Sometimes, life goes beyond food. It needs to be supplemented in liquid form, with a drink on the side.
Wine, of course, is my favorite beverage, and when the occasion is inappropriate for alcoholic content, I typically stick with water. I do have one soft spot though, and that is rich, bold coffee.
I blame coffee shops.
In college, I used to spend hours at a time inside them. Three quarters of the binder of notes for my oral thesis were filled in the corner of Starbucks. Except for freshman year, I never wrote a single paper in my dorm room, preferring instead to utilize the complimentary wifi at Think Coffee.
No matter where I’ve gone in the world, I’ve always found my café corner. Take Prague, for instance: there, my spot was Meduza, a smoky literary den, filled with mismatched everything and wine as cheap as a mug of black coffee.
With school behind me, I still find it easy to fill a coffee shop afternoon. I’m happy to sit with a book, a friend, a laptop, a blank page. I love seeing the people come and go, and I love forgetting where I am, even with the noise around me.
Last week, for instance, Katie and I chatted over an afternoon mug in the dimly lit Irving Farm. It always feels cozy inside those café walls; the tables are rickety and the air circulation not ideal, but they have Fage for sale and wifi for free. If a coveted table can be snagged, it’s an ideal writing location.
Back when I first frequented corner tables, I’d spend my cash on syrupy drinks and sweet treats. These days, I’ve become a purist: my coffee is black and my food is nutritious. My pennies might be pinched, but the experience no less pleasant.
I like to hold onto traditions, and this one fits easily into a healthy life. Snacks can be brought, and tea can [occasionally] be chosen instead. But the atmosphere, and the hours of thought: those always remain the same.
Are you a coffee shop dweller? Where is your favorite?
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Not a coffee gal
I love this post, Leslie. You and I are so much alike. I used to be a huge coffee shop dweller, but I haven’t found the perfect shop in DC. They either close too early for me or they’re at least 30 minutes away… I hope to find a good one again.
I love nothing more than spending a morning in a coffee shop…people watching, writing, thinking. Hard to pick a favourite place, but there is a great shop called “The Black Medicine Co” here, and “The Elephant House” which also serves wine. I always feel special going there because it’s where the first Harry Potter book was written
I like what you said at the end of this post: black coffee, nutritious food. I am the exact same way when it comes to food and drink. I think every morning, when I’m drinking my coffee – I say out loud to my mom “God, I just LOVE coffee!” and she always goes, “I know, I know.”
I am a coffee shop dweller. I love meeting friends for a warm drink. I also like to write and do homework in coffee shops. there’s something calm but productive about the atmosphere
great post!
I’m convinced coffee shops and a cup of coffee are what the world go round.
LOVE and completely appreciate this post.
I like coffee, but I don’t drink it on a regular basis. I usually drink coffee when talking with friends, or leisurely working on the computer, especially at coffee shops. Belgium didn’t have coffee shops like we do in the U.S., most cafes had alcohol and was a better atmosphere for socializing. I like hanging out with friends at coffee shops, but one of my favorite things to do in a coffee shop is just spend hours by myself. I love the atmosphere, especially if there is particular attention to the decor. Maybe coffee shops will catch on in Europe, I know there are a few Starbucks there now. While I have been to several coffee shops, my favorite is the one in my small Maryland town. I love the idea of supporting local business, so I bypass the local Starbucks and support this coffee shop, which features concerts on Friday nights.
I earned about half of my degree in a coffee shop that will forever hold a place in my heart. Espresso Royale Cafe (Or ERC as we affectionately called it). The number of problem sets worked on there was immeasurable. I wound up with a serious caffeine addiction as a result, which I kicked cold turkey right before finals one semester. Was almost 100% off the stuff for 2 years. Living in Seattle for the last year has gotten me back on the bandwagon though, albeit at a more reasonable pace(a cup every other day, as opposed to 4-5 a day. Something about it is so comforting and delicious. Favorite shop in Seattle is Cafe Vita, roasted in Seattle, and just down the block from me. Great spot, though I don’t lounge in coffee shops as much as I used to, I still appreciate a great drip.
i love coffee shops– i agree, the environment is like none other! i love going there to work on a paper or to catch up with a friend.. idk or to catch up on a book
xoxo
shelley
One of my favorite things about Buenos Aires is the cafe culture. There is literally a coffee shop on every corner, and the waiters let you sit and sip your coffee as long as you like. Cafe con leche or espresso is served with a small glass of bubbling water and a miniature cookie. You would love it Leslie!!
i used to love my vanilla latte’s but sadly i had to stop drinking coffee due to my stomach. but i still love sitting in coffee shops and smell the wonderful aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans
i love the idea of coffee shops and often wish i was more of a ‘dweller’…. yet i dont drink coffee! hahaha. perhaps i could be a tea drinker/coffee shop dweller
xoxox
I love sitting for hours in coffee shops… it’s one of my favorite things to do! The Twin Cities (in Minnesota) have some really great ones. I also like Joe… have you seen the new Think on 12th?
I’m also a black coffee drinker in shops, and I’m especially grateful when they offer free refills.
There’s something magical about coffee shops, yes.
I loves my coffee too
Thank you for that comment
What an insightful post! There is something sacred and social about coffee places. I find great serenity and warmth from the smell of coffee shops and the music usually played. I also love going with my friends to people watch, hehe.
I’m not a big fan of Starbucks for many reasons. However, I do love a small, local coffee shop.
Have a Wonderful Wednesday, lovely lady!
becca
I absolutely love coffee and coffee shops. I actually went to Think Coffee for the first time this summer and loved it!
I go to a local coffee shop here in Amherst called Rao’s Coffee. It’s one of the places I’m going to miss the most when I’m done here!
i’m definitely a coffee dweller! i’m always happy in a coffee shop.