Coffee-lovers, rejoice: Timaru’s burgeoning café culture is blooming, with a plethora of options for caffeine-seekers to get their daily fix. From the classic to the quirky, the drive-thru to the cozy specialty niche, this town’s got it- and we’ve lined up the top 5 places to sip on the best coffee in town.
1. Muddy Waters
This chocolate-hued flagship café is no stranger to the Timaru crowd. Muddy Waters café has been charming its way into the hearts of the locals since 2013, and its popularity is proving it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. A classic café by day, and a bustling hotspot for evening cocktails and date-night shakes, Muddy Waters is the place of choice for a friendly, sociable atmosphere and superior grade coffee. Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine hit or a latte and a light lunch, this spot has got it all.
2. Loco Roasting Company
This specialty roastery is the brainchild of coffee-enthusiast and former barista, Sam Martin. Focusing on creating a unique specialty coffee experience, Loco sources its beans from the volcanic-rich highlands of Guatemala and Mexico, roasting them in the ultra-modern roaster that sits at the heart of its bar area. The baristas here take coffee-making seriously; its no-pressure, no-frills approach has won the hearts of the local discerning coffee-seekers who love its signature pour-over method and single origin coffee.
3. The Coffee Bunker
Got a craving for coffee – but running late? The Coffee Bunker is here for you. This hole-in-the-wall drive-thru coffee spot makes getting a caffeine hit easy and stress-free. Its shelves are stocked with freshly roasted bean blends from Nelson’s popular Speights & Sons artisan café, and the menu is simple and straightforward. Don’t forget to pick up a few of the Bunker’s signature homemade biscuits for moments of sweet-toothed indulgence.
4. The Flatter Box
The Flatter Box is the newbie of the Timaru coffee-scene; this quirky, modern-style hideaway opened its doors just last November, and it’s already making waves on the fashion-forward coffee circuit. With its spacious, inviting interior and industrial-style furnishings, The Flatter Box is a sanctuary for the hipster crowd- and its specialty-grade coffee and inventive drinks are certain to please. Don’t leave without trying the café’s signature New York-style doughnuts – they’re worth the sugar-rush.
5. Parnell’s
Last but certainly not least, Parnell’s is the place to head for traditional great coffee. This old-school café takes you back to the simple good old days – think family-owned breakfast bars and classic brunch menus. Here, you’ll find New Zealand-roasted blends served in mugs of all different shapes and sizes, along with the cafés famous homemade slices, sandwiches and museli.
Must-Have Coffee Drinks
No discussion of the best coffee shops in Timaru would be complete without a mention of the specialty drinks they offer. Here’s what to order from each café:
- Muddy Waters: The Dirty Iced Coffee
- Loco Roasting Company: The Loco Latte
- The Coffee Bunker: The Bunker Mocha
- The Flatter Box: A Turmeric Latte
- Parnells: The Parnell’s classic
The Best of Timaru Coffee
From the classic to the innovative, there’s something to quench everyone’s caffeine cravings in Timaru. So get out and explore – whether you’re after a café atmosphere, a single-origin coffee, a drive-thru mocha, or a traditionally-crafted latte, this town’s got you covered.
So why not treat yourself to a sip of the best coffee in town? Whether it’s a flat white at Muddy Waters, a pour-over at Loco Roasting Company, or a drive-thru mocha from The Coffee Bunker, you’ll be sure to make your tastebuds smile with the great selection of coffee in Timaru.
