Hidden gem with tasty bits and bobs, and an amazing atmosphere. I went here with a friend on our weekly tour of good writing places with coffee. We literally drove by this place and didn't know it was there. My bus goes by every day, and I never knew it was there. What a wonderful Northside hiding spot! When you do find it, you walk into the back patio-like area that feels something like a faerie garden. You can only just make out the glass walls that make up the little bit of indoor space available. Walk inside, and you'll find a simple but inviting bar and tables with so much natural light you'll think you're still outside. If you are looking for a space to write or read, this is the one, but space (both indoor and out) is very limited so be prepared. I hear that they have yet to be discovered by the after-work caffeine crowd, so this might be your time! It certainly worked for us. The beverages are carefully crafted by the wonderful employees, who might insist that you keep a tab open. I got a maple and pecan scone that was like buttery heaven. Served with a macchiato, this was plenty fuel I needed to get to writing! They also had delicious looking muffins, cookies, and croissants. read more

Collective Espresso - Maple and pecan scone like buttery heaven and a macchiato. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Collective Espresso is such a gem! When you arrive you'll see the sign on Hamilton Ave & then you'll walk down an alley/walkway & then there it is on your right hand side. It's a small and cozy place but so inviting. There's seating in there for 8 people at tables and then 4 at the bar. Tim was working & was so helpful as I was deciding what to get. I appreciated his patience, knowledge and laid back nature. I decided on a pour over coffee which was nice. I stayed for about 3 hours to work on a paper. At first I was the only one but after 9am it started to pick up! Definitely a hip vibe to the folks that came in but folks smiled and seemed nice, not pretentious, which I appreciated. There's a nice size courtyard with seating as well. Overall, I enjoyed my experience. Not the best place to get work done but I'd definitely return for coffee dates! read more

Collective Espresso - First pour over coffee I've ever had! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Leave it to Dustin and Dave to knock location two out of the park! I am thrilled with the new location and feel it suits Northside perfectly. It's quiet, quaint, and as delicious as the OTR location. They also have a bit of a different menu. OTR specializes more in the Hario pour overs and ChemEx varieties. Northside does Kalitas and French Press coffee. They still change up the roasters and do a great job of getting high quality coffee at all times. The Northside location also feels like you are in a tiny greenhouse in the seating area away from the main bar. Lastly, the service, like always is great. The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable and you can tell that they enjoy being there. If you're in Northside and in need of coffee I highly recommend that you stop in Cluxton Alley and give it a try. You will not be disappointed! read more

Collective Espresso - The courtyard at Collective Espresso Northside. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I stopped in and walked out with a delicious and flavorful americano. Safe and clean.

It was my first time to Northside today and this coffee shop was recommended to me by the ladies at Happy Chicks Bakery. Can be found down an alley off of Hamilton Ave. This place is tiny. A literal hole in the wall. The shop fits like 5-8 people max (two tables and a few bar stools). But they have a cute little patio with a bench and a few tables. Had a pour over of Peruvian coffee which was tasty and strong. read more

Collective Espresso - Picture of my Peruvian pour over coffee while sitting in their outdoor patio garden retreat - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Cute little coffee shop with friendly baristas. Amazing aromatic coffee too! Had a cappuccino. It's not too milky like some places and they got it just right read more

The environment is very chill, very nice space to relax and sit down with a good latte. My coffee as very good and the staff were very nice.

Collective Espresso is hard to find. Or maybe I'm just geographically challenged. It definitely could be that. Annnyway, Collective Espresso is a teeny little coffee shop nestled in what looks to be straight out The Secret Garden. It's a hipster's paradise. If I lived around here, I'd spend hours reading or hanging out in Collective's charming little patio. It is most definitely a respite that's perfect for sipping on a cup o' joe or a tasty tea. Speaking of tea, that's all I had. A colleague of mine and I ordered up five iced mint green teas to go and I employed my best self-control and didn't snag any pastries that were beckoning me from the counter. The many iced teas took a bit of time (the actual barista area is tiny, with only one employee), but they were refreshing and nicely steeped. The staff member wasn't the friendliest of the bunch, but she took care of our drinks and sent us on our merry way. Next time I'm in the area, I'd definitely try another beverage from Collective Espresso! read more

As soon as I walked into Collective Espresso, I knew I was in love with the space. It's essentially a greenhouse with huge windows, a cute little courtyard, and seating for 12 people inside. The coffee shop is a little tucked away, but once you find it you will feel like you're in your own little coffee oasis. I ordered a black coffee and my friend got a green tea. Both were excellent, and they made a point to steep the tea at the correct temperature (not too hot!). There were a few people sitting and working here on a Friday afternoon, but overall there's not a whole lot of seating inside. They had a huge bean roaster in the middle of the coffee shop, so I wonder if they roast their own beans...I think they were serving Deeper Roots coffee while I was there. I like that there are no frills on their menu...Nothing too fancy, just really darn good coffee. The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is the service. The guy working here was definitely not friendly...He didn't even look at me to take my order, and barely spoke. He wasn't exactly rude, per se, but he definitely didn't seem to care about being nice to the customers. There are other coffee shops around town where service is more welcoming. But if you're looking for a good cup of coffee in a quiet shop, this is for you. read more

It's located down the alley right next to the bookstore. Took us a bit to find it but so worth it. Nice outside sit down area and the inside is nice and quaint. You get a welcoming and relaxing vibe as you enter. I had the honey latte which was very good and my husband got an americano. Barista was very polite and knowledgeable. Would recommend. read more

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Welcoming staff, great drinks, lovely little space. Wish we had one in my neighborhood.

I wanted coffee during a stop in Cincinnati, and I saw that Collective espresso makes the same drink I make for myself, an espresso latte sweetened with honey. They did not disappoint Don't be scared to travel down the dark alley to reach the shop read more

Collective Espresso - Honey latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This Collective is in the most peaceful, out of the way location in Northside. Collective has one again created a haven amongst a busy district. The greenhouse feel to the inside is wonderful- even on the rainy Sunday that I was there inside it felt warm and bright. The coffee and service are what you would expect from their first location in OTR- friendly, helpful, never pretentious, and just the right amount of talkative. I had an americano that was honestly just ok- but their pour overs are where it's at. read more

If you want a small, intimate coffee shop to get work done midday on a weekday, this might be the place for you. The coffee was great as any of the other two locations, the preposterously large chocolate chip cookie with sea salt sprinkled on was absolutely yummy, and the decoration/atmosphere was terrific. I spent 4+ hours studying comfortably here, and would recommend this location to anyone in or near Northside. read more

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Tiny, really cute coffee spot inside what I can only assume used to be a sunroom? It's super cozy and perfect for working! Loved their matcha latte and their iced tea! read more

Ok, first let me say, I am NOT a huge coffee drinker. I cannot attest to the flavor of the coffee because my standard of yumminess is dunkin donuts flavored iced coffee with cream and EXTRA Sugar. I like my coffee crunchy! So, my review is soley on the smells and ambiance of the location. I ordered a drink on a whim and should have stuck to my sweet option. I went for something a little more daring with the Spro Lemonade. Um, WOW it was interesting. I'll give it that. I will definitely give this place another shot and go with something more traditional for my sweet tooth. But, when you actually find the place, it's like you've found a place that is meant just for you and a few select others who were fortunate enough to get in on the secret. We walked through an alley into a small little patio area that was quite charming. If it weren't hell like temperatures we would have sat out there. But we wandered inside and I seriously just wanted to live in this place. It was so cute and just had such a cozy feel. I felt like I had found my artsy nook or writers haven. It is just adorable. I think at some point I may bring my laptop and stay for awhile. Next time I'll try some of their delicious looking goodies too. read more

This is the real deal, some of the best coffee in Cincinnati and the closest I've found to an Italian espresso bar. I grew up on Tennessee farm coffee, couldn't deal with other American coffee after leaving home, then had my first espresso and said to myself, "now, that's what coffee is supposed to be." Since then, I've had 40+ years of European, Greek, Arab, and Turkish coffee in situ, and Collective meets the standard of the best in all those places. It can be tricky to find, but once you find it, you'll be back again and again in sure and certain knowledge that you've found a hidden treasure. read more

Love Collective! The Northside location is small but cozy. Their mochas are the tastiest around, and the most beautiful! read more

Collective Espresso - Mocha! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I liked this place very well!. Great find! Great service great espresso. I'm rather snobby about quality when it comes to coffee, but I enjoyed the place a lit!. Definitely worth checking out! read more

Collective Espresso - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This is a great little coffee shop nestled in northside. They don't have flavors for drinks but offer a delicious lattes and cappuccino. Think on this as a great no frills coffee shop to come sit and enjoy your espresso drink. Eapicallt good for warmer days as seating is limited and mostly outdoors. read more

Best cappuccino I've had outside of San Francisco. So very happy that Cincinnati has two locations with great coffee. The downtown location is a great place to sit though where Northside is a more intimate space. read more

Great espresso friendly baristas, don't leave without getting the chocolate chip cookie!

Not a ton of seating, but they have the perfect cup of coffee . I use this place almost exclusively for carry out and its perfect for that.

I got the drip coffee and my boyfriend got an Americano--it was the best Americano I've ever tried, honestly. Good atmosphere, good coffee, great stopping place on our way out of Cincinnati. read more

I checked this place out because I was in Northside this weekend and its been on my coffee shop bucket list for a while. Its TEENY tiny but seriously charming and has a great little garden out back. Its not really somewhere I would go and hangout for long periods of time, just because its not huge - but there were people lounging out back and in the booth inside, reading and working. I tried a matcha latte for the first time and it was delicious, also super fun to watch being made. I used some serious self control and did not get any baked goods but there were assorted croissants and muffins that looked super yummy. I am not in the area often, but will definitely be back soon! read more

Excellent service and espresso. By the location and the way the trees cover the sign, you'd think that they don't want to be found. But it's worth it. On my first visit, I enjoyed one of the best lattes in Cincinnati. But I'm eager to return for some of the more adventurous options like espressoda. read more

Cute little place . The espresso put hair my chest , I guess I could use it since winter is coming.

A hidden gem of Northside, Collective Espresso is a cozy café with a beautifully friendly staff. The environment simply radiates positive vibes. I cannot wait to go back on a rainy day to sit inside, under the glass ceiling to enjoy another delicious cup of Guatemalan coffee. read more

Hands down the best coffee place in Cincinnati. Amazing staff, wonderful environment, but most importantly, delicious espresso made right. Small patio out back! Dog friendly! CE also boasts a great variety of beans from different roasters, which can be purchased to take home. read more

I have a couple favorite coffee shops that I frequent around town. I have tried new places when they open only to be disappointed, which means I have become resistant to checking out new coffee shops. Well, I decided to get back on the horse and give some other spaces a go. I have been wanting to try Collective our for a while. Mainly because it is tucked down a cool alleyway and it feels slightly edgy because of that. The interior is small and feels pretty cramped, but you are in a fricking greenhouse! Which I loved by the way! I felt like a cat sunning myself sitting at the counter watching all the happenings. I had the turmeric latte, omg delicious!! I am officially addicted (and yes, I stopped in the next day to have another). Now to the exterior, there is a small fenced patio out back with four tables, which on warm days will add more sitting to this confined location. Downside, size does matter. Don't let anyone tell you different. Limited seating means I had to sit at the counter with my friend. Between the transactions and the coffee grinder I was about to lose my mind. This is a great space to grab a coffee to go or visit during nice weather to sip your drink on the patio. read more

Small, but cute space tucked between a few buildings in Northside. You may miss it if you aren't looking closely. But it is a gem. Great drinks and cozy (but small) atmosphere. There is some additional seating outside behind the shop as well which is welcome. The staff seems both knowledgeable and pretty friendly. Highly recommended for another great coffee option in Northside. read more

The Mocha is fantastic. Not to sweet and just the right amount of house made chocolate. Service was great and she was very knowledgable. Hidden gem for sure. read more

Honest to goodness the best coffee place in Cincinnati. Collective Espresso puts every other place to shame. The drinks are absolutely fantastic and made from the highest quality ingredients. If you want the best coffee in the city, this is it. read more

Chris and I stopped by this little spot for the first time yesterday and were delighted! It's a cute little space (and by little, I mean *little*) with only a few menu items - espresso and it's (main) various iterations. He had a macchiato and I had a cappuccino. Both were delicious! A perfect cup of coffee to start the day. There's not much space here, so there isn't much of an invitation to linger and work, if that's what you're looking for. read more

As fresh and classy as their original in OTR but with a quaint Northside style. Easy to find if you look for the street splitting off Blue Ash with the Shepard Fairy mural (behind Word Play). Try Dave's cortado! read more

Sad John Lennon makes me the best almond lattes. The bravado of the battista owner will always have me coming back for more. I've been coming here since day 1, and my homies always got my back. This is the most neighborhood spot next to the northside Applebee's. read more

I love this place. The coffee is awesome and the honey latte is the best drink out there. Honestly puts a Starbucks to shame. I come here weekly and can't rave about it enough. They use Bee Haven Wildflower honey and it's nothing short of amazing! read more

Best espresso in Cincinnati. I have been coming here for years. The north side location is my favorite. Their espresso lemonade is really good read more