Celebrities' Favorite Coffee Shops
There might not be a more famous celebrity-coffee relationship than Britney Spears and Starbucks. The powerhouse pop star seems to be an equal opportunist when it comes to which branch she likes to frequent — it's likely whichever is closest and most convenient — but most often sightings are reported in the Calabasas, Calif., neighborhood. Her drink of choice? According to a February interview, it's their strawberry frappuccino.
Other star sightings: Renée Zellweger, Ashley Greene, Katie Holmes, Jennifer Garner, Cory Montheith
Jessica Alba: Urth Caffé
Celebrities can't seem to stay away from this LA-area coffee shop, the first coffee company in America to be exclusively organic. And, being a frequent topper in the city's "Best of" lists, it might just be as decorated as the actors that frequent it. The company has four outposts in the city (West Hollywood, downtown, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica), but locals will tell you that the original West Hollywood location on Melrose is definitely the sceniest. Plus it's where the hit HBO show Entourage was frequently shot.
Other star sightings: Selma Blair, Miley Cyrus, Natalie Portman
Ashley Tisdale: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
This LA-based brand has quite the celebrity clientele, often photographed carrying trays of frappes and iced coffees bearing their signature purple straws. While stars are often photographed at the Toluca Lake outpost, some have reported that many prefer the Los Feliz location as it is a more discreet location.
Other star sightings: Megan Fox, Jay Leno, Paris Hilton, Eva Longoria, Rachel Bilson, Brad Garrett
Scarlett Johansson: Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea
The LA branches of this widely respected coffee company are reportedly frequented by the "hipster celebrity" set. But don't confuse celebrity for substance — this coffee shop makes it clear they're committed to serving a quality product that pays attention to seasonality and is dedicated fair trade practices.
Other sightings: Landon Pigg, Jake Gyllenhaal
Taylor Swift: The Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse
Back when Taylor Swift and Jake Gyllenhaal were just being dubbed "Swiftenhaal" (or was it "Jaylor"?), the couple helped make the coffee date cool again. In November of 2010, the former pair were spotted at this popular Nashville, Tenn., local shop, known for its high-quality, locally roasted coffee, in November of 2010. (Apparently they also kept the buzz going at other local spots Creama and Fido Coffee.)
Other star sightings: Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, country music star Phil Vassar
Rahm Emanuel: Caribou Coffee
For those in the D.C. area who consider politicians celebrities, the widely publicized Pennsylvania Avenue location of this national coffee shop should definitely be on your radar. Apparently, it's become a popular meeting spot for Obama administration officials, who, according to employees, like to drink a lot of lattes. Either that, or something called a "depth charge": coffee topped with a shot of espresso.
Chris Robinson: Ninth Street Espresso
The East Village location of this small New York City coffee shop draws an interesting mix of stars, ranging from rockers to venerated actors. Only open since 2001, this highly acclaimed spot — often named one of the best places to get coffee in the city — is favored because of it's top-notch espresso and low-key vibe (cellphone usage is requested to be kept at a minimum).
Other star sightings: Wallace Shawn, Sam Rockwell
Ewan McGregor: Mud
Thanks to their signature bright orange cups, this popular New York City coffee shop and mobile truck makes it easy for celeb-sighters to know which bean house their favorite star is coming from. The self-described "anti-establishment coffee machine" is known for its powerhouse strong brews, served up with a fittingly cool attitude.
Other star sightings: Parker Posey, Rachel Dratch, Chloë Sevigny