What makes a good coffeeshop?
If you know me, you know I LOVE coffeeshops. A good coffeeshop is one of my ‘happy places,’ one of those special spaces where I feel great and relax easily. It’s a kind of place I generally enjoy being.
Over the years, I’ve made a point to seek out and visit coffeeshops when I travel, and it’s been really cool to see the varieties and nuances between them all..
From time to time, I’ve wondered to myself and in conversation with friends—
What makes a good coffeeshop?
What would I critique and rate if I was reviewing a coffeeshop?
There is certainly be some subjective and personal tastes to one’s answers, but I’m curious about an objective-leaning set of categories.
I want get a working answer to those questions and identify a handful of criteria because I’d love to review the coffeeshops I visit. I think it’d be a fun thing to put on Instagram. :)
I took some time today to think about it all.
Here’s what I’ve got so far as working set of criteria:
Coffee
Drink Menu
Food/eats
Mercantile
Amenities
Location & hours
Aesthetic
Concept/brand
Vibe/atmosphere
Here’s a breakdown on each.
Coffee: Well, how’s the coffee? It is a coffeeshop after all. We either have coffeeshops, cafes, or restaurants. A coffeeshop, coffeehouse, or espresso bar should really deliver on its namesake. A cafe, these days, focuses equally between the drinks and the eats, or maybe even focuses more heavily on the food than the coffee. A restaurant focuses foremost on the food. Is it a bakery in namesake but also sells espresso drinks? Then I’d expect the pastries and bread to outshine the coffee. The namesake tells us the focus of the establishment. If coffee is the focus then I’d hope it’s good..
Drink Menu: How’s the diversity and quality of drinks? If they only do coffee that’s okay in my book.. But if they offer tea & other stuff, is it good quality or is it an afterthought?
Food/eats: Any food offerings? It’s typical of coffeeshops to offer baked goods, snacks, and light eats. How’s the quality?
Mercantile: Do they sell non-consumables? Mugs, shirts, coffee making supplies, miscellaneous? How’s the quality?
Amenities: Power outlets, water station, wifi, seating quality and quantity. What’s offered and how does it impact the patron experience?
Location & hours: How’s the parking? Ease of access? Hours of operation? Quality of cell phone service?
Aesthetic: How’s the overall décor and visual style of the place? There’s no one right way, but it’s notable if the aesthetic ‘works’ or doesn't work for the place.
Concept/brand: Aesthetic plays into this but its bigger than the visuals. What is the vision or mission of this place? What does this coffeeshop aim to be? Is it clear and coherent, and do they do it well?
Vibe/atmosphere: Temperature, music & volume, acoustics, attitude and personality of the staff and the patrons. What does it feel like just being in the space?
When I start posting reviews of coffeeshops on Instagram, I’ll use this list as a starting point, as well as including basic info like the name, address, website, and socials.
What do you think of the list?
Do you agree, or disagree with anything on it?
Did I miss anything you think is important to include?
I’d love to hear your perspective. :)