Tiana Blount-Muscarella
Staff Writer
Three Lakeland coffee shops — Foxtail Coffee Co., Rogue Coffee and Concord Coffee — are embracing the winter season with warm, comforting drinks and holiday-inspired treats.
As the winter creeps into Lakeland with cooler mornings and earlier sunsets, local coffee shops are leaning into the winter season with maple, pumpkin and dessert-inspired drinks that feel like home. The community of Lakeland isn’t just chasing caffeine.
They are seeking comfort and energy in each sip. Foxtail Coffee Co. embraces the cozy side of holiday both in its drinks and decor. The featured drink menu included Spiced Cappuccino, Maple-Berry Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, but the Maple Pancake Iced Latte stole the spotlight.
Sophomore Paris Karastury found it “perfectly balanced” in sweetness with a clear maple flavor that felt “perfect for fall.” Sophomore Abby Haga called it “like a warm fall morning,” and Sophomore Ella MacDonald said it reminded her of “Mom’s homemade buttermilk pancakes.”
The atmosphere doubles down on that woodland comfort. Wooden tables, deep green and blue accents and forest-like decals along the walls make the cafe feel comforting. The warm, dim lighting is balanced by large glass windows that pour in natural light, so the shop never feels gloomy. Small seasonal touches like mini pumpkins on tables, leaf decor and subtle tree motifs make Foxtail Coffee Co. feel like a quiet autumn retreat where you can actually hear yourself think. Together, the drink and decor make Foxtail Coffee Co. ideal for anyone craving a calm, nostalgic seasonal escape.
Rogue Coffee, located on 307 W Main St, Lakeland, FL 33815, offers a more refined, slightly edgy take on seasonal comfort. The menu includes Pumpkin Spice Latte, S’mores Cookie and Maple Brown Butter Latte for the holiday season. The Maple Brown Butter Latte caught the interest of the reviewers. The latte layers a rich maple sweetness over a buttery, almost caramelized warmth.
MacDonald noted that “the maple here is deeper and toastier than Foxtail’s,” adding that “the brown butter flavor makes it taste like the edges of a perfectly crisp pancake or a browned sugar cookie.” She said it was “very delicious” and “absolutely something I’d order again when I want something indulgent but still coffee-forward.”
The environment at Rogue Coffee is modern and understated, with white walls, warm brown seating and pops of contemporary art that give the café a gallery-like feel. This is the kind of place where you want to open your laptop and write a novel along with a steady playlist of indie and alternative tracks. Rogue Coffee’s holiday drinks fit right into that mood, offering an elevated seasonal experience for those who like their autumn cozy but polished.
Concord Coffee, on 1037 Florida Ave S #135, Lakeland, FL 33803, leans into creativity on the holiday menu with both classic and playful options. The menu includes a Tiramisu Latte, Captain’s Cappuccino, Carrot Cake Tea Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte and Banana Bread Latte.
For sophomore Emmerson Gratke the Banana Bread Latte was a standout for originality as this menu item is an originality you can’t just find anywhere.
“You can actually taste the banana, but it doesn’t feel like a milkshake, it’s balanced between sweet and bitter with a mild coffee flavor that makes it easy to sip.” said Gratke.
The space at Concord Coffee is bright, minimal, and energetic, with clean lines, plenty of light, and a focus on movement rather than seasonal decor. Unlike the other two cafes, there are no pumpkins or fall garlands; instead, Concord Coffee relies on upbeat music and a steady flow of students, young professionals and families to create a lively feel. The vibe is overall modern and welcoming, like a coffee shop you’d see in a city show: simple, bright and very Instagram-friendly. Even without visible autumn touches, the inventive, house-made syrups give Concord Coffee a distinctly seasonal character.
Each shop shines in a different aspect of the holiday experience. Foxtail Coffee Co. is the clear choice for those seeking the coziest autumn vibes, with a drink that tastes like maple-drenched pancakes and decor that feels straight out of a cabin weekend. Rogue Coffee is best for warm, elevated seasonal notes, where the Maple Brown Butter Latte offers depth and richness to match the modern, artistic space. Concord Coffee wins on creative seasonal flavors, from pumpkin done right to banana bread and dessert-inspired lattes that feel experimental without being overwhelming.
Across all three locations, certain themes repeat: nostalgia, maple and pumpkin profiles, and a sense of seasonal ritual. Whether the memories are of family breakfasts, crisp morning walks, or fictional holiday scenes from favorite shows, each cafe taps into the emotional side of autumn through flavor and ambiance. Atmospheres range from cozy-woodsy to subtly artsy to bright and modern, giving locals plenty of ways to choose their own holiday depending on the day.
Lakeland’s coffee scene embraces the holiday season through three distinct personalities, making it less about finding the single best cup and more about matching your mood. On a quiet, reflective day Foxtail Coffee Co. the maple pancake nostalgia may be the perfect fit. For a creative afternoon downtown, Rogue Coffee’s brown butter warmth might call your name.
For a social, energetic outing, Concord Coffee’s inventive syrups and bright space could be the best pick. As the season continues, there’s every reason to grab a friend, pick a café, and taste your way through Lakeland’s version of holiday: one latte at a time.
