Trendy coffee shops have been around awhile, but this revolution of working remotely and the WiFi everywhere craze brings on a whole new meaning to the clientele that these coffee shops serve. Working from home is now a normal for me, and I find myself itching to check out more and more of these coffee shops I hear about from friends and the social media accounts that keep me up to date on the all things Atlanta.
But what makes a coffee shop suitable for work? Or just life in general? Why do some of these places make it and some do not? Here are just a few of the criteria I base when I head out and work:
- Friendliness – do the Baristas know the regulars? Do they engage and serve well.
- Environment – Is it a mix of chill & cheery? Do they have multiple seating options? And maybe even a standing bar option for people with back problems like me? And of course noise level is a big deal.
- Food & Drink offering – Obviously is the coffee good, but also in regards to sitting and working for hours, do they offer food that could be eaten throughout the day, do they offer snack foods (like a bar or piece of fruit)?
So let’s break down a few coffee shops around Atlanta, but remember, ultimately you have to prioritize what’s best for YOU.
Dancing Goats (Ponce City Market) – TASTE WIN. Probably one of the first coffee shops I tried in Atlanta after moving back to the city in 2013. In regards to taste, this place is one of my favorites, their outside seating area is amazing, and the inside environment is a great mix of cozy and confident. The drawback: it’s always busy and the traffic around PCM is usually heavy so come at off times.
**There is also a Buckhead location of Dancing Goats I have yet to try – would love to hear your experience!
Taproom (Kirkwood) – NEIGHBORHOOD WIN. This is a newer experience for me, but I’m already in love with it. Kirkwood is Atlanta’s trendiest up and coming neighborhood (in my opinion). The environment says a lot as it represents Atlanta in a humble way. Big windows and lots of seating options give this one two thumbs up, plus their taste is an “A” so far.
Spiller Park Coffee (Toco Hills) – OFFERINGS WIN. Coffee taste is great, and the service is wonderful with the barista’s seeming to know the regulars and friendliness is at a high for new and normal alike. The environment is not my favorite for working remotely, with windows everywhere and the noise level at top volume, plus it’s not wonderful for those with back issues as all seats are low and wooden. However, their menu is extensive with all the yummy toast combos, and regular breakfast eats that can keep you fueled for quite awhile.
**There is also a Ponce City Market Location – if you have different notes about it let me know!
Mocha Moes (Flowery Branch) – ENVIRONMENT WIN. So this one is a haul from the city (my parents live close by), but it’s my favorite place to sit for several hours. The lighting and volume level are perfect, and they have every type of seating accommodation from tables and chairs, to couches and high tops. The taste and offerings are good as well. The drawback is the service, it could be a fluke in the times that I go, but they seem to always be different people scrambling in every direction.
East Pole (Lindbergh) – ALL AROUND WIN. Taste, friendliness + service, and environment, and location, this place (to me) has it all. Plus, they partner regularly with others for unique events in the city!
Other notables: Octane – Octane is a staple in Atlanta, and it’s great on all fronts, the biggest issue is proximity for me. Revelator – I’ve actually only been to a Revelator Coffee Co in Charleston, SC it’s great for a stop in and go, but not designed for a sit for hours and work day. Chattahoochee Coffee Company – has to be at the top for me but mostly for the life experiences I’ve had. Jon and I’s first kiss was on the lawn out back, so was our engagement, and Jon has numerous gigs with our friends, but again proximity for me is the challenge.
What would you add to the list? What is your favorite coffee shop in Atlanta?
Fueling Her Forward 