Dallasites escape the Texas heat with refreshing iced coffees at Oak Lawn Coffee — Photo courtesy of Oak Lawn Coffee Facebook page
Texas summers are HOT, so visitors to Dallas will need some cool refreshments while in town. And there's no better way to cool down than with a nice little pick-me-up: a cold iced coffee. Big D has several great establishments perfect for an afternoon break. If you're near downtown, visit Oak Lawn Coffee, which features some of the best iced coffees in the city. Need to cool down in the evening and want to take in a live show? Go to Opening Bell Coffee near Deep Ellum. If you're in a hurry and on the go, visit White Rock Coffee Express, which features a convenient drive-through at the corner of Mockingbird Lane and Abrams Rd. You can visit the original location in the Lake Highlands neighborhood.
Belltown area of Seattle — Photo courtesy of d herrera_96
In the heart of the yuppy Belltown area of Seattle, Washington on the corner of 5th and Vine (near the Space Needle), is a neat little find, the Artisan Cafe. Known for its many coffee shops, Seattle is filled with discriminating connoisseurs, who not only love the food here but also the iced coffees, especially the Iced Americano. A perfect drink in the warm summer months, enjoy the outdoor seating at this quaint corner cafe, with its shady tree-lined sidewalks.
The iced coffee is not made simply by brewing a normal pot and letting it cool. The technique is in the timing, a matter of steeping for several hours, then straining, then chilling. A lot goes into making this icy summer treat. This technique takes away the bitterness sometimes found in other iced coffees that are not made properly.
The Artisan Cafe has done it right. So, for under $15, pick up your caprese sandwich, iced coffee and a newspaper and sit down for a while!
Iced coffee for a sunny Music City day — Photo courtesy of thebittenword.com
Cafe Coco in Nashville is a unique and funky venue, known for its charm and welcoming atmosphere. Part coffee house, music venue, and delicious restaurant, Cafe Coco is the trendiest spot for one of the best iced coffees in town. Tucked within Elliston Place, its location is the perfect starting point for a day of shopping, browsing, and connecting with the muses in Nashville. Start with an iced coffee, but be sure to try one of their tasty treats.
A Vietnamese iced coffee offers sweet relief from a hot summer day — Photo courtesy of Charles Haynes
Washington, D.C. is known for its high-powered politics, beautiful boulevards, historic monuments and museums and one more thing... its brutally hot summers! To cool off in a decidedly unique way, duck into any of the small Vietnamese restaurants and bistros that dot downtown DC. Ask for a refreshing cup of ca phe da, or Vietnamese iced coffee. If you have a sweet tooth, make it a ca phe sua da, or iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk.
One of the best versions of ca phe sua da is found at Pho DC, a popular restaurant that bills itself incongruously as "Vietnamese Noodle & Bar." If you're heading across the river to Arlington, pop into Pho 75. Sure it's a chain, but they still make a mean iced coffee.
Tip: Mix the coffee and the condensed milk together before you pour it over your ice. Trust us, it works better that way.
Iced Coffee keeps Hotlanta cool — Photo courtesy of Lummmy
During the dog days of summer, Atlanta has no shortage of heat or humidity. While we love our coffee, many prefer it to be on the cool side during these exceptionally hot days. So, where do you head to score a super tasty cool treat in a fun setting? Octane is a favorite of many in the city for its laid back vibe. Get an iced carmelatto or latte. When on the north side of town head to Land of a Thousand Hills. This relaxing coffee shop boasts beautiful views of the Chattahoochee River. Copper Coin also has a modern industrial look and feel, while serving up excellent cool coffee drinks.
