OK, But Coffee First

Coffee is something that people apparently can't live without. It estranges me that people make their coffee addiction their entire personality: "I drink 4 cups per day. How many do you drink?" Um.. none. I take a nap like an 80-year-old man. Don't even get me started when seasonal drinks come around. People act like they are cashing in their lottery tickets to win the jackpot; I know. I used to work at a coffee shop.

In all seriousness, coffee is excellent but even better with the right atmosphere. In this week's addition, you will experience my thoughts on different coffee shops. However, I challenge you to create your own experiences and let me know if you agree or disagree. Now, the hot take for the week: Starbucks isn't a coffee shop because it feels stale. I enjoy their coffee, don't get me wrong, but the environment doesn't make me feel like I am the main character, sipping coffee overlooking the Eiffel Tower and on top of the world... quite literally. Instead, it's like buying a luxury chair that you constantly slide off of, where physical discomfort seeps into your sensory system, causing coffee not to taste special. Lastly, before I give my unsolicited opinion, I AM NOT A COFFEE CONNOISSEUR.

1) 3 Little Chicks Coffee and Bakery

Cute name, even a cuter coffee shop. The coffee and bakery goods are superb, and even better, all of their bakery items are homemade. The interior engulfs you with a cute, cozy vibe like a momma would provide for her chicks. Customer service is unmatched. They will know you by name, your drink order and chat with you while making your drink with love. Furthermore, is there any other coffee shop with a putt-putt course in its backyard? Exactly, it's equivalent to seeing snow on a beach in my opinion. The only downside of the coffee/bakery is the location, with its shop being located in Mountain View; however, the drive is worth it. Overall, I rate it a 4.7/5.

2) Taste Full Beans

All I can say is it's a hippie's dream place, not solely regarding aesthetics but also the goods sold. The vintage artwork and fixtures, as well as plants that flow through the shop, give a sense of transcendentalism, The coffee was good, and the spinach bites were to die. Speaking of food, I do like that they serve food items instead of solely snack food with coffee. We all know what happens when you drink coffee on an empty stomach. It's not pleasant! There are a few downsides: it is extremely busy as it is in the heart of downtown Hickory, so if you are looking for a quiet oasis, this may not be the shop for you. Furthermore, if you decide to stay to enjoy your coffee and study, I would like to preface that they give you a 90-minute limit. Have I ever heard of such a stipulation in an establishment? No. Will it be a turn-off to certain people? Yes. However, you can't please everyone, and I will keep it at that statement. Overall, I rate it a 4.4/5.

3) Waterbean

Listen, I know people will have a lot to say because it's technically not a local coffee shop due to having numerous locations across NC; however, when I think of franchises, I think of Starbucks and Dunkin, so sorry. Waterbean has a common aesthetic with a lot of coffee shops in metropolitan areas: modern meets chic! The white interior and colorful chairs/fixtures are pleasant to the gaze. The coffee is great, and I love that they serve their drinks in modern coffee mugs and glasses, instead of paper cups, creating a more euphoric experience. On another note, their goods aren't homemade and, quite frankly, pretty uneventful, at least when it comes to the salted caramel macarons; they are suppose to be light and fluffy, not hard and dense, Nonetheless, my experience was pleasant. Lastly, location is prime due to it being right on center street, which is on my way to work! Overall, I rate it a 4.5/5.

In conclusion, all of the coffee shops are cute so pick one that matches your personality, what you desire, and where you will feel at home. Until next week!

Sincerely,

Hitched To Real Estate