Henry and June

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Henry and June
Location: Atlanta, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Updated 9/19/16: It appears this place is in the process of closing down, with limited hours and offerings. Stop by while you still can (check their social media for updates).
Tis a loss for Atlanta. 

While I understand the risks, I personally love shopping for clothes with my coffee in hand. Of course there have been a few times employees have asked me to cease my sippings until I've cleared the register, but most places don't seem to mind (I think it's due to my observable dexterity with a mug). And while I am used to this peaceful coexistence I find at most retail outlets, every now and then I find a store that not only embraces the fusion of coffee and fashion, but that sells both.

CC: Octane Coffee Bar and Lounge

What's a Coffee Commentary?

Subject: Octane Coffee Bar and Lounge
Location visited: Atlanta, GA
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]



While I love unearthing shops unheard of, it's always delightful to visit places that have already attracted a good bit of credible attention. The promise of good coffee comes as a welcome change when traveling to far distant lands (such as Georgia).

The promise of good coffee also makes a 2 mile walk a little easier to rationalize in one's head, which happened to be the distance between my hotel and the exposed gem of Octane Coffee. The small operation has received a great deal of hype (such as this lovely write-up here) and made for a suitable finish line during two different outings with some of my colleagues.

The exterior of the building is a low brick structure to the west of the Georgia Tech campus. There's a nice array of outside seating and what appears to be a club house on the roof (I don't know if it's theirs or even functional but it looks nifty). The interior of the place was quite large with concrete floors, a seemingly large amount of seating (most of the seats were taken on my second visit), and lots of local art.

The coffee hails from Counter Culture, almost always a great cup of coffee in my experience. I had the La Trinidad as it was their french press on tap (they brew large quanities and put it into a pump pot, a strategy I've only seen in Crescent Moon in NJ) which turned out to be very smooth and sweet, though a bit underwhelming/tad watery. To sum up the espresso, it embodied a pleasant euphoria; good pull by the barista resulting in a beautifully sweet taste and full lucious body. I recall the tea being free leaf but not much else. Might I add they also have an extensive beer selection complete with several on tap.

While I definitely earned a blister in the 4+ miles of walking to and fro, I really felt it worth it. Octane seems to have a great following and a qualified staff. I'm convinced by what I've read and witnessed firsthand that this is a coffee company that could go places. When in Atlanta, definitely give them a visit.