small.
What most tourists do not know is that The Windbreak Cafe sources its milk from a dairy farm outside Uitenhage, about forty minutes inland. The creaminess of the milk here is noticeably different from what you get at city-center cafes, and it elevates every milk-based drink on the menu.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask for the 'Marine Blend.' It is a house blend they roast specifically for this location, and it is not listed on the main menu. It is designed to pair with the salty ocean air, which sounds like marketing nonsense until you actually taste it outside on a breezy morning."
5. Redberry Coffee Company in Lorraine: A Family Operation With Deep Roots
Redberry Coffee Company operates from a small industrial unit on Kragga Kamma Road in Lorraine, a suburb that sits on the western edge of Port Elizabeth. This is a family-run operation, and the warmth of that is evident the moment you walk in. The roaster, a woman named Anri, learned the craft from her father, who ran a small coffee distribution business in the city for over thirty years. The legacy shows in every cup.
I visited on a Wednesday afternoon and was immediately offered a taste of their Rwandan single origin, which had a berry-forward profile with a smooth, rounded body. It was one of the most balanced single origin coffees I have had in the Eastern Cape. The cappuccino here is also excellent, with microfoam that holds its shape long enough to photograph if you are that kind of person. The space is small and functional, more of a tasting room than a cafe, but that focus is what makes it special.
The best time to visit is mid-afternoon on a weekday, when Anri is usually roasting and the space smells incredible. Mornings are quieter but less interesting because the roasting has usually already finished by 10:00. Weekends are hit or miss, as the hours are shorter and they sometimes close without much notice.
One detail most people would not know is that Redberry supplies roasted beans to a handful of small lodges and guest houses in the Addo Elephant National Park area. If you are heading to Addo for a safari, picking up a bag here before you leave is a smart move.
Local Insider Tip: "Call ahead before you visit. They do not always keep regular hours, and showing up unannounced can mean finding a closed door. When they are open, ask Anri about the roasting process. She is generous with her knowledge and will walk you through the entire profile if you show genuine curiosity."
6. The Art Cafe in Central: Where Coffee Meets Port Elizabeth's Creative History
The Art Cafe is located on Military Road in Central Port Elizabeth, in a building that once served as a print shop for one of the city's oldest newspapers. The walls are covered in work by local artists, and the coffee is treated with the same seriousness as the art. This is not a specialty roaster in the traditional sense, they source their beans from a respected roaster in Grahamstown, but the preparation and the atmosphere make it essential for anyone interested in the broader coffee culture of the city.
I came here on a Friday evening for one of their monthly art exhibitions and had a double espresso that was pulled with real care. The crema was thick and persistent, a sign of properly fresh beans and a well-maintained machine. The hot chocolate, made with real dark chocolate and frothed milk, is also worth ordering if you are in the mood for something non-caffeinated. The space itself is the real draw, high ceilings, exposed brick, and a quiet hum of creative energy that you do not find in the suburban cafes.
The best time to visit is during one of their evening events, usually held on the first Friday of the month. The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, and the combination of good coffee and local art is uniquely Port Elizabeth. Weekday mornings are pleasant but quieter, and the limited food menu means you will want to eat elsewhere.
What most visitors would not know is that the building's original printing press is still partially visible in the back room. The owner preserved it as a nod to the city's history, and it is a fascinating piece of industrial heritage that most customers walk right past.
Local Insider Tip: "Check their social media pages before you go. The event schedule changes frequently, and some of the best evenings are the smaller, unadvertised ones. Also, the corner table near the window has the best natural light for reading, and regulars know to claim it before 8:00 on event nights."
7. Cafe Pescado in Humewood: Coastal Vibes and Carefully Sourced Beans
Cafe Pescado sits on the Marine Drive stretch in Humewood, not far from the famous Shark Rock Pier. It is primarily a seafood restaurant, but the coffee program is surprisingly serious, and the beans are sourced from a specialty roaster in Stellenbosch. I know this stretches the definition of a roaster, but the quality of the coffee and the intentionality behind the sourcing make it worth including for any serious coffee drinker visiting Port Elizabeth.
I had a long black here after a fish and chips lunch last weekend, and it was one of the better espresso-based drinks I have had in the city. The beans were a South African roast from the Western Cape, with a nutty, caramel-forward profile that complemented the salty seafood meal perfectly. The affogato is also a standout, made with vanilla ice cream from a local dairy and a double shot that cuts through the sweetness.
The best time to visit is late morning, around 10:30, after the breakfast rush and before the lunch crowd arrives. The outdoor seating has a direct view of the ocean, and on a calm day it is one of the most peaceful spots in Port Elizabeth. Avoid the peak lunch window between 12:30 and 2:00, when the restaurant is packed and the coffee takes a back seat to the food orders.
One thing most tourists would not know is that Cafe Pescado uses a manual lever espresso machine, a rare sight in Port Elizabeth. The barista operating it clearly knows what she is doing, and watching the extraction process is a small performance in itself.
Local Insider Tip: "Sit at the bar if you want to watch the lever machine in action. The barista is happy to explain how it works, and the pressure profile on that machine produces a different kind of espresso than you get from the automated machines most cafes use. Also, the affogato is only available after 11:00, so do not ask for it at breakfast."
8. The Craft Coffee Co. in Newton Park: A Newcomer With Serious Ambition
The Craft Coffee Co. opened on Govan Mbeki Avenue in Newton Park less than a year ago, and it has already generated a loyal following among the neighborhood's remote workers and students. The space is modern and clean, with plenty of natural light and enough power outlets to make it a viable workspace. The roasting is done in-house on a small Loring Smart Roast machine, which is impressive for such a young operation.
I visited on a Monday morning and ordered a pour-over made from a Costa Rican single origin that had a honey-like sweetness and a clean, crisp finish. The barista, a young woman named Luthando, explained that they roast in small batches of no more than five kilograms at a time to ensure freshness. The flat white was also well-made, with latte art that suggested real training and attention to detail. The food options are limited to pastries and a few light snacks, but the coffee is clearly the focus.
The best time to visit is mid-morning on a weekday, when the space is calm and the Wi-Fi is reliable. The lunch rush brings in a crowd of students, and the noise level makes it difficult to concentrate if you are trying to work. The Wi-Fi also tends to slow down during peak hours, which is a genuine frustration if you are relying on it for remote work.
What most people would not know is that the owner previously worked at a well-known roastery in Cape Town before moving back to his hometown of Port Elizabeth. That experience shows in the quality of the roast profiles, which are more refined than you would expect from such a new operation.
Local Insider Tip: "Try the cold brew if it is available. They steep it for eighteen hours, and the result is smooth and low-acidity, perfect for a hot Port Elizabeth afternoon. Also, the corner booth near the back has the strongest Wi-Fi signal in the building, and it is where all the regular remote workers sit."
When to Go and What to Know About Coffee Culture in Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth's specialty coffee scene is still young compared to Cape Town or Johannesburg, and that is both its weakness and its strength. The weakness is that options are limited, and you will not find the same density of world-class roasters that you would in the larger cities. The strength is that the people who are doing it here are doing it out of genuine passion, and the community around specialty coffee is tight-knit and welcoming.
Most of the roasters and cafes listed above open between 6:30 and 7:30 in the morning and close by 4:00 or 5:00 in the afternoon. Late-night coffee culture barely exists in Port Elizabeth, so plan your visits accordingly. Weekdays are generally better than weekends for a calm experience, and mid-morning is the sweet spot at most locations.
The city's wind is a factor that most visitors underestimate. Outdoor seating at beachfront cafes like The Windbreak and Cafe Pescado can become unusable on particularly gusty days, which are common from September through March. Always have a backup indoor option in mind.
Prices for specialty coffee in Port Elizabeth are reasonable by South African standards. Expect to pay between R35 and R55 for a pour-over, R28 and R40 for a flat white, and R20 and R30 for a long black. Buying beans to take home will cost between R120 and R200 for a 250-gram bag, depending on the origin and the roaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good 24/7 or late-night co-working spaces available in Port Elizabeth?
Port Elizabeth has very limited late-night or 24/7 co-working options. Most cafes and workspaces close by 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening. A few hotels in the Summerstrand and Central areas offer business centers accessible to guests around the clock, but dedicated 24/7 co-working spaces are essentially nonexistent in the city as of 2024.
How easy is it to find cafes with ample charging sockets and reliable power backups in Port Elizabeth?
Most specialty coffee shops in Port Elizabeth offer charging sockets, but the number varies significantly. Cafes in Newton Park and Central tend to have more outlets, catering to students and remote workers. Load shedding remains a factor, and only a handful of cafes have dedicated inverter or generator backup. It is advisable to ask about power backup before settling in for a long work session.
What is the most reliable neighborhood in Port Elizabeth for digital nomads and remote workers?
Newton Park is the most reliable neighborhood for remote workers, due to its proximity to Nelson Mandela University, a concentration of cafes with Wi-Fi, and relatively affordable accommodation. The area along Govan Mbeki Avenue and Diaz Road has the highest density of work-friendly cafes. Summerstrand is a close second, offering beachside options but at higher rental costs.
Is Port Elizabeth expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.
Port Elizabeth is moderately priced by South African standards. A mid-tier traveler can expect to spend approximately R800 to R1,200 per day, broken down as follows: accommodation R400 to R600 for a decent guest house or Airbnb, meals R200 to R350 across two to three cafe or restaurant visits, transport R100 to R150 using ride-hailing services, and coffee R50 to R100 for two to three specialty coffee visits.
What are the average internet download and upload speeds in Port Elizabeth's central cafes and workspaces?
Fibre internet is available in many parts of Port Elizabeth, and cafes in Newton Park and Central typically offer download speeds between 20 and 50 Mbps on their guest Wi-Fi. Upload speeds range from 10 to 25 Mbps. However, these speeds can drop significantly during peak hours, particularly between 12:00 and 14:00 when student traffic is heaviest. Dedicated co-working spaces, where available, tend to offer more consistent speeds of 50 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
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