Coffee First: The Lynnwood Café Crawl Every Local Should Do at Least Once

Written by Katrien Pienaar

HELLO PRETORIA! Nothing wakes a city quite like coffee. We’re talking about the coffee you grab on the road before school drop-off, the kind you meet friends over, and the one that slowly turns into a second cup because the conversation is just too good to leave. In Lynnwood, coffee has become a culture of its own. Cyclists gather at sunrise, friends grab a cuppa for long catch-ups, and coffee fuels afternoons spent at cafés with laptops, notebooks, or just a good book.

We mapped out the ultimate café crawl Pretoria locals love, guided by regulars who pointed us to their favourite spots at every stop. The result is a curated route through some of the most memorable Lynnwood cafés, each with its own unique vibe and feel. Best of all, this crawl stays right here on Lynnwood Road.

Your Guide to the Best Coffee in Lynnwood

JulieBean Artisan Coffee

We started our café crawl at JulieBean Artisan Coffee in Lynnpark Centre, one of the spots locals say serves some of the best coffee in Lynnwood. Before we even sat down, the rich aroma of roasting coffee beans filled the air. JulieBean roasts their own beans every single day in small batches sourced from Colombia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Guatemala, and many visitors take a bag home to enjoy the aroma later. The long couch in the middle of the café shows their intention: they want you to feel at home, and that’s exactly how you feel at JulieBean.
What the locals order: Their Caribbean Mocha or the Full o’ bean espresso are must-tries.
Sweet or baked favourites: Their carrot cheesecake and their famous choc-chip cookies, all baked in-house. For something savoury, the spicy chicken mayo sandwich hits the spot.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the “bring a book, borrow a book” shelf. Grab a book while you have your coffee and stay for another cup.

Website: www.juliebean.co.za 

Address: Lynnpark Centre, 344 Lynnwood Rd, Menlo Park, Pretoria, 0081

Facebook: JulieBean Artisan Coffee

The Local

A few minutes further along the route sits The Local, another café serving some of the best coffee in Lynnwood. Early mornings belong to cyclists and locals who know exactly what they came for. Part of the Plato family, The Local thrives on community. Staff will even open earlier for the regular early birds, while later in the day it transforms into a favourite remote working spot. It’s easy to see why regulars feel at home here: friends meet over cake and coffee, students stop by between classes, and the café is a go-to for meetings.

What the locals order: Their Athena (well known to Plato lovers) is an absolute favourite.
Sweet or baked favourites: Pastel de nata, banana bread, and carrot cake are easy to get lost in.
Insider tip: Browse the shelves for Plato coffee and Babylonstoren treats, offering a little souvenir if you want to take something home.

Address: 354 Rosemary Rd, Lynnwood, Pretoria, 0081

Facebook: The Local

Bean Juice Coffee Bar

Just down the road is Bean Juice Coffee Bar, a favourite for locals. A cheeky wall reads: “Procaffeination (noun): The tendency to not start anything until you’ve had a cup of coffee.” Freshly roasted beans, baked goods, and people chatting over coffee make you feel instantly at home. Parents, students, and locals drift in and out, some pausing for a quick espresso, others grabbing a smoothie to go. Paintable items add a creative twist, perfect for friends or even a fun date option.
What the locals order: White Mochas, cappuccinos, and the top-selling Merry Berry smoothie.
Sweet or baked favourites: We loved their chicken mayo sandwiches, and one of their freshly baked milk tarts to enjoy alongside your coffee.
Insider tip: With their paintable items available, this is a great spot for meeting friends or adding a creative touch to your coffee stop.

Address: 406 Friesland Ln, Lynnwood, Pretoria, 0081

Facebook: Bean Juice Coffee Bar

Café Kahvi

Café Kahvi sits right on Lynnwood Road, a gem known for both its convenience and its passion for coffee. The drive-through makes it perfect for commuters or runners, but there are also tables if you want to watch the cars drive by. The aroma of brownies mixes with the earthy scent of coffee, and regulars have clearly claimed their favourite spots along the side, watching the street drift by.
What the locals order: Their Mocha Dark and Dirty Chai cannot be missed.
Sweet or baked favourites: A ham-and-cheese croissant or a soft, chocolatey brownie.
Insider tip: Visit early to catch the energetic vibe, come in slightly later for a chance to relax, or use the drive-through if you’re in a hurry.

Address: Glen Gables center, 772 Lynnwood Rd, Lynnwood, Pretoria, 0081

Facebook: Cafe Kahvi

The BrewHub

The BrewHub sits right on Lynnwood Road and even their slogan “Coffee Lounge” hints at it: it’s true coffee culture. During the day it’s a relaxed spot for a quick coffee, dog-friendly, with music adding to the vibe. As evening arrives, the vibe changes: DJ nights, low lighting, and people catching up create a lively atmosphere. One thing is for sure: The BrewHub is the kind of place where a quick coffee easily turns into a second or third.
What the locals order: Their Good Ol’ Faithful Cappuccino.
Sweet or baked favourites: The bacon-and-avocado sandwich is a go-to.
Insider tip: With a car wash next door, it’s easy to combine errands with coffee, or stay for one of the evening social events.

Address: 79 Lynnwood Rd, The Willows, Pretoria, 0081

Facebook: The Brewhub

Hemels Café

Our crawl ends at Hemels Café, at Green Grove, still right on Lynnwood Road. The first thing you notice? The vibrant green lawns, seats calling you to come sit. Walking into their beautiful white café, the barista greets you as if they’ve known you forever. Grab your coffee (plus freshly baked cake, sandwich, or one of their famous choc-chip croissants) and choose a little spot on the grass. There’s plenty of space for kids to be themselves while you enjoy your coffee, with meetings happening here and there and all the coffee options you could want. Looking out over a padel court, it brings such a real, relaxed Pretoria vibe.
What the locals order: Double cappuccino or a coffee frappe for warmer days.
Sweet or baked favourites: Their chocolate cheesecake and red velvet cake are delicious.
Insider tip: Why not pack in your athleisure and play a round of padel after your coffee?

Address: Green Grove, Lynnwood Rd, 0081

Facebook: Hemels Café

From artisanal roasters to cosy neighbourhood cafés, each stop adds its own flavour to the Lynnwood coffee scene. Follow the full crawl or simply discover a new favourite, either way, some of Pretoria’s best coffee is waiting for you right here on Lynnwood Road.