Whether or not you drink coffee, it seems like every individual in their twenties has the need to flock to the nearest coffee-watering hole for yummy treats and a quick pick-me-up. And boy, do I mean flock. Maybe it’s because they’re dealing with the stress of adulthood and coffee is their only means of staying awake through the day. On my college main street, we have three separate coffee shops alone. Back in my hometown, there are four within walking distance of each other. For some strange reason, coffee shops don’t kick you out after you’re done eating, so they become a stomping ground where lingering millennials go to pass the time. I have friends that hole up there all day, prying open their laptops to flesh out essays that were due a week ago.

I’ll be honest: I’ve hopped on the bandwagon a long time ago. The first question I usually pose to my friend whenever I want to hang out usually involves my favourite coffee place. One friend drinks tea, another eats a muffin, while yours truly eats all the samples and chugs coffee like it’s water.

The coffee shop is a place of ease and comfort. It’s a lax environment that offers a lot in the ways of food and good conversation. When you haven’t seen a friend in a while and you want to hang out past dinner but your bff is allergic to your dogs, lingering around in a coffee shop to make plans offers the perfect relaxed environment. Hell, it isn’t just a pitstop either: it can be the whole affair. I’ve spent hours in coffee shops just catching up with friends that I haven’t seen in a while. They’re often perfect halfway points to meet up and chow down. Small coffee businesses usually have affordable prices and you’ll feel great helping contribute to your local businesses while you enjoy the perfectly relaxed, unique environment that your local shop offers.

Not only are they the perfect restaurant, many also host weekly or daily events that you can go to for free, though it’s assumed you’d buy something. Open mic nights offer awesome local music artists a chance to show their stuff. Hell, you might even be able to perform, yourself. Poetry readings are particularly heartfelt and funny. Trivia nights are a staple in coffee shops that offer alcoholic options for their patrons. The multi-faceted energy of coffee shops make them ideal for budding adults to meet up with friends and experience new things at the same time. It’s the perfect chill spot, the ultimate casual hangout, the best place for cake pops. And don’t forget the local art that often adorns the walls of the restaurant: did you know you can actually buy those things? Hello, holiday presents.

As you grow older, coffee shops definitely become the main area to do work, socialize, and grab a bite, whether you like coffee or not. Support your local businesses and go see your friends!