If you go to a different coffee shop or cafe every day for coffee, have you ever asked yourself, "why do I keep coming here?" I know I have asked myself that question quite a few times considering I have been broke as hell through college and I could buy it in bulk and make it myself which would save me a lot of money and time. But I seriously can't settle for crappy coffee. I know it may be silly to be thinking too deep about coffee but it's an important part to not only my day but others'. Here are just a few reasons why I keep coming back and why you probably do as well.
1. The cafe
I was in Franklin, Tennessee a month ago with a few of my friends and I had a hankering for a cup of caffeine after our shopping trip. I knew I was on vacation, so I wrote off any Starbucks nearby and looked up the nearest cafe on my phone. Now, don't get me wrong, a lot of coffee shops in Cleveland can't be beat, like Pour's vintage light bulbs and sleek ceramic cups, but you need to try Frothy Monkey in Franklin. From their large wall of merchandise to the wood beams on the ceiling and open cafe, I felt like I could stay there all afternoon and find work to do. Their service was great as well and that definitely added to it. This wasn't the whole "the customer is always right" type of service, it was more along the lines of we have the best coffee around this city and were going to put a show on for ya'll. The person that took my order for an iced mocha was very friendly and patient considering she could probably tell I was just visiting - it took me awhile to decide what I wanted. I love seeing people in cafes working hard and having fun while they get the espresso together for a tired customer. Frothy Monkey had their pace of service down to a dance.
2. The mood
Feeling tired is not fun. Some people can push through that feeling but I can't do it. Have you ever realized the barista preparing your drink is a caffeine sorcerer? They are supplying you with a better mood and the ability to be productive - I think this is something J.K Rowling could have capitalized on in her series. Whenever I visit Phoenix Coffee in Cleveland, I am instantly energized by the interaction I have with their baristas. Some baristas can be very snobby and give you your drink and you both move on with your day but these guys are different. These guys can also do the dance like Frothy Monkey did when making your cup of coffee, I am biased but probably even better than them! Even when I walk out of the cafe, I am already in a better mood and mindset from having a fun conversation about what their chocolatiest drink they have. (It's their speedball by the way!) Thank you Phoenix Coffee and awesome baristas making people's days everywhere with your magic.
3. The drink
I have mentioned mocha and chocolate throughout our journey here about cafes and you know where this is headed. Few places can perfect a mocha but another place besides Phoenix Coffee is a place in Cleveland called Passengers Cafe. I have visited this place many times to look out onto their amazing roof top patio of their hostel above the cafe and I also come back for their mega mocha - it has some kind of imported vanilla, Hartzler's chocolate milk and, of course, their espresso. If you're reading this and you haven't had this drink, GO. You're missing out and I truly feel bad for you if you haven't had it. Sure, you can order your favorite drink from another cafe, but if they don't make it right, chances are you won't be coming back.
Whatever your caffeine preferences may be, may the cafe always be quirky or cozy, the barista always friendly and funny, your drink always prepared correctly to your tastes and you keep visiting for all these reasons and more.
