Just outside of Cincinnati, you’ll find the charming town of Loveland, Ohio. Whether you’re taking a stroll along the bike trail, grabbing a bite to eat, or wandering through the local shops, Loveland is a stop worth adding to your list. If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for a great cup of coffee—and I found that, and so much more, at The Cocoa Muse.
The Heart Behind The Cocoa Muse
The Cocoa Muse opened in September of 2025, originally under the name “The Cocoa Lounge.” But the night before opening, owner Jessica Tye had an idea that would give the shop a much more personal meaning. Wanting to honor her father, who passed away a few years ago, Jessica decided to use her maiden name, Muse, and named the shop The Cocoa Muse in his memory.
That story is just the beginning of what makes The Cocoa Muse so deeply connected to the Loveland community. Jessica’s favorite coffee is their French press; The Boike Black, which is named after former Loveland mayor Roland Boike. It’s a small but meaningful example of how the people and families who have shaped this community are remembered and celebrated.
And that sense of community doesn’t stop with the names behind the menu. During the many mornings I’ve spent enjoying my coffee at The Cocoa Muse, I’ve noticed something that feels increasingly special: the people behind the counter know their customers by name, and they know their usual orders, too. Just as naturally, the customers know the names of the employees serving them.
As someone who calls Loveland home, I’ve come to appreciate how much a place can tell you about its community. At The Cocoa Muse, you can feel that sense of connection simply by sitting down, enjoying a cup of coffee, and taking in the community around you. It’s more than a coffee shop; it’s a place where the stories, relationships, and people of Loveland come together.
The History of The Cocoa Muse
Oddly enough, The Cocoa Muse didn’t set out to become your local spot for coffee. The idea began with Jessica and her son, Parker, who works for a chocolatier. What started as a conversation about opening a chocolate shop quickly grew into something more.
After talking with several friends from Europe, Jessica and Parker realized there was something missing in the area: a place where people could experience a true European-style hot cocoa. Unlike traditional hot chocolate made by mixing cocoa powder with water or milk, European hot cocoa is made by melting solid chocolate directly into whole milk or cream, creating a much richer and more indulgent drink.
From there, The Cocoa Muse evolved from its original vision of selling chocolate and sweets into a place where you can stop in for a European hot cocoa, grab your morning coffee, and, of course, treat yourself to something sweet.
And when it comes to those sweets, I have to say; this is absolutely the spot. The homemade treats are the kind that make it difficult to leave with just one, and, in my opinion, nothing else quite compares.
Let’s Talk Coffee
Let’s dive into the coffee. Assistant Manager Sophie, a culinary school graduate, plays a big role in creating The Cocoa Muse’s seasonal menus and bringing new ideas to life. Their one-of-a-kind cream cheese cold foam and house made syrups are all part of her in-house recipes, giving the menu a unique touch that sets it apart from other coffee shops.
But what makes the coffee at The Cocoa Muse even more special is the way the menu can grow directly from the community.
One local guest shared a story about having a Teddy Graham Latte while she was out of town. After returning home, she searched for something similar locally but couldn’t find quite what she was looking for. That conversation quickly turned into a collaboration between Jessica and Sophie, who got to work creating their own version of the Teddy Graham Latte.
The guest’s reaction? It wasn’t like the one she had tried before—it was better.
I can personally attest to that. The Teddy Graham Latte quickly became one of my favorites from their seasonal menu last fall, and I’m already looking forward to its return this winter.
It’s another small example of what makes The Cocoa Muse feel different. The menu isn’t simply created for the community; in some ways, it’s created with the community.
Worth the Visit
The Cocoa Muse is more than a place to grab a cup of coffee or satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s a place where stories are remembered, new ones are created, and the community has a seat at the table. From the meaning behind its name to the locally inspired drinks and the familiar faces behind the counter, you can feel the heart of Loveland in every corner. After spending the past year becoming part of the Loveland community myself, The Cocoa Muse has become one of those places that feels less like somewhere I’m visiting and more like somewhere I belong. So, whether you’re looking for a great cup of coffee, a European-style hot cocoa, a homemade sweet, or simply a welcoming place to spend your morning, The Cocoa Muse is a little Loveland gem worth discovering.
Photos courtesy of Alexandra Guljas and The Cocoa Muse Facebook
Looking for more local places to visit? Check out this list.
