Like so many writers, travelers and lovers of city culture, I’m always on the hunt for the perfect coffee shop. (I know. I’m a walking cliche. But, in this case, a happily caffeinated one.)
There exists in my head a mirage of that perfect cafe – which bears a striking resemblance to the Ground Floor, the coffeehouse where I worked in college). The Ground Floor was my cafe, the first one I ever fell in love with and the only one I’ve worked in, so in some ways, since I left Midland (and since it closed), I’ve been searching for its counterpart everywhere else.
(Enjoying a peppermint hot cocoa, at Francesca’s in Boston’s South End)
My list of criteria for a perfect cafe is exacting, and includes:
- mellow-with-a-touch-of-funky atmosphere
- large selection of good-quality teas
- delicious chai and hot chocolate (much as I love the coffeehouse culture, I’m not a coffee drinker)
- yummy pastries, sandwiches and soups
- cozy corners to write in (tables, couches or armchairs)
- big windows with beautiful light (and a nice view)
- the perfect balance between bustling and calm
- friendly baristas
- an easily accessible location
Recently, I’ve found myself whining, like Goldilocks, about the flaws of my favorite cafes in Boston. Thinking Cup has the perfect atmosphere and delicious sandwiches, but a sadly limited tea selection. Boston Common Coffee House serves a favorite tea brand, but has a depressing view (of scaffolding, currently, though it’s not their fault). Starbucks on Charles St. has lovely views, yummy chai and cozy little tables, but it’s Starbucks, which always makes me feel like I’m betraying my inner indie girl.
Farther afield, Athan’s has the best chocolate croissants, but their sandwiches are so-so. Francesca’s in the South End has wonderful drinks and lovely light, but I’m hardly ever in that area. (Ditto for Tealuxe and Crema in Harvard Square – though I ate dinner at Crema the other night.)
(Tomato soup, fresh foccaccia and iced rooibos tea at Crema)
And then I realized how ridiculous – how first-world-privileged and spoiled – I sounded, even to myself. Like Goldilocks, I have my choice of places to curl up (though I have it better than she did, because I get to drink tea and write and people-watch). And, though none of my cafes may be “perfect,” all of them – on certain days and in certain ways – are just right.
Ever find yourself complaining about something that’s actually a boon – or is it just me?
cakes, tea and dreams 
ALL THE TIME. And often about coffee shops too 🙂 Like the atmosphere, don’t like the brew. Comfy chairs, no atmosphere. Too many people. Too few people. Wow, I needed the perspective, thanks!
I’ve never thought of that story in that light; Goldilocks had her choice of places to sleep. Katie, sometimes you’re brilliant.
…and you also do a good smize when you drink coffee for the camera. 🙂
Katie, I share your affinity (and most of your criteria) for the perfect coffee house. Many (uh, 27) years ago, quite the Berkeley-Cafe Roma snob, I spent six weeks in Cambridge (Mass) and could not believe that the uber-college town seemed to offer only “cafes” serving cream in little plastic tubs. An insult to the name, I thought. Good to know that things have changed, at least across the river.
My husband and I were just talking about coffee shops today. We live in a tiny little town in Western WI and finding a coffee shop with good hot chai (coffee for him), wi-fi, and convenient outlets is nearly impossible. Thanks for the perspective. If we really want all those things, we can get them right here at home.
I wish there was just ONE decent coffee shop near where we live.
Katie…the ground floor is open…had a chai tea latte there a few weeks ago…scrumptious…