Some morning motivation al coffees at Heritage House (Grace Brindley / The Bama Buzz)

I feel like fall is the most-awaited season of the year. Like, sure we all love summer and vacations—but I don’t see anyone riding as hard for an iced caramel macchiato as they do a pumpkin spice latte. The same logic can be applied to egg nog or eating candy.

Fall is the most you’ll find grown adults going all-in on a themed event, whether it be Halloween costume parties or the flavors in their coffee cups.

So before you head to Starbucks or Dunkin’ for a pumpkin spice latte, consider these five locally-owned joints in Alabama.

Carpe Diem | Mobile

Carpe Diem Coffee &Amp; Tea Co. — Carpe Diem Coffe & Tea Co. (Liv George / The Bama Buzz)

Carpe Diem is a weekly tradition in my house. They’ve always got innovative drink combinations on the menu, nitro cold brew on tap and fresh espresso they roast in-house. The food’s pretty good, too.

Where: 4072 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36608
Hours: Mon-Fri, 6AM-6PM | Sat + Sun, 7AM-6PM
More info

Heritage House | Tuscaloosa

Heritage House is so much more than just a coffee shop. They’ve got a killer bakery, ice cream and even game day bites—a must in Title Town.

Where: 2370 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Hours: Mon-Fri, 6:30AM-3PM | Sat, 7AM-3PM | Closed Sun.
More info

June Coffee | Birmingham

June Coffee is a local favorite of our Bham team. They love the locally roasted coffee and fantastic vibes for those work-from-anywhere-but-the-office days.

Where: 213 25th St N Suite C, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Mon-Sat, 7AM-3PM | Sun, 8AM-3PM
More info

Olde Town Coffee | Huntsville

Locally-roasted and always fresh, Olde Town Coffee is a favorite of our Huntsville team. They love grabbing a fresh iced latte before team meetings or going there in the afternoon to finish the workday on a delicious note.

Where: 511 Pratt Ave NE, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: 7AM-6PM, daily
More info

Coffee Mafia | Auburn

Coffee Mafia is Auburn’s self-described “coffee shop if it were a dive bar.” They’ve married the caffeinated cups of coffee goodness with the grungey yet comforting vibe of a dive bar to create something unique—and delightful.