If you love excellent coffee, cozy corners, and supporting local businesses, then Eli Coffee Co deserves a spot on your must-visit list. This mini coffee bar, tucked inside Ozwell Fitness at 1077 Third Ave SW, Carmel, IN, offers a coffee experience that’s small in size but big in flavor and intention.
Open only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Eli Coffee Co has quickly become a hidden gem on the Monon Trail—a perfect stop for morning walkers, gym-goers, or anyone craving a truly well-crafted cup.
Behind Eli Coffee Co is a story rooted in passion. In a 2024 post, the founder shared how years spent in coffee shops across the U.S. sparked a mission to reimagine what a great coffee experience can be. After seeing how many shops cut corners—using cheap ingredients, artificial syrups, and lower-quality beans—they wanted to create something better.
Their concept is refreshingly simple: use clean, premium ingredients—free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives—to craft a drink that speaks for itself. This vision began with a mobile coffee cart serving Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis, elevating events with quality lattes. Now, Carmel is lucky to have a slice of that experience in person.
During our visit, we tried two drinks:
The Pure PSL — a luxurious pumpkin spice latte made with organic pumpkin sauce, grass-fed A2 pumpkin-infused cold cream, Family Tyme A2 whole milk, and ELI espresso blend. Unlike the typical overly sweet PSL, this one was smooth, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.
Strawberry Matcha — crafted with organic ceremonial grade matcha, grass-fed collagen, and agave-sweetened strawberry puree. This drink not only looked beautiful but tasted refreshing and delicate, with natural flavors that felt clean and vibrant.
Both drinks were exceptional, and we could tell the barista’s technique was top-notch—smooth pours, silky textures, and flavors that lingered just right. The moment we took that first sip, we knew this was a place we’d be coming back to.
Eli Coffee Co’s menu may be small, but every drink is thoughtfully made:
The Pure One Latte — honey, organic cinnamon, A2 milk, ELI espresso
Upside Down Mocha — agave-sweetened organic chocolate mocha with 21g of protein
Backwoods Latte — maple syrup, organic cinnamon, oryx desert salt, A2 milk
The Pure PSL — elevated pumpkin spice latte made from pure ingredients
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew — topped with pumpkin-infused A2 cream
Strawberry Matcha — ceremonial matcha with strawberry puree and collagen
Prices are fair, especially considering the quality of the ingredients. Every cup feels intentional, not mass-produced.
Though it’s located inside a gym, the space has a welcoming vibe. It’s simple, clean, and calm—the kind of spot where you can grab your drink, chat for a bit, or take it to go and enjoy a walk on the Monon Trail.
We didn’t get the barista’s name, but the service was warm and friendly. It’s the kind of place where you’re not just another customer—you’re part of the community.
Eli Coffee Co has something many big chains can’t replicate: heart. It’s about quality, care, and creating meaningful coffee moments. We truly hope they open a full store in the future so we can enjoy their drinks more often, outside of their limited hours.
Until then, we’ll make time to stop by whenever we can—and if you love good coffee, you should too.
Address: 1077 Third Ave SW, Carmel, IN
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday | 8 AM – 12 PM
Instagram: @elicoffeeco
Website: elicoffeeco.com
We Like Indy Tip: If you love supporting small businesses and appreciate real craftsmanship in your cup, make sure to add Eli Coffee Co to your morning coffee route. This is the kind of local gem that makes Carmel special.
Photos by We Like Indy Team.