Where is it?
Crimson Cup’s Clintonville location is located right along N. High St, just north of Henderson Rd. Located in a building it shares with a credit union, it has capitalized on having a larger parking lot and drive thru capabilities.
When is it open?
This location is open Monday – Saturday 6a-7p, Sundays 7a-7p. They have another Columbus location in Upper Arlington. To keep up with either, visit their Instagram (@crimsoncupcoffee) or crimsoncup.com.
The Menu - What Are They Known For?
Crimson Cup bills themselves as a “local macro-roaster” – they are a big operation across the US (as far as “craft coffee” goes), but having visited their Columbus locations, I can say that they feel like a hometown shop. This versatility allows them to offer products you don’t find everywhere, like canned cold brew (you can literally pick up a 6 pack for the week ahead), kombucha, and nitro options, as well as their award-winning lineup of roasts to take home.
As far as the in-house drinks, they always have tasty mainstays like the Crimson Cup mocha (or mayan mocha for those who want a little kick). You should check out their rotating latte seasonals for unique and delicious options like the golden turmeric latte and the New Orleans iced coffee – my personal recommendation as I write this on a hot day. Or if blended drinks cool you down, this is a top spot for frozen sips as well.
Of course, what would a Columbus coffee shop be without an assortment of baked goods? Check out their case of goodies, or maybe even order a breakfast sandwich.
What's the space like?
Though popular, I’ve never had a problem finding a seat here. Sure, things are a lot more spaced out in the wake of COVID, but there are still tables inside (~ a dozen spots), an outside patio section, and of course drive thru services. There is a long coffee bar complete with some bar-style seating options on the end, and tables for 2 or 4 lining the wall beside. The front of the shop get a decent amount of sun and has comfy seating options as well as larger tables. There are also quite a few spots out on the patio!
Is it a good work space?
Yes it is – the wifi is as strong as the coffee and there are outlets on the perimeter (though I can’t speak for the availability of outlets further out on the patio). Personally I think most of the chairs are so-so in terms of comfort for a couple hours of sitting, but there are a limited number of more plush seating options available too.
Our Experience
We were once spoiled to have this be one of the closest shops to where we lived, so we have been here many times. We always enjoy some light roast on drip or a strong cold brew when it is straight up moist outside, but personally I now like to venture in to whatever new crazy thing is on the menu. Latest visit: can confirm that the New Orleans iced coffee will put a little pep in your step, and the sweetness is not overdone.
More About Crimson Cup
Crimson Cup celebrated a birthday in Spring 2021 – 30 years! In true theme party fashion, they had a 90’s celebration, complete with a whole array of new drinks: dunk-a-brew (vanilla, hazelnut, cold brew espresso, polar powder), cinnamon toast crunch latte, lemon warhead (cold brew espresso, lemonade syrup, cane sugar, seltzer), and more. Check with them to see if some of these are still around!
You can also feel good about supporting them – in addition to having committed to sustainable coffee farming, they back their word up with initiatives like the House of Hope, which helps to build homes in Honduras.
If you are interested in becoming a coffee shop owner yourself, you should know that Greg Ubert (founder of Crimson Cup) has a whole book about just that – complete with a plan. Check out more on their website.
Other things to do in the area
Need more java on the way down to campus? Grab a cup (and support art initiatives) at Global Gallery.
Perhaps you’re looking for a pint to cool down? Try Random Precision Brewing.
Turn your coffee session into a game night down the street at Tabletop Game Cafe.
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Email us at help@brewsandtodos.com