The Story
De Fer Coffee & Tea launched in 2018 as a specialty roaster in the Strip District, and quickly established itself as one of Pittsburgh's top coffee operations. The name pays homage to Fort Duquesne (literally 'of iron' in French), connecting the brand to Pittsburgh's industrial heritage. Founder Joe DeCapua roasts in small batches on-site, sourcing beans from direct-trade relationships with farms across Central America, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
The Strip District cafe is a bright, industrial space where you can watch the roasting process while sipping a pour-over or espresso. De Fer has earned recognition at regional and national coffee competitions, and its beans are now available at retailers and restaurants throughout Western Pennsylvania.
De Fer represents the maturation of Pittsburgh's specialty coffee scene. The city has moved well beyond basic drip coffee, and De Fer is at the forefront with its focus on traceability, roast quality, and education.