Revel 77 Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Revel 77 Coffee
Location: Spokane, WA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

When I visit distant cities that are home to good friends, it is a favorite tradition of mine to meet at a coffeehouse to catch up. Not only does this give me opportunity to reconnect with an old pal over good coffee, but it gives me a rare glimpse into regular life in said metropolis. 

Peaks Coffee Company

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Peaks Coffee Company
Location: Syracuse, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I worked at Syracuse University for three tremendous years from 2007-2010, living right on-campus in Watson and Haven Halls, respectively. While it was a beautiful place to live, (except during the gloomy weeks) there was no quality coffee within walking distance. Naturally, after my departure the coffee scene grew and bloomed, and as of the past few years, the geography around the university has become a far better place to find good coffee.

Vault Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Vault Coffee
Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

One day I will make it to Coeur d'Alene in the summertime, but for now I will glory in its winter. Even amidst a dreary winter day, the city remains resplendent, with its majestic vistas and mostly walkable town. On one such afternoon, I found myself downtown and in need of some coffee, so I made my way to a shop called Vault Coffee. 

The Well Coffeehouse

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: The Well Coffeehouse
Location: Milton, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

The concept of a church operating a coffeehouse can be a beautiful thing. Sure, sometimes churches start one up for the wrong reasons and/or they do a deplorable job in execution (picture florescent lights, a donated home espresso machine that is fed only pre-ground coffee and it's only open Sundays between services). But sometimes, a church really gets the concept of serving good coffee, not cutting corners and desiring to foster authentic community, and when done well, the result becomes a delight for everybody. 

Cotton-Top Pastries

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Cotton-Top Pastries
Location: Helena, MT
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Bakeries dot the landscape of America, but there are fewer than twenty that I would call excellent. Sadly, many bakeries exclusively do fancy cakes (and I am a man who orders exactly zero fancy cakes each year) and (too) many other operations specialize mostly in hackneyed and yawn-tastic items like jellied shortbreads and butter cakes. But the handful that do it right, I have each time considered the possibility of relocating my family in order to be closer.