Coffee shops are very common where I’m from. Living in Zagreb, Croatia for the first 19 years of my life, I got accustomed to walking down any odd street in the town center and coming across a café. In fact, coffee shops, or cafés, are the hub of social life in my home country, and especially in my hometown. If I wanted to meet someone and have a chat, hang out before going somewhere else, or even just people-watch, I would most likely ask them out for coffee.
America, I've found, has a different approach. Here, coffee shops are most often where people stop by on their way to another place. Americans, it seems, prefer their coffee in take-out form. As a college student, I can understand this. I appreciate that I can get my vanilla latte right before rushing off to a class, or sip my red-eye at the library during a late-night study sesh. I also see the appeal of 'Starbucks culture'. I enjoy the many flavors I can add to what might otherwise be any ole' boring cup of coffee, as well as substituting dairy for coconut milk, getting my drink in sizes I’ve not encountered back home (what even is venti?!), or taking my coffee on the way on busy mornings.
However, I sometimes miss the availability and atmosphere of coffee shops at home. I currently live in a small-ish town that, despite having a pretty neat downtown area, recently opened its second coffee shop (not counting Starbucks). So, the spoiled European in me has to ask - why not more? Cafés are personally important to me because they feel like home, but I think anyone can find some value in frequenting these lovely places! So, I’m hoping to convince you that they are, in fact, awesome. (Or at least bribe you with cute pics.)
1. A coffee shop is the perfect meeting spot.
Just think about it - who doesn’t like coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? Or, at least some orange juice - or, I guess, beer? That’s right - such people are rare! Whoever you are meeting will probably be able to find something to their liking in a coffee shop.
2. A good coffee shop will have a good atmosphere.
Now that you’ve met your buddy/friend/date/whoever the sound of people around you, the smell of brewing coffee, and music in your background will lull you into a good conversation.
3. A coffee shop is a good place for getting away.
Now, this is more common in the US, but coffee shops can be neat places for studying. I think most of us have seen people studying in Starbucks at least once or twice, and probably more than that. Yep, and that's because free wi-fi is a thing! Want to get away from your usual study spot, such as the library or your room? Tried out all the academic buildings at your school? Well, if you’re lucky, you’re a short walk away from a warm drink and a cozy place to hit the books at - your local coffee shop!
4. A coffee shop is always a good (and convenient) idea.
Whether it provides you with an espresso fix before work/class, a mid-morning cappuccino break, or an afternoon dose of green tea, your fav coffee shop is always there for you.
5. A coffee shop is great for expanding your friend group.
Finally, whether you're chatting up the café's bartender or suddenly bonding with people at the table next to yours - coffee shops (apart from providing you with a place to catch up with people you already know) can be convenient spaces for meeting new people.
