The 10 Best Coffee Roasters in the US

Inspired by Central Europe’s first-ever coffee house, founded by Franz George Kolshitsky in the 1600s, Blue Bottle Coffee had its roots planted in the early 2000s by James Freeman, a musician with a passion for top-notch coffee. His mission? To bring fresh, responsibly sourced beans to the people of Oakland, all delivered within 48 hours of roasting. Now with locations across California, New York and even Tokyo, Blue Bottle has built a reputation for its commitment to single-origin coffees, with new varieties making their debut three to five times a month. The best bit? Every batch undergoes a thorough “cupping” process to ensure it’s at its peak flavour before hitting the shelves.

Founded in 1995, Counter Culture is a powerhouse in the coffee world, boasting multiple World Brewers Cup wins and locations nationwide. Driven by a commitment to sustainability in all aspects of its business (environmentally, socially and financially), its dedication to perfecting coffee extends beyond their products to include the education of employees, partner and the public. Case in point? Initiatives like employee-supported agriculture (CSA) shares, their green fund and membership in the Durham Living Wage Project are just the tip of the iceberg.

Free on Fridays at 10am? Then head down to one of its training centres for “Tasting at Ten,” a free coffee tasting session which explores brewing methods and teaches about different coffee varieties. Don’t mind if we do.

A local favourite that keeps pushing the boundaries of coffee excellence, not only does Ozo Coffee Company stay ahead of the curve with collaborations like the Oak-Aged Coffee Stout with Boulder Beer, but it also blends coffee with community, participating in local events like First Friday and Boulder Arts Week, all while supporting international projects such as their ongoing partnership with the Peru Aprocassi cooperative. With a training lab certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America, the roasters also offers cuppings and coffee classes, ensuring that both locals and visitors are always learning something new about their favourite brew.

One of the best in the business for over 21 years, Intelligentsia, based in Chicago with locations in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and San Francisco, was founded back by Doug Zell and Emily Mange back in 1995 (they were ahead of the curve when freshly roasted coffee was hard to find). Today, they offer an impressive range of coffees including single-origin beans from family-owned farms and smallholder co-ops, blends and decaf (using a chemical-free mountain water process). We’re particularly fond of the Black Cat Project Espresso, which turns seasonal coffees into rich, bold espresso, while their In Season line highlights beans at their peak sweetness. Oh, and their Flecha Roja blend was even used in the 2016 Goose Island Bourbon County Proprietor’s Stout.

Scott Rao’s coffee journey began at 22 when he opened his first café and roastery in Amherst, MA, and quickly outshone a local Starbucks in sales, setting the stage for his successful ventures in New Zealand and Montreal. After selling his café, Scott shifted to writing and consulting, helping roasters and baristas elevate their craft. With decades of experience, he’s penned influential books like The Professional Barista’s Handbook and The Coffee Roaster’s Companion, while also designing cutting-edge coffee equipment. Now, Scott and Mark Benedetto run Prodigal Coffee, sourcing clean, juicy beans that showcase Scott’s expertise in every cup. Trust us, it shows.