Best Coffee in Casper – Our Top Five Drive-Thrus

Sick and tired of the swill they try to pass off as coffee in our office, I embarked on a quest to find the best coffee in Casper.

Being an "On the Go" type person, taking more than even a couple minutes to stop and grab a cup of coffee is a pretty big inconvenience for me. My quest for the top cup of Joe, I wanted my coffee fresh, hot, flavorful and most of all - FAST. Then it struck me, with all the drive-thru coffee cabins, as well as restaurant drive-thru's in Casper, I wonder which one has the best coffee and at the best price?  Thus began my crusade to find the caffeinated Holy Grail, the “Best Coffee in Casper”.

Low and behold, I didn't stumble upon just one coffee drive-thru, with the best coffee in Casper - I found one on every side of town, call it my top five.

Now, I wouldn’t consider myself a coffee connoisseur by any means, but I have had the privilege of tasting the freshest of coffees in Jamaica, Hawaii, San Francisco and Seattle.  So, as I started my grind through Casper's drive-thru's, I used those great tasting flavorful coffees as my comparison guide.

Those that know me and you might have already guessed - I’m not much of a morning person.  The first thing I look for after waking up is a fresh cup of black coffee.  Then starts the daily routine of a shower and quickly getting ready for a day in the office.

Thus I began my quest for the best coffee from any drive-thru location.   Having tons of locations to choose from, I started out each day stopping by 2 or 3 different locations and getting a small cup of black coffee from each shop.  I noted things like the aroma, flavor and most of all, the cost.  Remember I'm looking for great coffee but it has to be inexpensive, after all I work for disc jockey wages.

As I stopped in to each drive-thru, I ordered my coffee the same way every time.  Small coffee - black, no cream or sugar. I wanted my experience to be as similar as possible at every stop.

Having completed my research, I’m feeling pretty perky about my findings and am proud to announce my list of the Top Five drive-thru places to find the best coffee in town.

Knowing that not everyone lives on the same side of town that I do, I've categorized these locations geographically.

Best Coffee in Casper - East Side

Wyoming Coffee Company - 2nd and Thelma (in front of K-mart)

What a gem I found in this drive-thru barista!  Not only was the coffee from the Wyoming Coffee Company aromatic, but it was extremely robust.  The 12oz “cowboy coffee” I received was hot - WARNING - extremely hot, and was served with a chocolate covered espresso bean as a dressing on the cup, which I thought was a great touch.  In my travels, this cup was by far the best coffee I tasted at any of the locations my along my java expedition.  The Wyoming Coffee Company's 12oz coffee did set me back $2.00, which was a bit on the pricey side for me, but then again it was well worth it.

Best Coffee in Casper - South Side

Hely's Java #2 - Poplar and 25th

My choices were a bit slim on the south side of Casper, but my venture was rewarded when I found Hely's Java#2 (in front of Harbor Freight).  I was greeted with a smile and an absolutely delicious cup of Joe.  The barista was extremely friendly and was quick to strike up a conversation, as well as wish me a great day.  After a couple sips of the mild and soothing coffee from my mug, I knew I'd be stopping in every time I found myself needing a pick me up while on the south side of town.  My 12oz cup of coffee at Hely's Java #2 was $2.05 and the most I paid for any cup of coffee in my travels.

Best Coffee in Casper - West Side

Starbucks Coffee - Wyoming Blvd at CY

It’s hard to beat a Starbucks with a drive-thru, at least when there is no line to contend with.  I waited in line 12 minutes to get a cup of black coffee, and as we've all come to expect from Starbucks - the coffee was excellent.  Having had Starbucks' coffee many times before, I knew exactly what to expect and was happy to be greeted by an old friend from the past.

The location on the west side was easy to get into and out of.  If the line is too long (as it would have been for me, had I been in a hurry) to wait in, you could always go with my "honorable mention" - McDonald's which was almost next door. (see honorable mention below)

Starbucks' version of a small coffee is their tall which cost $1.75 plus tax, although you could upgrade to a large (venti) and only be out $2.07.  An excellent choice!

Best Coffee in Casper - North Side

Hot Shot Java – Corner of 1^st Street and David Street

Probably considered by most as downtown more than North Casper, but I had trouble finding a decent drive-thru on the "North" side of Casper, so I'm going with the best coffee drive-thru, I found furthest North within the city limits.

Aroma filled my car immediately as I received my cup of coffee from the friendliest little coffee barista, on my journey.  I knew I was in for a treat judging from the traffic already at the little Hot Shot Java hut.  After waiting only a minute or two, I was greeted with a smile. The coffee was served extremely hot, but the wait to taste this caffeinated tease was worth it.  After letting it cool a bit, I was rewarded with a full flavored robust cup of coffee.  The price was in line with my expectations at only $1.58 - an extremely good price for a great cup of java.  Plus, Hot Shot Java offers a loyalty rewards punch card, so every eleventh cup is FREE!  (That’s a price we can all appreciate!)

This brings me to my most affordable cup of coffee.

Best Coffee in Casper - City Center

Peaches – 2^nd and Grant Street

You might find this one just as shocking, as it was to me.  The best cup of coffee in central Casper was found at an outstanding price of $.62 cents for a 16oz cup.  The great family service you’ve come to expect from Peaches Family Restaurant was also extended to me at the drive-thru.  The coffee was fresh, had a great aroma along with a rich smooth taste.  It’s hard to argue with this historic food stop in the heart of Casper.  Great coffee for less than the amount of change you’ll find under the floor mats in your car or truck.  Trust me and give this drive-thru a try, the next time you’re in need of a “pick me up”.

Best Coffee in Casper - Honorable Mention

McDonald's – Various Locations

Those familiar golden arches offer more than just a quality quarter pounder with cheese.  In fact, McDonald’s has been working hard to offer a consistent McCafe experience. Regardless of the location you choose, or the time of day.  You’re sure to find a McDonald’s right round the corner, ready to help you wake up or even unwind at the end of a long day.  McDonald's boasts their very own blend of 100% Arabica beans for their newly expanded coffee selections, and a cup of this distinctive flavorful coffee is always ready for only a buck - A great choice for the weary traveler or any time you’re in a hurry.