Columbus coffee shop ranks fifth in national reader poll

Royal Flamingo Coffee House at 945 King Ave. secured the fifth highest ranking among independent coffee shops in the United States in the latest USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.

The shop, located inside I Like It Like That, climbed five spots on the national list after placing second in the previous year's competition.

USA Today editors first narrowed a field to 20 finalists, and readers then cast their votes to determine the final top 10. The publication described the Columbus location as combining whimsical branding with serious attention to coffee detail. The outlet noted that the menu features thoughtfully roasted beans for creative brews and espresso concoctions. It also pointed out that the shop uses menu categories such as “Daily Greats” and “Super Fun” to highlight its seasonal signature drinks.

The award process relies on a panel of USA Today experts to select the initial group of contenders before the public vote takes place. Royal Flamingo is the only Columbus establishment named to this year's list. The shop's ranking reflects the combined judgment of the editorial panel and the subsequent reader voting. The establishment continues to operate from its King Avenue location within the I Like It Like That building.

Last year's second place finish set a high benchmark for the shop in this specific category. This year's fifth place result maintains the shop's status in the national top 10. The recognition adds to the profile of the independent coffee scene in Columbus. The shop's unique menu structure and branding were central to the publication's commentary on its standing.