Introduction to the Competition
This is “Small Bites,” a South Florida Sun Sentinel feature with tiny tidbits on the food and beverage scene — because we know that sometimes you just don’t have room for a long article. You want a little news brief instead, an amuse bouche of information, if you will. Enjoy!Â
What is the Competition About
WHAT: Coffee shops are now part of a nationwide fan-voted, bracket-style tournament. And SoFlo is top seed with three contenders — one in Fort Lauderdale and two in Miami.
From now through Oct. 12, java junkies can cast their votes to determine who advances through the knockout rounds, with 64 U.S. coffee shops competing. Surry Hills Coffee in Miami was eliminated in the first round.
Local Contenders
Our remaining local brew boutiques on the board are:
- Fort Lauderdale’s Wells Coffee Co. (with two locations in Flagler Village and Tarpon River neighborhoods)
- Brewing Buddha Cafe & Arthouse and Suite Habana Cafe, both in Miami
The six-round competition is being produced by The64.com, an interactive voting platform. The Las Vegas-based company said their competitions are community-driven and that they do not accept paid placements, adding that coffee shops made it up on the board through public nominations, online reviews and social media buzz.
“South Florida’s coffee scene is unique because it blends culture, creativity and bold flavors,” Justin Woo, founder of The64.com, tells the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “One minute you are grabbing a cafecito at a ventanita, the next you are sitting in an amazing café sipping a single-origin pour-over.”
How to Participate and Win Prizes
EXTRA TIDBIT: You can also win prizes. Every vote earns you a chip that can be used to spin The64 Prize Wheel. You can take part in multiple tournaments simultaneously, earning more chips and increasing your chances to win prizes.
COST: Free
INFORMATION: The64.com
The64.com
Justin Woo, founder of The64.com, an interactive voting platform created to celebrate the "Best Of" through competitive tournaments nationwide. (The64.com/Courtesy)
Rod Stafford Hagwood / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Wells Coffee Co. in Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village neighborhood. (Rod Stafford Hagwood/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Conclusion
Originally Published: September 30, 2025 at 8:25 AM EDT
The competition is a great opportunity for local coffee shops to gain recognition and for coffee lovers to participate in a fun and interactive tournament. With the unique blend of culture, creativity, and bold flavors that South Florida’s coffee scene has to offer, it’s no surprise that three local coffee shops have made it to the top seed. Cast your vote and support your favorite local coffee shop to help them become the USA’s best.
FAQs
Q: How can I participate in the competition?
A: You can participate by casting your vote for your favorite coffee shop on The64.com.
Q: What is the cost to participate?
A: Participation is free.
Q: Can I win prizes?
A: Yes, every vote earns you a chip that can be used to spin The64 Prize Wheel, giving you a chance to win prizes.
Q: How long does the competition run?
A: The competition runs from now through Oct. 12.
Q: How many coffee shops are competing?
A: 64 U.S. coffee shops are competing in the tournament.
