Frankfort Avenue, in Louisville's Clifton neighborhood, just got a bit spookier. Witches Brew Coffee opened in August 2024 to the delight of lovers of witchy vibes and coffee. In its opening days, the shop created quite a spectacle. Customers dressed as witches on brooms gathered at the shop, and lines of more typically dressed customers reached down Frankfort Avenue on weekend mornings. With fall and Halloween approaching, I had to visit Witches Brew Coffee for myself.

On a late Friday morning, I headed to Frankfort Avenue, an energetic and dynamic part of town. I walked up to Witches Brew Coffee and saw the bright purple building and people outside taking selfies. I walked inside and secured a place in line, about 12 people back. A team of baristas, sometimes referred to by management as the "coffee coven," worked quickly behind the counter.

As I waited in line, I took in the plethora of mystical, creepy, and metaphysical items hanging on the shop's walls. There was a shelf of old-fashioned dolls, some with black circles around their eyes, and a sign that said Home Sweet Haunted Home. A row of brooms hung on the wall just above a "Cabinet of Curiosities and Oddities." The cabinet included several skeletons, statues, and an Ouija board.

I studied the shop's menu. It offered many standard coffee drinks, like lattes, cold brews, Americanos, teas, and energizers. There was also a specialty drink menu with awesome witchy names. Drinks like Black Magic, Morning Ritual, Dragons Blood, and Poison Apple grabbed my attention. I ordered a large caramel latte and was excited to compare it to those of other coffee shops I've tried.

While I waited for my drink, I checked out the items for sale near the coffee counter. Many were intriguing, like the Intention Floor Wash, Magick Salts, Attraction Candles, Black Salt Protection Bath, and Milk Bath. There were also stones, sage bundles, and varieties of incense for sale.

Before I knew it, my caramel latte was ready. It was superb, with a light texture and deep caramel flavor. It was mildly sweet and wonderfully warm—the perfect temperature for sipping. I can't wait to return and try the specialty drinks.

Mariah Wilson Tran owns Witches Brew Coffee with her husband, Lee. Wilson Tran provides tarot readings to customers in a small second-floor space above the coffee shop.

For more information about Witches Brew Coffee, visit its Facebook page.

Frankfort Avenue is a bustling part of Louisville, with much to see, do, and eat! Pretty Decent is a terrific all-in-one plant store and cocktail bar, and Varanese is an American restaurant that made our list of 11 must-visit Louisville restaurants. The Waterfront Botanical Gardens, a 23-acre garden with native plants, water features, and accessible pathways, is also nearby.

This area of Louisville is a great place to stay on a getaway. Consider staying in this three-bedroom Airbnb for your next trip to Derby City.