Where to get the best coffee? Judging from the nominations in this year's Irish Times Best Shops in Ireland competition, backed by AIB, people have definite opinions, with hundreds of cool cafes getting a listing. Hundreds more have gotten behind their neighbourhood hang-out.
In Dublin where the streets seem paved with caffeine outlets Roberto Baisle says Il Fornaio, on College Green, Dublin 2, sells "The best coffee in Dublin".
Dublin 7 readers have really gotten behind Bang Bang, on North Leinster, Phibsboro, for its breath of fresh air community-minded attitude. "It is amazing the way they combine the personalities and passions of the owners with high quality food and their coffee from Silverskin in Glasnevin is the best I have ever tasted," writes one reader.
The fact that it’s named after a Dublin character and that they will accept barter, as they say on their Facebook page, combines to make the place a real local hang-out.
Orla Russell Conway goes to Legit Coffee Company, on Meath Street, Dublin 8, for its "top notch coffee" and lingers to soak up "its warm and friendly atmosphere".
Across town in Windy Arbour, Dublin 14, Smack Drive-Thru gets Evan McLaughlin's vote for its "friendly staff, fantastic use of public land and consistently brilliant coffee". The fact that the shop is a drive-thru "makes life easier".
The Coffee Kiosk, in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, has "the best coffee anywhere," writes Fiona O'Connor. It also has the friendliest owner of a coffee shop in the capital, she says. "Brian remembers everyone's tastes in coffees and has different chats with everyone."
In Sligo Kate's Kitchen, is much more than a coffee shop, Berni Leonard writes. "The staff are warm and welcoming and very efficient so, if in a hurry, you'll be dealt with quickly. However, it's a gorgeous place to stop in a busy day and just enjoy a great coffee while you people watch or read the paper."
Mary Moore says that Café La Coco in Kilkenny city has already been voted the best coffee in the county and makes a really tasty flat white. She's recommending it for the best café/teashop in Ireland.
Aisling Finnegan is backing Red Kettle in Wexford town where she goes most days for her caffeine fix. "Owners Aidan and Jean Rea make me feel like I'm popping home to my family for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. The coffee is always made to perfection and never too hot or cold."
Spearman's Bakery & Tearoom, in Cashel, Co Tipperary, gets Eileen Stapleton's vote because "every customer is treated like a family member and the coffee is aromatic and ground especially for the shop."
Opinion in Cork city is divided between Three Fools for its mix of sustainable and conscientious sources and Union Grind where "the coffee is gorgeous and the sausage rolls are savage," writes Ryan Sommerhuber.
With nominations pouring in it is time to get behind your favourite shop and vote for it in Best Shops 2016 at irishtimes.com/bestshops.
Send us pictures too. You can tweet them to #bestshops2016
