Louisville has a lot of great independent coffee shops, and it's hard to pick a favorite, but Smokey's Bean is either my first or second fave. I drink far more coffee since they've opened!
All their drinks are fantastic, especially their seasonal specials. Their various lattes might be the best in the city, as Smokey's is one of the few places that lets the flavors really shine and doesn't go overboard on the sweetness, even in their current special, the Honey Latte.
The food is great, too, though I wish their was a bigger selection. They have bagels, scones, muffins, cookies, and biscotti, all from local businesses (or individuals), and tater tots, too! I believe they also have some non-vegetarian lunch foods, but I have not paid much attention to those, honestly.
The shop is owned and operated by a group of very friendly people who seem to become good friends with anyone who enters the shop more than once. The shop is named after the owner's dog, Smokey, who is a big sweetheart. My husband is afraid of dogs, but has no problem with Smokey, who is very laid back and friendly, and the staff are very good about bringing him in the back or taking him home if there is someone in the shop who is not comfortable with him.
I probably go to Smokey's Bean between once and four times each week, and I still can't get enough.
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