Bluebird Coffee Shop

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Bluebird Coffee Shop
Location: Manhattan, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I never grow tired of discovering new coffee spots in New York. It's the one city that regardless of how often I stop by, there's always a new or rejuvenated shop to hit. It's a never-ceasing coffee adventure.

Neat Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Neat Coffee

Location: Darien, CT
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Like the gates of Mordor, so stands the George Washington Bridge guarding passage of Interstate 95. Every time I know I must cross, I literally set off in the wee morning hours like a hobbit trying to avoid orc-like traffic. Thus far, I've been fortunate with this method and aside from sacrificing precious sleep, it has had but one major detraction: it takes me past Neat Coffee in Connecticut long before they open up.

Madcap Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Madcap Coffee
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

These days, few coffee companies seem to have as many fans as Madcap Coffee. Whether it's their colorful designs or their excellently-roasted coffee, one usually hears many cheers of affirmation when Madcap is on the table (both topically and literally). 

Mugged: Peruvian [Dean's Beans]

Subject: Dean's Beans
Coffee Mugged: Peruvian
Rating [see key]: 4+

I remember vividly my first experience with Dean's Beans. The year was 1999 and a local, progressive coffeehouse began featuring their beans due to the fact that DB believes strongly in using coffee to drive positive change. Sadly despite the altruistic mission of this local cafe, they did not care much for coffee quality and as such they closed down after a few years.

Espresso a Mano

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Espresso a Mano
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Despite its relatively close proximity, I don't make it to Pittsburgh as much as I would like. It's like an old college buddy that has a conflicting social schedule who lives too far away to visit without lodging. Fortunately, when the opportunity knocks to make a stop in the Iron City, I make sure to swoop in like an old chum (suddenly and without warning) for a brief respite.