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.

Seeds Coffee Company

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

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

It might be coincidental, but whenever I'm in the South I find more coffee establishments open late versus anywhere else (save maybe the Northwest). Maybe it's because the alcohol laws are more relaxed or that their patrons just get up at later hours, but when I was driving through Alabama, I had plenty of places to pick for a cup of coffee after supper.

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.

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.