Black Dog Cafe

About

Coffee & Tea

Price Range : Under $10 ($)

  • star
    Yelp rating
    4 stars

Location

Adress: 229 Lake Ella Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32303

Phone: (850) 224-2518

Work Hours

Mon 7:00 am-10:00 pm
Tue 7:00 am-10:00 pm
Wed 7:00 am-10:00 pm
Thu 7:00 am-10:00 pm
Fri 7:00 am-11:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am-11:00 pm
Sun 8:00 am-9:00 pm

Business info

  • move_to_inbox
    Take-out
    Yes
  • credit_card
    Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • local_parking
    Parking
    Private Lot
  • directions_bike
    Bike Parking
    Yes
  • transit_enterexit
    Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • wifi
    Wi-Fi
    Free
  • fastfood
    Caters
    Yes
  • turned_in_not
    Good for Working
    No
  • turned_in_not
    Gender Neutral Restrooms
    Yes

Reviews

  • Krystle M.

    star star star star star 6 June 2026

    This hidden gem is not so hidden to most Tallahassee folk, but given that I run circles around Lake Ella on a fairly regular basis and have never really noticed it, it is a hidden gem to me!

    Stepped into a very busy Black Dog Cafe with a friend for a late Saturday caffeine fix yesterday.  Immediately evident was the popularity of this cafe! It is worth noting that it is a pretty narrow space.  The line seems to form either on the left or the right, but I learned that patrons are supposed to line up along the left by the popsicle container window.

    One wall was lined with a bookshelf which contained many board games for customers to "rent" for around one or two bucks.  Games seemed to be one reason people enjoy Black Dog, as patrons all around us were engaged in various chess matches, accompanied by the authentic chess timer (a rare sight for me). Other patrons were captivated in literature, plugging away on their laptops (presuming the wifi connection there is pretty solid), or quietly socializing with friends.

    I perused the specials board and ordered the very top beverage listed (Headless Horseman I think was the name of the drink). It seemed like the latte's ingredients were creatively selected for the Fall season but the combination of flavors turned out to be the absolute PERFECT concoction!

    The fact that Black Dog baristas can whip up espresso-based beverages unlike anything made at the local Starbucks chain, puts this shop on top of all others that I've been to in the area thus far.  Oh, and the huge outdoor porch overlooking Lake Ella is pretty much perfect. I will definitely be back.

  • Rabi S.

    star star star star star_border 5 June 2026

    + Cool ambience inside and right on the lake

    + Cuban was on fleek

    - ...but the Cuban was only a few ounces, so beware

    End of the Matter: I would hit this place up again if in town, which is quite the compliment from a Gator Dad

  • Elizabeth L.

    star star star star star_border 4 June 2026

    Searched for a local coffee shop and found this one overlooking Lar Ella and attached to American Legion. Lots of students working, taking up space, without much consumption. Excellent coffee as well as variety of Vegan and gluten free cakes, fruit bars, and more.

  • Rhiannon T.

    star star star star_border star_border 31 May 2026

    Ive been to Blackdog Cafe twice now! The first time i went for a cappuccino and a chocolate croissant (both very good but a little bit pricey) and sat outside because there was no more room inside. The second time i went for a study date with my friend and we both had chai lattes. The lattes were extremely sweet- even a little too sweet for our taste.
    Blackdog is a good place to study but there are not that many tables so you cant expect to find a spot.

  • Sarah-Grace H.

    star star star star star 28 May 2026

    What a cute local spot! LOTS of fabulous outside seating. gF pastries and lots of yummy drinks. Husband said it was best Chai he's had in tally. They don't really "do" straws so I would bring your own if possible. Parking is a nightmare but it's the kind of coffee shop you come to hang not to run so this helps.

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