Best Coffee Roaster: Fretboard Coffee
1013 East Walnut Street, Columbia • FretboardCoffee.com
INSIDE FRETBOARD COFFEE IN COLUMBIA, among steaming machines, an array of syrups, and cups of fresh coffee, there is a sign that says, “best coffee in town.”
Fretboard Coffee has remained a staple roastery in Columbia, with its variety of coffee flavors and unique coffee names such as Moka Java and Porch Jam. The coffee is made in-house daily, ethically sourced, and all grown organically without chemicals or pesticides. Fretboard also makes a point to make sure its products are environmentally friendly with biodegradable packaging.
If you want the Fretboard coffee experience, visit Fretboard’s cafe in Columbia’s North Village. Inside, visitors will find lounge-like seating, soothing background music, and an industrial atmosphere.
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Since owners Dave and Julie Elman make a point to support local artists, the physical location of Fretboard offers open mic nights for comedians, singers, and other spoken word performers.
Whether you like French press coffee, lattes, cold brews, or anything in between, Fretboard makes it fresh. I love their lattes, especially since they serve them with the cream at the top with an abstract pattern.
As for the coffee beans for sale, I adore their sharp smell as I inhale each quivering note. I recommend buying whole beans and grinding them fresh on your own for a more heightened coffee experience.
RUNNER-UP: THE ROASTERIE
The Roasterie, based in Kansas City, focuses on high-quality 100 percent Arabica coffee beans that are globally sourced. The roastery emphasizes relationships with small farm growers.
1204 West 27th Street, Kansas City • TheRoasterie.com
This article was originally printed in the January 2026 issue of Missouri Life.
