COPENHAGEN COFFEE GUIDE
BY TREMOR CHRIST
Newer to the specialty coffee world than their upstairs neighbour Norway, Copenhagen has come leaps and bounds in the past few years. You might even say the city has a healthier scene currently than Oslo, based on the variety of high-quality coffee on offer, and the amount of people competing at the highest level.
Led by the renegade Swedish-born Patrick Rolf, April is the name on everyones tongue, and rightfully so. With exceptionally sourced and roasted light-roast coffee, combined with Korean/Japanese style minimalism, the cafe is a "Must Hit" on your Copenhagen wanderings.
However, for those who want to dig a little deeper and hit multiple shops, you'll find the ultimate guide for all your needs below. From the tiny espresso bars to hand-pour counters, more commercial-style chains and places with great sunshine seating, the guide covers all the places you need for your coffee-tinerary around this charming capital.
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#THEMOUTHSCHOICE
APRIL
Our favourite place in Copenhagen for coffee, super friendly, knowledgable but not snobby, and coffee that has some soul to it. They sell an array of products and beans and the interiors are a mix between Japanese kitsch and Scandinavian cool.
They have newly located to a singular coffee shop, and offer an Omakaze-style tasting.
LA CABRA
Most people come here for the pour-over style coffee and the baristas are knowledgable and accommodating. The seating is limited so be prepared to rub shoulders with the locals.
Pro Tip: April is located fifty meters down the road, so if you can handle a double-header then two birds = one stone.
HIPHOP
You wouldn't assume to find good coffee behind the facade, but looks can be deceiving. The oddly named "HIPHOP" serves simple espresso, drip, flat white, americano and cortado in a cafe the size of a glorified closet. Luckily, for at least 1 month of the year the sun is out so you can sit at the streetside tables.
COFFEE COLLECTIVE
No talk of coffee in Copenhagen is complete without a tip of the hat to Coffee Collective. Known for the great lengths they go to to ensure transparency throughout the coffee chain, they roast and prepare coffee in multiple locations.
Not all branches are equal, but more times than not you'll at least get a decent cup at one of the many outlets. Bonus being you can always stock up on great light-roast beans at all their stores.
DARCY'S
Sunspots, decently priced drip coffee and lots of nooks and crannies for conversations, this cafe in Nørrebro is popular and for a reason.
Pro tip: Their espresso tends to lean a bit muddy/murky lacking clarity and sweetness so stick to drip here. This of course can depend on who's working and what their specials are, but the drip is a safe bet.
ALICE
Not strictly a coffee shop, but a worthy addition to this guide. Alice, in Amager serves up excellent ice-creams and decent coffee for those with a sweettooth that needs tempering with some caffeine. If their milk ice-cream with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt is on offer, then snap it up!
THE ARTISAN
Situated by the middle lakes between Nørrebro and Østerbro, The Artisan specialise in single origin Peruvian coffee from farmers they personally have visited and formed relationships with. If you are a fan of pour-over they have a decent variety, and the staff are happy to recommend some more exciting things if you feel like taking the plunge.
KAFE DEPARTEMENTET
Slightly outside the central areas, but serving good coffee and plenty of seating space. If you fancy something to eat after head opposite to Flere Fugle for their famous pizza.
IMPACT ROASTERS
If you're out and about in Valby, then you can do a lot worse than popping by here for a cup. A step above the generic chain stores, and a bump down from the specialty shops, this serves as a middle ground (pun intended) for those too lazy to make their own, or unwilling to get on a train and head into town.
The quality depends wildly on who is working, as some are trained barista's and others seem to be students earning a buck.
