Another year has gone by, and 2023 is as caffeinated as the previous years.
This year’s “caffeination” is fueled by the numerous coffee-related events. Other than that, this year saw the opening of new coffee shops in Davao City. For someone who enjoys going around the city to grab a cup of coffee, there are a lot to visit.
Despite my busy schedule, I still had the time to explore the local coffee scene. I was able to visit the new ones and revisit some of the old ones.
But before we go to the list, some of you might wonder how I came up with the list. This list is mainly based on personal preference. These are coffee shops that got me excited or those that I frequent for various reasons.
I also want to point out that this is not an overall ranking of “the best” coffee shops in the city because you need a structured criterion.
With that said, here are my favorite coffee shops in Davao City in 2023
Steep Kohi
Steep Kohi is a humble coffee nook inside a travel agency along the Circumferential Road in Marfori. They started with only a handful of beverages and eventually expanded.
I think they are one of the most underrated coffee shops in Davao City. Steep Kohi offers a good cup of pour-over, which I regularly order. They also have pretty good espresso-based and non-coffee drinks here.
Every time I come here, I am always assured of a good cup of coffee.
Steep Kohi is found inside a travel agency at Bella Vie Building, Circumferential Rd., Marfori.
Lot38
This quaint coffee shop tucked within the sprawling residential area of Indangan has continued to surprise me since discovered them in 2022. I think that is why I love returning here — there is something new for each visit.
Dot, the coffee shop’s owner, is very passionate about coffee. This passion can be seen in his creative menu and the overall aesthetic of the coffee shop.
Lot38 serves some of my favorite coffee drinks, like their Gentleman’s Americano. But most of the time, I also order a cup of pour-over to go with my drinks.
Visit them at Phase 1, Deca Indangan.
Kugi Slow Bar
Only open on several days of the week, usually Saturday to Monday, Kugi Slow Bar is a coffee shop for those who want to take their time and enjoy a cup of coffee.
This coffee shop reminded me to take things slow and savor the moment. You do not get your drinks here in less than five minutes; you have to wait a few more minutes as they carefully prepare your drinks.
They serve a good cup of pour-over, and their turon latte will always be a favorite.
You can find Kugi Slow Bar along Guadalupe Ave., Lanang. Their schedule is also posted on their social media accounts.
Lerus Coffee
This is my usual first choice if I am looking for a coffee shop to spend time with myself. It is a small and charming coffee shop where I can open a book to read or watch something on my phone.
Lerus also serves a good cup of coffee, my go-to orders being either their Americano or Citrus Black. Their Spanish Latte and Einspanner are also good drinks to order.
Visit Lerus Coffee at Lim Building, Lacson St. corner Cervantes St., Obrero.
Onse Kopi
A coffee nook inside the BC Chicken Compound along Quimpo Blvd., Onse is my go-to coffee shop in this part of the city.
I love to order their Puro or Blanco here. The Puro is their cold brew that is smooth on the palate when you drink it with a nutty and chocolatey finish. The Blanco is their milky version of the Puro. It is sweet and creamy.
You can find Onse Kopi inside the BC Chicken Compound, Quimpo Blvd.
Craft Coffee – Dacudao
In recent months, this was my go-to coffee shop to work at. They have a fast internet connection, and there are power sockets available.
The staff here are wonderful too, offering good service each time I visit. I also like the coffee here, and the food is good too. For the coffee, I tend to order the Americano, while for the food, I liked the Chicken Cordon Bleu the most of what I ordered.
This branch of Craft Coffee is along Dacudao Ave., near SunMy Hotel.
Darkk
It’s another of my go-to coffee shops for a good cup of pour-over. Darkk constantly changes its pour-over selections, which makes for a different experience every time I visit. I also like the cold brew here. It has been infused with their secret ingredient, giving it a more complex flavor.
I also like sitting here and enjoying my coffee while watching cars go by.
Darkk is located along Palma Gil St., Obrero.
atCurbside
Good coffee and delicious desserts — the two things that sum up why I like coming back to atCurbside.
Their Spanish Cold Brew is a sweet and creamy coffee drink served similar to a kori kohi but with the taste of your classic Spanish Latte. Their Brazo de Mercedes is my favorite brazo in Davao City, while their Milk Cake is also a must-order.
atCurbside is located along Topaz St., Marfori Subd.
Special Mentions
Go-to for Pour-over: Darkk Coffee
Being near where I work, Darkk is the nearest coffee shop that I can visit for a good cup of pour-over. Thus, I frequented the coffee shop this year whenever I wanted something different. The pour-over here has been quite memorable. It was also exciting because I got a different experience for each visit.
Signature espresso-based drink of the year
Cereal Killer by Krawd Coffee
When it comes to coffee trends this year, the coffee and cereal combo has been quite popular. However, if there is one that impressed me the most, it would be Krawd’s Cereal Killer. The drink has a good balance of cereals, milk, and coffee.
Krawd Coffee is located along Juan Luna St.
Non-coffee drink of the year
Bandung by Humble Coffee
I seldom drink non-coffee drinks when I visit coffee shops but with Humble Coffee, I find myself always ordering their Bandung even though I want coffee. Their Bandung is addictive. It is a sweet and milky drink with rose syrup. The drink is perfect for the usual hot weather in Davao City.
Humble Coffee is located along San Pedro St.
Hall of Fame
These coffee shops have made the list more than three times already. So far, two have made it on my list — Purge Coffee Roaster and Spark Coffee+Crafts.
Purge Coffee Roaster
Purge always delivers when it comes to coffee. I have not had a bad cup of coffee here. My go-to order here would always be pour-over. If I want to indulge, I order the Mocha Lava.
Purge Coffee Roaster is located along Tulip Drive, Juna Subd.
Spark Coffee+Crafts
I love Spark. Their coffee here is good, and I would usually order the Americano. The food here is also great — their Lasagna and Loco Moco are among my favorite items on their menu.
Spark is located at Paseo Uno Bldg., Marfori.