Taproot Coffee

Taproot Coffee is Hickory's own roastery, and the café is in a restored school bus. You walk up the steps, order near the driver's seat and sit on retrofitted benches. They've added a second, bigger bus for the crowds, plus chairs outside. There's a Pac-Man machine too.

The Americano is a favorite. The rotating Ethiopian single origin has notes like blueberry, vanilla and hibiscus. A spicy mocha and an oat milk latte are regulars on the menu. Their monthly coffee club ships beans home.

Baristas Isaiah, Nick and Isaac are names regulars know. It's cozy and fun, and kids love it. There's not much room for laptops.