Who has the best cup of coffee in Okaloosa County? Here are 10 of the best coffee stops

Collin Bestor, Northwest Florida Daily News
Updated ·4 min read

The holiday season is hectic. Running around town buying presents for family. Last-minute runs to the grocery store to see if they have one can of cranberry sauce. Or you are a reporter trying to be at each event that is planned from now until New Year.

We all may need something a little extra to help us get through our days, and that's where coffee comes in. Whether you like it black or a peppermint mocha, Okaloosa County is home to many great coffee establishments.

Below is a list of the 10 best, which is listed in no particular order.

Black Rifle Coffee Company

Black Rifle Coffee Company opened in September on John Sims Parkway in Niceville. The decor and themes of the coffee and merchandise are in keeping with the veteran-owned business's roots in the military.
Black Rifle Coffee Company opened in September on John Sims Parkway in Niceville. The decor and themes of the coffee and merchandise are in keeping with the veteran-owned business's roots in the military.

510 W. John Sims Parkway, Niceville; 850-353-2179; blackriflecoffee.com

Black Rifle Coffee Company prides itself on serving the first responders and military members in our community. Right now, if you buy any bag of coffee for $8, BRCC will donate that bag to a deployed service member. Once you do that, enjoy their three themed holiday beverages that come in either hot, iced or blended: Yule Fuel Peppermint Mocha, Yippie-Ki-Yay Mexican Mocha or Santa's Salted Caramel Latte.

Casbah Coffee

Casbah Coffee Company is located on Pine Avenue in Crestview.
Casbah Coffee Company is located on Pine Avenue in Crestview.

196 W Pine Ave, Crestview; 850-306-1616; casbahcoffee.com

As Crestview's only coffee roaster, Casbah Coffee Company has been a downtown mainstay for years offering some of the freshest coffee, fresh baked goods along with a premium breakfast and lunch menu. For the holiday season, patrons can enjoy the Turkey Cranberry Asiago sandwich for a limited time.

Maas Coffee Roasters

When he's not working, Jim Maas of Maas Coffee Roasters enjoys spending time on his Harley-Davidson Street Glide motorcycle.
When he's not working, Jim Maas of Maas Coffee Roasters enjoys spending time on his Harley-Davidson Street Glide motorcycle.

150 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach; 850-226-6642; maascoffeeroaster.com

With 18 years of roasting under their belts, Maas Coffee Roasters is located in the heart of the Historic District of Downtown Fort Walton Beach. The inside of the shop may be small, but the coffee is large with flavor. In a 2020 interview with the Daily News, Jim Maas told us that people said he wouldn't make it, a business wouldn't last just selling coffee alone. After you try a cup, you can easily see why Maas has beat the naysayers.

Deb's Coffee Drive Thru

The last stop in Shalimar for coffee. Deb's is the most underrated coffee shop in Okaloosa County. Could you do yourself a favor and try it?
The last stop in Shalimar for coffee. Deb's is the most underrated coffee shop in Okaloosa County. Could you do yourself a favor and try it?

1255 Eglin Pkwy, Shalimar; 850-613-4276; debs-coffee.com

Deb's Coffee is one of two business on this list that doesn't have a lobby. But that's OK, busy people have places they have to be. If you work at Eglin, Deb's is the last coffee stop before you reach the west gate. Next time you're in Shalimar, try the Salty Dog. You won't be disappointed.

Crazy Rooster Coffee Company

The Crazy Rooster Coffee Company drive up is located on PJ Adams Parkway, just behind the Tom Thumb gas station.
The Crazy Rooster Coffee Company drive up is located on PJ Adams Parkway, just behind the Tom Thumb gas station.

1000 PJ Adams Pkwy, Crestview; 850-270-3324; crazy-rooster.com

With three locations in Crestview for your convivence, Crazy Rooster Coffee Company not only has a bold cup of coffee, but they also have nine refreshing energy drinks that offer a change-up to how you need that morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up. Just in time for the holidays, try their new Gingerbread Oat Milk Cold Brew with Sweet Foam to get you in the yuletide spirit.

Bon Appetit French Bakery and Cafe

The Bon Appetit French Bakery & Cafe is located at 420 Mary Esther Cutoff in Fort Walton Beach.
The Bon Appetit French Bakery & Cafe is located at 420 Mary Esther Cutoff in Fort Walton Beach.

420 Mary Esther Cut Off NW, Fort Walton Beach; 850-244-2848; bonappetitfrenchbakery.com

Since 1983, Bon Appetit French Bakery and Cafe offers up one of the best bakery and coffee experiences that you can find in Fort Walton Beach. Right now, you can take orders for their in-house pumpkin cheesecake tart that will make you the big hit at your next family get together, or come in for lunch for their Thanksgiving sandwich. It's akin to Ross's Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, just make sure your name is on the box when you put it in the fridge at work.

Sharkbite/Shark Java Cafe

1500 Freedom Self Storage Rd Unit 6, Fort Walton Beach; 850-313-1688; sharkbitenavarre.com

Come for the burritos, stay for the coffee. Located right next to Sharkbite, which is a popular breakfast burrito spot, Shark Java offers a laid-back atmosphere and a great coffee experience. Each week offers a different drink special. If you want to enjoy one of the spiciest burritos you ever had and enjoy coffee at the same time, get there early. Sharkbite is open weekdays from 6 to 11 a.m. or until they sell out.

Beignets & Brew

Beignets and Brew is a perfect destination to start your day as you overlook the luckiest fishing village in the world.
Beignets and Brew is a perfect destination to start your day as you overlook the luckiest fishing village in the world.

309 Harbor Blvd, Destin; 850-424-6587; beignetsandbrew.com

Nothing beats an iced coffee and views of the Destin Harbor. With four beignets staring at $6.95, sit back and relax with a taste of New Orleans right here in Okaloosa County. If you buy their merchandise, check them out online right now for their limited-edition seasonal apparel drop. When you visit, park at the top of the hill between the palm trees.

Local Drip

Local Drip provides three new flavors just in time for the holiday season!
Local Drip provides three new flavors just in time for the holiday season!

1202 N Ferdon Blvd, Crestview; 850-612-5286

Veteran-owned and locally operated, Local Drip has been serving the northern end of Crestview for over 15 years as they provide a quality coffee experience second to none in Okaloosa County. Just in time for the holidays, three new beverages just dropped: Carmel Apple Cider, Mrs. Claus and Nutty Nutcracker.

Suncoast Coffee

Suncoast Coffee is a passion project for a veteran military couple who met while serving at Tyndall Air Force Base.
Suncoast Coffee is a passion project for a veteran military couple who met while serving at Tyndall Air Force Base.

73 S. John Sims Parkway, Valparaiso; 850-502-5803; suncoastcoffeefl.com

Suncoast Coffee was founded by two U.S. Air Force veterans who met while serving at Tyndall Air Force Base. After relocating following Hurricane Michael, the pair decided to follow a mutual passion of serving quality coffee to residents in Valparaiso and Niceville. Using the highest grade of coffee beans only from Florida roasters. For a limited time only, try the Cinnamon Roll latte and White Pumpkin latte.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Start your day right with the best coffee spots in Okaloosa County