Eclectic flavor

The former home of Perks combines the best of its predecessor’s menu with a new indie flair that serves its Perkins Road location well. Part coffeehouse and part tea shop, Garden District Coffee also functions as an art gallery and hosts live musical performances. Pastries by Gourmet Girls make perfect partners to granitas and lattes; and when the weather’s nice, patrons can enjoy them on the quiet patio.
338-5333 • gardendistrictcoffee.com

A study in success

Since 1989, LSU students jonesing for a caffeine kick have found their fix at Highland Coffees, now just a few feet down from its original location at the corner of Highland Road and Chimes Street. The shop roasts green coffee from around the world and transforms it into tasty drinks as well as brew-at-home goodie bags. Top teas are also at the ready, along with divine desserts such as cobblers and chocolate confections.
336-9773 • highlandcoffeesbr.com

Sweet sensation

Brew Ha-Ha! has served up sippers including hot coffee drinks and teas at Goodwood Village since 2004, but it’s owner Gabby Loubiere’s latest creation that really draws crowds. Her “cakeballs” come in more than 150 flavors—there are even “pieballs” now—and are offered alongside the shop’s beverages; they’re also available in large quantities for fans who just can’t get enough of a sweet thing.
923-1923 • brewgotballs.com

Community cup

Homegrown heavyweight CC’s Community Coffee House offers more than a dozen local locations for folks who hanker for a Mochasippi or café au lait. Baristas brew coffee-of-the-day selections every hour to ensure the freshest taste, using Private Reserve coffees made from the top 1% of the world’s Arabica beans. Even far-flung aficionados can get a taste of home in visiting the company’s virtual coffee shop online.
communitycoffee.com