What makes a good coffee stop
Searching for that unique coffee experience
Coffee - anywhere and everywhere
Places to enjoy a good cup of coffee have evolved over the years. In the past, coffee was typically served only at diners or restaurants. No more. Today, all kinds of places serve coffee - gas stations, convenience stores, coffee carts on the streets and cafes dedicated to the fine art of enjoying a cup of coffee. The drive-through coffee joint is now a common sight. Just recently, I discovered a drinking (liquor) establishment that also offered a separate expresso bar. Drinking coffee has proliferated everywhere.
What makes a good coffee stop to me
Locally owned and operated by the owners
I like to walk into a cafe and strike up a conversation with the owner/manager. Usually, he or she is passionate about coffee and likes to talk about their business. Even better, I look for a story behind the beginning of the business. If the business is housed in a historic building or neighborhood, that is a definite plus.
Open every day and early
Early morning and preferably seven days a week. After all, I drink coffee every day and all day. A lot of my friends drink a coffee beverage in the evening to keep them going. Today, my world operates 24 hours per day.
Baristas who know what they are doing
A barista is a true coffee artist with extensive knowledge of coffee. He or she should be capable of preparing and creating all kinds of special drinks - from the very simple expresso to the fancier recipes. When I drink coffee, I like to mix it up and try new recipes.
Access to locally roasted coffee
Many of the coffee joints I visit use a locally roasted coffee or have access to a roaster who imports beans from around the world. I prefer organic coffee beans - grown and produced without the use of pesticides or other additives. My digestive system is sensitive and organic coffee is less acidic and smoother.
Inviting and comfortable
I like a place that friends like to gather and hang out. Coffee spots are my favorite place to meet friends and clients. A quiet corner or separate area with some tables is ideal. A bonus if a secure wifi is available.
Community focused
Businesses that give back to the community appeal to me. Whether it is a specific cause or doing good things to help others - many coffee companies today consistently give back. Deer Green in Glasgow, Scotland was established to provide fair and ethical working conditions and provide jobs with living wages.
Some of my favorites and why
As of May 7, 2024
Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar in Owego, New York - owned and operated by an artist. Located in downtown Owego, New York in a walkable neighborhood. Homemade soups, baked goods and the walls are adorned with Carol’s wonderful art. Live music most days.
Charlie’s Coffee House in Manchester, New Hampshire
A favorite local hang out that offers locally roasted coffee, a deli and sandwiches to go. Dog friendly too.
Espresso West in West Yellowstone, Montana - location, location, location. Housed in a small building on a corner. My favorite early morning stop when I finish my morning run.
Sexy Llamas Mobile Express Bar based in Manchester, Vermont - owned and operated by a woman named Amy. When we met, I asked her about the origin of the name. Amy told me that when she was hiking with a friend in Peru, her friend described the llamas as “sexy.” I did not ask for details but suffice it to say - the rest is history. Sexy Llamas offers excellent coffee, lattes and iced beverages.
Prime Roast Coffee in Keene, New Hampshire - a place where locals come to drink coffee and hang out. Roasts their own organic coffee and ships coffee. Their roasting house was built in the 1840’s as a mill manager’s house.
Better World Cafe in Milford, Pennsylvania (see picture at top) - located in an historic building in my home town. Bloomgarden’s Department Store occupied this building when I was young girl. This was the place to shop.
Morning View in Nags Head, North Carolina - a recent discovery on my trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Read more about my trip here.
I loved these coffee shop criteria - it really is an essential part of the walk - although in Scotland it is more of a tea shop traditionally. When I walked the West Highland Way with my sister and friend in my native Scotland (it's around a 100-mile route from Glasgow to Fort William - in case you don't know it - not sure how famous it is outside the country), one thing that became a highlight was passing through the little villages and communities, eating the local home baking and refuelling with tea or coffee. As we watched the landscape change from Glasgow to the Highlands, it was also beautiful to enter each of these little villages and communities on foot and have a place to rest and gather. Thank you Jenn.
Nice list of considerations. Although I am still partial to the brew I do at home. On the road, I love to find local spots. I would also promote places that invite you sitting a spell. My wife is from Europe and the idea of coffee to go is just a complete anathema to her. Coffee is to be drunk slowly in either enjoying a moment of solitude or in the company of great acquaintances sharing time.