Mugged: Overwinter Coffee

Subject: Overwinter Coffee
Coffee Mugged: The Lemon Drop

Rating [see key]: 6+

For a couple of years in the early 21st century, I called Upstate New York home. While it took me some time to warm up to it, I genuinely do miss being close to the raw beauty of the Adirondacks, the exorbitant snowfall and visiting the old towns that remind me of Bedford Falls. 

Cultivar

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Cultivar
Location visited: East Dallas, TX
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I am told supermarkets made their rise primarily because they made many stops into one. Instead of hitting the butcher, the farmers market and the dry goods emporium, folks could get it all in one shot. While I am a strong advocate of shopping at specialty vendors (ie I love going to a butcher), in practice I absolutely see the value in convenience, so when quality small businesses team up to share a location, my heart soars.

Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits
Location: Waco, TX
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Prior to 2017, I am not sure if I ever passed through Waco. I distinctly remember driving through Texas with my family well over a decade ago and seeing a sign that said something to the effect of "Entering Waco City Limits." But then again, in tracing past family road trips on a map, I don't recall ever passing close to Waco. Since it's not something that keeps me up at night, I am content to leave it all a mystery (though I would like to figure it out one day).

La p'tite Brulerie

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: La p'tite Brulerie
Location: Deschambault, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

While living in Montana and Syracuse, I really began to appreciate the offerings of small villages. Not only are they typically rich in history, but the retail establishments tend to be more authentic and unique. This trend held true along the St. Lawrence river, with numerous quaint settlements bordering the riverfront. One particular village of Deschambault yielded my favorite find of the lot, a coffee roaster called La p'tite Brulerie.

Nektar Cafeologue

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Nektar Cafeologue
Location visited: Quebec City, QC (Rue Saint-Joseph Est)
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

There are precious few North American cities that have incorporated long stairways right into the urban landscape, yet if I had to pick one of my favorites, it would be Quebec City. During a visit when temperatures were mild and above freezing, I found each set of stairs unique and full of personality, though sometimes a few steps longer than my lungs would have liked.

Cup and Spoon

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Cup and Spoon
Location: Chicago, IL
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

A Chicago winter certainly demands plenty of cafes in which to warm up and enjoy a mug of well-brewed coffee. Fortunately on a recent trip to the windy city, I found such a place to sip and relax at a local haven called Cup and Spoon.

Différance

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Cafe Différance
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

A coffeehouse with a line is usually a great sign. I say "usually" because there exist some cafes that will make questionably poor choices that cause customer waits, like a lone barista operation pouring exclusively pourover during the morning rush or the cue being held up by someone who ordered 15 creme brûlée lattes for the office. But when a hefty line forms despite four employees moving like a Swiss clock, I take solace in the fact that the wait is almost definitely worth it. 

Cafe Frida

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Cafe Frida
Location: Trois-Rivières, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

While the pickings are often slimmer, I greatly love finding good coffeehouses outside the city limits of a major metropolitan area. Sure, most cafes of merit exist in the urban jungles of the world, but there's something extra special when I come across a reputable coffee bar in a small town or in the midst of suburbia.

Paquebot Cafe

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Paquebot Cafe
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Seeking out good coffee has the distinct benefit of exposing one to parts of a city that might not have been on the regular tourist route. More often than not, a good coffeeshop is like a songbird, singing an enticing song to beckon curious travelers to check out a neighborhood and its offerings.

Groundswell Coffee Roasters

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Groundswell Coffee Roasters
Location Visited: 4839 N. Damen Ave, Chicago IL
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While Chicago usually bequeaths a tough winter fit for a caribou, the occasional mild days make walking the city streets a fairly pleasant jaunt. Naturally, when I take such an outing, one of Chicago's many excellent coffeehouses will be on my route. Always on the hunt for new-to-me establishments, I found myself out for a stroll one morning that ended at the doorstep of Groundswell Coffee's North Damen outpost.

Buck 15

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Buck 15 Espresso Bar
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Husband and wife duos make some of the best businesses. True, some couples do best to keep their day jobs apart, but sometimes a business of great worth comes from the combined dreams of two people.

Sub Rosa Bakery

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Sub Rosa Bakery
Location: Richmond, VA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While most bakeries supply coffee, relatively few do it well. Sure, I understand that coffee is not usually a bakery's bread and butter (*rimshot*), but a baker that makes a great cup of coffee (not to mention latte) will definitely extend his/her appeal.

Saint-Henri Micro-Torréfacteur

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Saint-Henri Micro-Torréfacteur
Location: Quebec City, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

For as long as I've been searching for coffee in Canada, there's always been a Saint-Henri enterprise on my radar. Back in 2008 I discovered Caffe in Gamba in Montreal, the cafe that began it all. From there, I've watched from afar as Saint-Henri grew into a serious roaster, set up other Montreal shops, and then expanded over to Quebec City. Finally on a gorgeous recent evening, I was able to make a trip to their cafe in the Saint-Roch neighborhood for a long overdue after-dinner coffee.

Cafe Humble Lion

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Cafe Humble Lion
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Looking back on my love of reading, I have CS Lewis to thank for much of it. It was the seven books of the Chronicles of Narnia that first instilled not only literary enjoyment, but also further understanding in my young mind. Looking back at the many allegorical elements, Aslan easily tops my list as most impacting. Lewis' portrayal of this divine lion definitely helped round out my perspective on God as well as my understanding of humility, that the trait reflects a selfless focus on helping others, a quality that ousts a self-focused heart and gradually replaces it with a more loving, compassionate one.

Function Coffee Labs

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Function Coffee Labs
Location: Philadelphia, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Nine years ago, I visited a vibrant cafe in the Bella Vista section of Philly that resulted in an experience that provided little to no fanfare. Due to the mediocre experience, I soon forgot about the shop and can honestly say that despite driving the area frequently, I never really gave that location a second glance, letting it fall into relative obscurity.

Hodgepodge

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

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

While air travel wears me out, there is no suppressing my child-like, adventurous anticipation when arriving in a distant land. Usually my routine after making it out of the airport is to make a beeline for cup of quality coffee. Thus, upon touching down in Atlanta one sunny afternoon my bearings bore me to a giant coffee venue called Hodgepodge.

Cafe Myriade

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Cafe Myriade
Location Visited: Golden Square Mile (Rue Mackay),
Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While my trips to Montreal are not nearly as frequent as I would like, fortunately shops in the area seem to have a sturdy shelf life. Cafe Myriade is one operation that opened after a trip circa 2007 and over the years I've watched them make great coffee from afar. Finally, nearly ten years later I finally had an opportunity to visit their original Mackay St location for an experience long in the making.

Maelstrøm Saint-Roch

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Maelstrøm Saint-Roch
Location Visted: Quebec City, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Many people have conveyed to me the beauty of Quebec City. Whether it's the old world charm of the old city, the beautiful Chateau Frontenac or the warm reception of locals, Quebec City holds a reputation as a very unique North American destination. Looking to get a little slice of Europe on the continent, I recently made a quick trip north for a brief French-Canadian respite.

Condesa Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Condesa Coffee
Location Visted: Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

For as much as I love the crisp air of winter and snow-covered mountain peaks, I definitely more enjoy sitting outside in a tshirt while sipping on a great cup of coffee. The warmth of Atlanta provides plenty of days for such activity, and coffeehouses like Condesa's O4W (Old Fourth Ward) location have tremendous patios for their agoraphilic patrons like myself.

Crew Collective and Cafe

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Crew Collective and Cafe
Location: Montreal, QC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

If there's an item that woefully lacks in coffeehouses these days, it's unique atmosphere. Few shops seem to transcend the usual trends or really put their creativity to work when putting together their environment. My theory is that due to the crucial nature of atmosphere, most places either play it safe, sticking to tested convention versus more interesting ideas, or find themselves limited by time/money/laws/themselves. Whatever the reasons, unique digs definitely elude the average cafe.