Reviewing Lineage Coffee: An approachable and educational coffee shop in Orlando.
I’ve visited Lineage Coffee Roasting several times. Sometimes it’s to meet a colleague for work; other times it’s for a honey latte after a spicy Chinese lunch nearby. I keep coming back because Lineage takes their coffee seriously. You can smell it in the fresh coffee aroma when you step inside and taste it in every cup.
The focus is on the coffee in this no-frills, industrial space. The espresso bar takes center stage as you walk in the front door, with a sofa and a few long tables on the right for gathering or collaborating. On my visit, a handful of customers gathered around the bar, chatting with the barista, adding a friendly community vibe to the place. If you want to take advantage of the Florida sunshine, there are a dozen or so tables on the outside patio which is shared with Lazy Moon Pizza.
On the left-hand side of the shop, there’s a shelf dedicated to educational materials on home brewing. Ever wondered how to make those intricate swans on the top of a latte? There’s a book for sale called “Milk Mechanics and Latte Art.” If you want to learn more about the proper ways to taste and critique espresso, or how to brew café-quality coffee at home, there are books on those topics too.
On my most recent visit, I was intrigued by the new Dark and Cozy menu. The barista explained that these drinks were brewed with a blend of more darkly roasted beans, lending a stronger taste to the drinks. I’m always up for a challenge, so I ordered the Quick and Cozy, a creamy short drink made with their Dark and Cozy roast. It packed a punch as promised, but the bold flavor was balanced by the steamed half and half swirled into a beautiful pattern in my cup. I’m not sure I’d use the word “cozy” to describe this brew that gave me a quick jolt of caffeine, but I enjoyed it.
You don’t have to turn the octane level to high to enjoy this place; just order from the regular menu. You’ll find all your espresso favorites, and house made vanilla and honey syrups, which are excellent in lattes. Chai and matcha lattes and a handful of teas are available for tea lovers.
Lineage’s mission is to make coffee approachable and educational. They host a collection of classes and seminars called Lineage Academy for those who want to increase their java knowledge and brewing skill. Upcoming classes include “Cupping and Your Palate,” and “Espresso Tasting and Technique.”
If hunger strikes while you’re there, you can indulge in sweet and savory goodies baked at their University location. Vegan blood orange cakes, kimchi cheddar croissants, and blueberry lemon pastries are just a few of the items that tempted me.
Lineage Coffee Roasting is a welcoming place that takes coffee seriously and they want to share their passion with their customers. In addition to the Mills 50 location, they have two other Orlando locations. Their commitment to educating people about coffee and providing a community gathering space make this one of Orlando’s best loved coffee shops.