Local coffee, homemade chicken salad, perfectly iced pumpkin bars, cheerful baristas, and wi-fi that actually works: these are just a few of the characteristics about Bella Coffee that make it one of the best local businesses in Carrollton, Georgia. Bella Coffee became my place during my freshman year of college as I conquered Homer's Odyssey and Virgil's The Aeneid along with about fifteen other breath-taking texts, and a majority of those massive reading accomplishments happened in Bella Coffee with my iced coffee and a pumpkin bar as company at my table by the window. Now a senior, I still adore this coffee shop. Although Carrollton is changing, the wonderful crew at Bella Coffee has managed to follow the heartbeat of our city, keeping rhythm with our changing needs and our old favorites. Here are 6 reasons why Bella Coffee is the best.

1. The Local Coffee

Iced coffee is my coffee. There is something about watching the cream dance into the dark coffee, making the perfect creamy, caffeinated blend of goodness. That said, I try iced coffee everywhere I go--Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Gallery Row, Dunkin Donuts, my own homemade concoctions--and not one sip of iced coffee to be found in Carrollton has ever compared with the iced coffee found at Bella Coffee. Their hot coffee is fabulous as well. All their coffee comes from Bowdon Coffee Roasters--only 15 minutes down the road from the coffee shop--and they have even had some days where the beans used to make their coffee were still warm from the roaster. How much fresher does it get? Whether you are a die-hard coffee addict or trying to begin enjoying coffee, the freshness of Bella Coffee's hot and iced coffee will knock your socks off.

2. The Sweet Treats

Pumpkin bars, cinnamon rolls, Italian wedding cookies, morning glory muffins, and apple cinnamon scones are always in bountiful supply, keeping Carrollton sugared up and happy. At least 90% of the food you enjoy at Bella Coffee has been homemade. Pretty much, you get mom's cooking without the mom. What better quality in a coffee shop just down the road from the University of West Georgia where so many kiddos are missing mom, or at least her cooking? The best part is that you can eat a cinnamon roll or scone at 7 AM or 6 PM with no judgement. The treats are undeniably addicting, and anyone who has tasted them before will totally be on board with you enjoying typical breakfast treats at any point in the day.

3. They Know Their Stuff

Maybe I eavesdrop, or maybe I'm just always on the look out for new coffee info. If you listen to the conversation the baristas have with customers, you'll learn awesome coffee facts, such as the ground breaking revelation that light roast coffee has more caffeine that dark roast. Who knew? Guess what this sleepy college student /working woman gets now? I'm die hard team light roast. Starbucks is great, but I'll bet the guy at Starbucks never took the time to tell you that. The lovely crew at Bella Coffee knows their stuff and takes the time to help you get in the know as well.

4. Literally Everyone Fits In

I come here with my grandmother. I come here with my college friends. I come here with my little sister. This coffee shop doesn't cater to a specific age or demographic; everyone is welcomed and everyone is loved and served well. They serve salads, soups, sandwiches, sweet treats (see #2), and quiches, ensuring that nearly anyone can find something to enjoy. There is even the cutest "Bambino Menu" with traditional favorites like PB&J and grilled cheese, so busy moms and dads can get their hoppin' coffee shop caffeine fix and keep the kids happy at the same time. Whether it is for work, pleasure, bad hair day, break up, finals week, best friend in town, Bible study, pre-date night, just because, there's always a cup of happiness waiting for you here.

5. The Baristas are Super Creative

Bella Coffee has their tried and true menu that will be there for you Monday through Friday, but one super cool quality that makes Bella Coffee unique is the barista specials. The talented baristas come up with their own delicious drinks and share them with lucky customers like myself. They even draw cute pictures to ago along with their drinks. How fun is that? Whether you're trying out Alisha's French banana latte or Mary Kathryn's campfire latte, you're in for a treat. These barista specials are constantly changing, which is perfect for those adventurous people who like to try something different every day.

6. The Homemade Chicken Salad

Lots of local businesses are known for one thing, and it makes sense for a coffee shop to be known by its coffee. I certainly believe Bella Coffee is known for its delicious coffee. However, a close second is the chicken salad. Their chicken salad is homemade and will take you right back to your grandmother's kitchen. This tried-and-true recipe has been passed down with the coffee shop for the last several years. Since I don't like grapes in my chicken salad, I was initially skeptical, but goodness. I now love grapes in my chicken salad. The best part is the raspberry vinaigrette that they provide for you to top the chicken salad. The perfect combination of tangy and sweet is wrapped up in this classic Southern specialty.

Give this Carrollton gem a try if you haven't already fallen in love! Check them out at Bella Coffee and Bistro on Facebook.