Do you get the same coffee as your councilperson? What Louisville's lawmakers are drinking
If you're reading this, you're probably a coffee connoisseur, interested in local government or just curious about the day-to-day rituals of city legislators — like where they get their caffeine fix.
Louisville Metro Council members frequently host "Coffee with your Councilman" events to get to know their constituents. But you might be wondering which coffee shops these legislative officials actually like to go to, and what do they order?
Who gets the strongest coffee? Does anyone drink alternative milk? Do any lawmakers have the same go-to as me?
Well, you've come to the right place — and the answers may or may not surprise you.
Not sure who your councilperson is? Find out at louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/district-maps.
Councilman Rick Blackwell
As the founder of "Coffee with your Councilman" approximately 20 years ago, it is only fitting that Blackwell's selection comes first.
Blackwell, who represents part of the South End including Pleasure Ridge Park, enjoys going to The Well. He orders a light roast regular coffee served black.
Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright
Parrish-Wright, who represents part of the West End including Shively, couldn't choose just one favorite coffee shop. The District 3 councilwoman loves three Louisville cafes: Sunergos, Heine Brothers and the Old Louisville Coffee Co-op. She typically orders a caramel macchiato or latte.
Councilman Anthony Piagentini
When Piagentini heads from District 19 in the East End into downtown Louisville for morning committee meetings or other council business, he takes the opportunity to stop by the Sunergos on 5th Street to get a medium latte.
Council President Markus Winkler
Winkler, who represents the areas around Northeast Louisville, is a fan of Sunergos and Cafe Miele — but he most often makes his coffee at home.
"Because I’m frugal, although my wife would call me cheap," he explained.
Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe
Ruhe, who represents part of South Louisville, is not a coffee drinker at all — she's actually more of a tea fan. Ruhe prefers a hot chai from Ntaba Coffee House on Fern Valley Road.
Councilman Jecorey Arthur
Arthur doesn't drink much coffee, but when he does he orders a caramel latte from Blak Koffee in the Russell neighborhood, part of his district that runs through Old Louisville, downtown and other neighborhoods.
And yes, he knows that's "basic" — but who can deny a delicious, sweet coffee?
Arthur likes to pair it with an egg and cheese crescent sandwich and a cinnamon roll.
Councilwoman Madonna Flood
Flood, who represents portions of Okolona, Fern Creek and Highview, likes to switch up her coffee.
She usually selects a different flavor of creamer "that changes with the seasons." This summer, her favorite is a strawberry creamer made by Good and Gather and sold at Target, which was recommended to her by a family member.
Councilman Scott Reed
East End council member Reed enjoys going to Starbucks, where he gets a drink packed with caffeine: a grande nitro cold brew. It is one of the chain's most popular summertime drinks.
Councilwoman Marilyn Parker
Parker loves 7 Brew, a coffee chain that has been booming around Jefferson County since October. The East End councilwoman orders either the brunette, a hazelnut and caramel mocha, or the blondie, a caramel and vanilla breve.
Councilman Ben Reno-Weber
The Highlands-area councilman has two favorites: Heine Brothers and Moka & Co., a Yemeni specialty coffee shop recently rebranded from Haraz.
Reno-Weber gets a black coffee at Heine Brothers and a maleki — a coffee infused with cinnamon, ginger and cardamom and blended with evaporated milk and honey — at Moka and Co.
Councilwoman Paula McCraney
McCraney, who represents the area around St. Matthews, is not a coffee lover — but mochas have become her "guilty pleasure."
She likes the iced white chocolate ones from Starbucks and the sugar-free German chocolate mochas or sugar-free white chocolate mochas from 7 Brew. She also hopes to make her way through the 7 Brew "originals" menu, she said.
Still, she doesn't consider herself a true coffee drinker. That's why she hosts her "Muffins with McCraney" meetings at Heine Brothers — she loves their scones, and many of her constituents love their coffee.
Councilman Khalil Batshon
Batshon, who represents part of the South End, has two favorite coffee shops: Stomping Grounds Coffee Co. and The Well. His go-to is drip coffee, but he has recently enjoyed getting some sweeter drinks.
The one consistent element of his coffee orders? It must be "HOT," Batshon said.
Councilman Kevin Kramer
Kramer, who represents several East End neighborhoods, is not a coffee drinker. Instead, he gets his caffeine from tea. His typical order is a half-cut green tea with peach tea and a splash of orange juice.
Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin
Shanklin, in the Newburg area, like a "simple cup of Maxwell House at home." She takes it with cream and sugar.
Councilman Jeff Hudson
Hudson, who represents the Highview area, said his favorite place to drink coffee is at the District 23 office.
If he goes out, though, Hudson's pick is the Hinterhof R?sterei in Germantown. He either goes with the house drip or the specialty drink of the day.
Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell
Chappell, who represents parts of Germantown and Schnitzelberg, doesn't drink coffee or tea.
When she's at a café, she can most often be found drinking water and enjoying a pastry. Rather than do a "Coffee with your Councilman," she opts for a "Chill with Chappell," which she hosts in the parks in her district.
Councilwoman Cindi Fowler
Like several of her colleagues on the Metro Council, Fowler does not enjoy coffee.
Fowler, who represents parts of Valley Station and Pleasure Ridge Park, enjoys a cup of green or flavored tea, instead.
Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at [email protected] or at @ellie_mccrary on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Best coffee in Louisville? Here's what keeps the city running
