popped into The Coffee Loft in Fairhope expecting that classic coffeehouse vibe—y’know, grab a latte, sink into a cozy chair, and just unwind for a bit. The coffee itself? Solid. But here’s the rub: seating is basically nonexistent unless you want to sweat it out on the outdoor patio in the Alabama heat.Inside, there’s tons of space, but it’s all dedicated to shelves of coffee beans, mugs, and branded swag. Feels like a mini retail shop more than a coffee shop. What happened to the days of sitting down with your coffee and lingering over a pastry? This spot prioritizes sales over sanctuary, which is a bummer if you’re not just passing through.
Evelyn Livaudais
After growing up going to this shop for years and being continuously disappointed in how it has changed each time I visit fairhope, I can’t give my recommendation to this place anymore.
I spent countless afternoons in highschool sitting on the couches (now gone) doing my homework and chatting with friends over a bagel and coffee. It used to be such a comfortable and inviting place. The drinks used to be better. The food used to be more reasonable.
Every time I visit coffee loft again, I have nothing but hope that the indoor seating area makes a return. With the loss of most third spaces that aren’t bars in the post covid world, it feels like there are very minimal chances for people to chat and get to know each other. I know there is still outside seating here, but being so deep in the south, the weather doesn’t often allow for that to be a comfortable experience.
The music is too loud, the line structure is confusing, workers seem rushed, and the food and drinks have become super expensive. I don’t blame any employees for this as it seems to be on the management for creating such an environment. I just miss the old coffee loft, as many others have said in the reviews. Sure, it seems like a cute chill spot to out of towners, but it isn’t anything like it used to be. If and when this place gets it’s spark back, I’ll gladly change my mind.
Scott Johnson Forward Contracting
Best coffee in baldwin county
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tango Bear
No seating inside, so you can sit out front and melt. Place full of useless merchandise--why would you buy any? Staff seemed unhappy that customers were there. Owner MIA (for years.) No reason to go here, many other, better options available.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 2
Alessandra Johnson
My favorite place for an iced chai! The lady with glasses who prepared my drink and my avocado toast w/extra tomato (didn't catch her name) made it with a lot of love, and I appreciate that!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lisa Franklin
No indoor seating in this humidity? Plenary of room for T-shirt’s but no chairs.
Atmosphere: 1
Amanda
Still My Favorite, But Hoping for a Return to Its Roots
Coffee Loft has been my go-to for years—my favorite coffee shop, hands down. I’ve always loved the cozy, sit-down vibe it used to have—the kind of place where you could curl up with a good book, chat with a friend, or just take a quiet moment for yourself. Lately, though, it feels like it’s shifted more into a touristy drive-through stop, and I really miss the charm and heart it used to have.
I’ve also noticed some changes in the drink recipes. They seem noticeably sweeter now, and it feels like the balance that made them so good is getting lost. The Avalanche is still my all-time favorite—it’s one of the best coffee drinks I’ve ever had—but even that tastes a little different lately.
I say all this with love. This place means a lot to me, and I’ll always support it. I just hope to see it return to the basics and the atmosphere that made it so special in the first place. There’s nothing wrong with growth—but I’d love for it to feel like home again.
The only place to sit are outside tables under an awning. We really enjoyed our coffee and pastry.
Jessica Ross
My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE coffee spot in Baldwin CO area! A must place to visit!
Jordan Moh
Literally the best café in Fairhope! Clean workplace, friendly staff, good coffee, good food, very aesthetic! We got the Iced Latte. New favorite item in the menu. They also have unlimited parking, which is perfect.
popped into The Coffee Loft in Fairhope expecting that classic coffeehouse vibe—y’know, grab a latte, sink into a cozy chair, and just unwind for a bit. The coffee itself? Solid.
But here’s the rub: seating is basically nonexistent unless you want to sweat it out on the outdoor patio in the Alabama heat.Inside, there’s tons of space, but it’s all dedicated to shelves of coffee beans, mugs, and branded swag. Feels like a mini retail shop more than a coffee shop. What happened to the days of sitting down with your coffee and lingering over a pastry? This spot prioritizes sales over sanctuary, which is a bummer if you’re not just passing through.
After growing up going to this shop for years and being continuously disappointed in how it has changed each time I visit fairhope, I can’t give my recommendation to this place anymore.
I spent countless afternoons in highschool sitting on the couches (now gone) doing my homework and chatting with friends over a bagel and coffee. It used to be such a comfortable and inviting place. The drinks used to be better. The food used to be more reasonable.
Every time I visit coffee loft again, I have nothing but hope that the indoor seating area makes a return. With the loss of most third spaces that aren’t bars in the post covid world, it feels like there are very minimal chances for people to chat and get to know each other. I know there is still outside seating here, but being so deep in the south, the weather doesn’t often allow for that to be a comfortable experience.
The music is too loud, the line structure is confusing, workers seem rushed, and the food and drinks have become super expensive. I don’t blame any employees for this as it seems to be on the management for creating such an environment. I just miss the old coffee loft, as many others have said in the reviews. Sure, it seems like a cute chill spot to out of towners, but it isn’t anything like it used to be. If and when this place gets it’s spark back, I’ll gladly change my mind.
Best coffee in baldwin county
Food: 5
Service: 5
No seating inside, so you can sit out front and melt. Place full of useless merchandise--why would you buy any? Staff seemed unhappy that customers were there. Owner MIA (for years.) No reason to go here, many other, better options available.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 2
My favorite place for an iced chai! The lady with glasses who prepared my drink and my avocado toast w/extra tomato (didn't catch her name) made it with a lot of love, and I appreciate that!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
No indoor seating in this humidity? Plenary of room for T-shirt’s but no chairs.
Atmosphere: 1
Still My Favorite, But Hoping for a Return to Its Roots
Coffee Loft has been my go-to for years—my favorite coffee shop, hands down. I’ve always loved the cozy, sit-down vibe it used to have—the kind of place where you could curl up with a good book, chat with a friend, or just take a quiet moment for yourself. Lately, though, it feels like it’s shifted more into a touristy drive-through stop, and I really miss the charm and heart it used to have.
I’ve also noticed some changes in the drink recipes. They seem noticeably sweeter now, and it feels like the balance that made them so good is getting lost. The Avalanche is still my all-time favorite—it’s one of the best coffee drinks I’ve ever had—but even that tastes a little different lately.
I say all this with love. This place means a lot to me, and I’ll always support it. I just hope to see it return to the basics and the atmosphere that made it so special in the first place. There’s nothing wrong with growth—but I’d love for it to feel like home again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
One of my favorite places for coffee!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They need some good indoor seating
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best local coffee shop in my opinion!
Restaurantji Recommends
STRAIGHT BANGIN
Very friendly staff! Great drinks! Good muffins!
The only place to sit are outside tables under an awning. We really enjoyed our coffee and pastry.
My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE coffee spot in Baldwin CO area! A must place to visit!
Literally the best café in Fairhope! Clean workplace, friendly staff, good coffee, good food, very aesthetic! We got the Iced Latte. New favorite item in the menu. They also have unlimited parking, which is perfect.
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