In an overflowing coffee market with excellent caffeine concoctions from Venice to Palmetto, it’s tough to determine where to get your next cup. But we prefer to go straight to the source—the coffee shop/roastery, where beans and brews meet in one location. Here are three great local options where you can grab a cuppa and take home a big of beans.

Black Gold Coffee Roasters

2385 E. Venice Ave., Venice, (941) 488-8242, blackgoldroasters.com

Roast master and owner Gary Lauters has dedicated his life to traveling the world selecting beans and forging relationships with growers to ensure that the farmers receive fair prices for their hard work. The company’s slogan, “from tree to cup,” is a nod to Lauters’ efforts before the beans even hit American soil.

Closer to home, Lauters and his team roast the beans at his Venice shop Black Gold Coffee Roasters, where those in need of a pick-me-up can purchase roasted beans to take home or grab a brewed cuppa to go. Whichever you choose, you can take comfort in knowing that everyone involved in the process has been well cared for, from farmer to roaster to barista to you.

Project

1419 5th St., Sarasota; 538 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; 5055 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key; projectcoffee.us 

The coffee café formerly known as Project Coffee is not only serving expertly crafted coffee beverages‚ it's also roasting beans on-site at its Rosemary District location. Co-owner Ian Steger got his start pulling shots at local coffee shops before setting out to open his own spot, which now has a devoted following and three locations (Burns Court, Rosemary District and Siesta Key). Pair those toasty beans with anything and everything from the bakery case and you’re in for a treat.

Banyan Coffee Co.

1110 10th St. W., Palmetto, (941) 219-5282, banyancoffeecompany.com

The air is a little sweeter in Palmetto thanks to the addition of Banyan Coffee Co. A coffee-scented aroma hangs in the air as you walk up to the roastery, which has been in business since 2022. Husband-and-wife duo Josh and Abbey Schmitt whirl around the roasting room, pouring green coffee beans into their seafoam-green roaster while customers watch from behind a glass wall and wait for their coffee to brew. Banyan specializes in single-origin coffee and features anywhere from 10 to 12 varieties at a given time.