What Exactly Are We Looking For?

I think it would probably be beneficial for y'all to know what it is exactly that Will and I look for in a coffee shop. For all you know, we could look for something completely different than you do. I do think that between the two of us you can find someone you relate to when it comes to coffee shop desires.

I look for somewhere comforting and homey. I like a coffee shop where I can become a regular and walk in and feel like I've come home. The atmosphere is very important to me. I like cozy environments. Wooden floors, creams and grays, a few pops of color, natural lighting, and a comfortable place to sit for hours as I plan billions of lessons (I'm an Elementary Ed. major) are all things that draw me toward a shop. A big table is also a plus, I have lots of things to spread out in order to get everything done and it's great when a shop has a big space I can use without feeling badly about taking up so much room. Relaxing music that is quiet enough for me to put my earbuds in and listen to my own music, but also have the option to listen to what the shop has playing without being distracted is important to me too. I can't stand when I'm trying to study while listening to instrumental music in my earbuds, but the shop is playing its music so loudly that I can't even hear myself think. I also like when I can go to a coffee shop and see the same people every time. It gives me a sense of belonging, like we are the regulars and we have an unspoken understanding of that title. It's a plus when there are enough people from my school to feel safe, but not so many that it doesn't even feel like I left campus. Like I said in the bio, Will and I have grown up drinking coffee. Our dad is big on super good quality beans and he always grinds them himself. Saturday mornings at our house consist of at least two cups of coffee per person and conversations in the living room while we are all in our PJ's. I have been lectured by my dad for as long as I can remember about how Starbucks burns their beans. All this to say that I definitely don't know all there is to know about coffee, but I can generally tell when it's good quality. I don't drink my coffee black and some say that means I'm not a coffee drinker at all, but I think that's a pretty silly statement. Whenever I try a new coffee shop I get a caramel latte, it makes it a lot easier to compare when I always get the same thing. I don't like my lattes very sweet so that alway plays a factor in how much I like a coffee shop. I also don't like dark roast, so if the espresso tastes bitter then I'm probably not a big fan. A little bit of sustenance is also important to me in a good shop. Unlike Will, I spend hours studying at coffee shops, so some kind of snack is good when I've been there for four plus hours. Lastly, parking is important to me. During my time living in Louisville I have learned to parallel park, but I would definitely not consider myself a master at it. I love when I can count on there being a place to park easily. That being said, I do love the feeling that comes with being in a city environment. So I am fine with parking on a side street and walking to a shop in order to be in a fun and city-like location. I didn't really plan on writing that much, but hopefully this will be helpful to you in understanding my rating of each new coffee shop a little bit better! I look forward to telling y'all about our first adventure! - Katie

Obviously the quality of coffee is essential to critique when comparing different coffee shops. I am going to start ordering black coffee at each coffee shop we go to. Specialty drinks are important as well, but a tasty, black cup of coffee is necessary to being considered a “good” coffee shop. I will leave the fancy drinks to my sister. The atmosphere is also extremely important for me to consider before I will give any coffee shop a high rating. I notice little details, and I love to look for those tiny details that really set each shop apart. The lights, music, chairs, art, and design are some of the things that I pay close attention to. All of these separate things come together to form a unique atmosphere for each shop. Some atmospheres are perfect for sitting down and studying for an entire afternoon, while others are more suitable for relaxing with friends after a long week of school. My sister loves studying in coffee shops, but I would rather study in my room. It is hard for me to focus with so much going on around me. I am looking for coffee shops where I would like to take my friends and hangout. I love to drink coffee and talk with my friends. To me, the best coffee shop has warm colors, interesting but soft music, intriguing art, and a tasty cup of black coffee. - Will