I used to default to gas station coffee or even just Starbucks coffee when taking a road trip, and focus purely on options that were available right on my route, often right on the interstate. Recently though I’ve made it a point to find local coffee spots during my travels as those mainstream coffee options become less and less appetizing. On a recent road trip, I was glad I made that choice, taking the 15 minute detour off of I-44, to visit Architect Coffee Co. in Springfield, Missouri. My family was also pretty happy when I returned with some great drinks and pastries for them too.
Architect Coffee Co. — Republic Road
Address: 1604 E. Republic Road, Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: (417) 771-5030
A Coffee Shop With Deep Roots
Architect Coffee Co. opened their first location at 1604 E Republic Road in Springfield in 2019, replacing the previous coffee establishment. Founder Nick Bearden actually learned to make espresso at this very location when it was Hebrews Coffee before spending time at Travellers House Coffee, and Black Dog Coffeehouse, and then returning to Springfield to open Architect. Architect is owned by two couples, Nick and Megan Bearden and Ryan and Alycia Horn.
West Coast Coffee, Ozark Pastries
Architect coffee sources their coffee from Verve Coffee Roasters in Santa Cruz, CA. I never knew I could grab a West Coast cup of coffee in Springfield – so cool. For grabbing a bite, Architect offers a lunch menu along with a nice variety of pastries, including cake by the slice, all baked in-house.
Growing Across Springfield
In 2024 The added a 2nd Springfield location at 1300 E Battlefield Rd, providing drive-thru service only and there is currently a 3rd location in the works.
Inside Architect Coffee Co.
Architect has a multiple seating options and a large space in the back with a separate meeting room available. The front counter/ordering area is tucked to the side when you walk in, and honestly I don’t know that I could’ve found a table if I had wanted one. That was at about 9:30AM on a Friday morning.
Merch and Take-Home Treats
In addition to their coffee and food items, Architect also has a cool set of merch and take-home items, including coffees, teas, coffee makers, and t-shirts.
The Chocolate Espresso Cake Donut
The highlight of this visit for me was the Chocolate Espresso Cake Donut. I wish I would’ve bought 2, but that’s why we pack road trip snacks, right?
Excellent flavor – like a cafe mocha that wasn’t too sweet in donut form. What more could you ask for? They had several other cake donuts to choose from as well.
Iced Americanos for the Road
My wife and I both purchased iced americanos and they were solid. Kept us going on our road trip and turned out to be the perfect pick-me-up for the next leg of travel.
How to Find Architect Coffee Co.
Architect Coffee Co. — Republic Road
Address: 1604 E. Republic Road, Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: (417) 771-5030
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–8pm, Sat 8am–8pm, Sun Closed
Website: architectcoffeeco.com
The next time you’re driving through the Springfield area on I-44, don’t just settle for rest stop coffee or even Starbucks. Take the detour and check out Architect Coffee Co. We’ll definitely be back.
We’ll see you out there.
