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.

Birch Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Birch Coffee
Location Visited: Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY
WiFi?: no
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Despite the enormity of great coffee in Manhattan, it can still be difficult in certain areas to find a great stop later in the day. Sadly, not all New York City cafes are created equal, and especially for those who enjoy an evening cup of lovingly-crafted joe, it can be hard to locate a provider. Fortunately, the quality coffee scene grows stronger and shops are expanding like wildfire, but in the meantime there is one place in particular that always seems to be nearby when needed: Birch Coffee.

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.

September Surf Cafe

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

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

I never expected to find a surf-centered coffeehouse in Montreal, and yet there exists September Surf Cafe. Named for the peak surf conditions offered on the tail end of summer, September Surf offers excellent coffee along with their affinity for hanging ten.

Rev Coffee Roasters

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Rev Coffee Roasters
Location Visited: Smyrna, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I have always looked at getting a great coffee from a distant roaster as a small road trip in a bag. While I aspire to visit every worthwhile coffee purveyor, the sad truth is that there's not much money in my coffee coffers to make that a consistent reality. So until I get to a roaster's physical shop (if they have one), I'm more than content to breathe in their beans and slurp their brews from afar.

Speckled Hen

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Speckled Hen
Location: Strasburg, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Living in the Philadelphia region means sporadic trips west of the city to the rolling hills of the Lancaster area. Whether your interest is in the amazing food and crafts of the Amish, the smorgasbords or the gorgeous country itself, I have come to love the area west of Sadsburyville.

Mugged: Copper Horse Coffee

Subject: Copper Horse Coffee Roasters
Coffees Mugged and Rating [see key]:

Ngoma Microlot #3 Burundi  6+

Bloom and Bough Blend  5+

Finca Auroro Xolhuitz Guatemala  5+

As a former resident of Central New York, it always warms my heart to see great coffee gaining a stronger foothold in the land of finger lakes and (seemingly) eternal winter. Back in my first days up north, the options for coffee roasters were few and thankfully, the options have grown varied and delicious ever since I left. One of the newer and more delicious of these entities is an Ithaca operation called Copper Horse Coffee Roasters. Getting three of their coffees sent down my way, I took each for a spin via pourover, french press and siphon.

Taproom Coffee and Beer

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Taproom Coffee and Beer 
Location: Atlanta, GA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

It seems that as the years march on, coffee and beer become better friends. For awhile, they only coexisted in the same house. Then some years ago, coffeehouses began featuring quality drafts offerings, mostly in localities where a liquor license didn't preclude such a team-up. Now with nitrogenated coffee (and tea) offerings popping up across the globe, it seems that the only thing separating coffee from beer are their chemical compositions.

Ox Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

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

During my late high school and early college years, I would often stroll the area around Philly's South Street looking for a great coffeehouse to patronize. Sadly, in that era there were few decent options and I often spent a lot of time walking around weeping silent tears. Years later, great spots began popping up here and there, making for a full turn around for the local coffee scene. But of all the current spots that would have appealed to me both past and present is 3rd Street's Ox Coffee.

Revelator Coffee Company

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Revelator Coffee Company
Location Visited: Birmingham, AL
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

When one looks for great coffee in the southeast US, there's more and more great coffee popping up all over the place, with individual cafes blooming in most major urban centers. Yet one coffee company that has established numerous outposts all over the south is a roaster called Revelator. With shops now in five major southeast cities and plans for further expansion, this relatively new juggernaut has blessed the south with gorgeous shops and delicious coffee.