Alabaster Coffee Roaster and Tea Co.

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Alabaster Coffee Roaster and Tea Co.
Location: Williamsport, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

A lot of folks forget about the many beautiful towns dotting Pennsylvania. From Punxsutawney to Bethlehem, there exists plenty of hidden gems clustered all across the state, little pockets of sunshine I try to visit when I travel the Keystone State. Until recently, one city that had long eluded me was Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series and Lycoming College. But some months ago I set out on a trip to the region, booking a room at the historic Genetti Hotel (which was a superbly pleasant stay at a great rate) and staying within easy walking distance of another draw to Williamsport: Alabaster Coffee Roaster and Tea Co.

Lackawanna Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Lackawanna Coffee
Location: Jersey City, NJ
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

*UPDATE 03/31/19*
Unfortunately they dropped Parlor Coffee and went with a less exciting line-up (just being honest). Coffee quality decreased a tad.


When making my way through Jersey City, I am often encouraged by the growing number of decent coffee establishments popping up in the area. One of my favorites is a fairly spacious joint with an excellent courtyard, a shop called Lackawanna Coffee.

Breville Oracle Touch

Over the past couple of years, decent home espresso machines have become far more accessible. I remember ten years ago, walking into a department store and finding the average espresso machine to be a glorified water heater, never mind a precision tool that produces excellent espresso. But now, the consumer market is finally catching up to the geeks, and household brands once overlooked in the quest for good espresso are emerging as contenders.

Source Coffeehouse

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Source Coffeehouse
Location: Bridgeport, CT
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

After a gorgeous weekend relaxing in a New England cabin, the only thing left to round out the experience was a stop by a great coffee house. Fortunately, my path led me through Bridgeport directly past a coffeehouse I had been looking to try since their 2013 inception: Source Coffeehouse.

Grace Street Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Grace Street Coffee
Location: Washington DC
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Georgetown displays some of the best scenery in DC, with lots of historic architecture, cobblestone streets and occasionally-filled canals. Striking a great balance of conservation and new construction, many of the local businesses operate out of beautifully rendered venues, making a sunny walk down M Street a window shopper's paradise.