I’ve been traveling a lot lately and being on the go is always hard to get work done. I enjoy getting dressed, exploring and meeting new creative people. I love being inspired by the community and the arts when I visit coffee shops. Here are some of my favorite coffee shops.
Alfred Coffee & Kitchen- Los Angeles
Let’s start with my local favorite. Alfred Coffee & Kitchen is a trendy local chain in Los Angeles, California. A well worth drive 45 minute drive from where I live in Orange County. Have you heard of the saying “but first, coffee”? It was trademark by Alfred Coffee + Kitchen. They currently have 6 locations in Los Angeles and Melrose is one of my favorite. The creative crowds and celebrities are crawling in the Melrose location. I sit outside and enjoy a delicious cup of their delicious Stumptown Coffee.
Octane-Atlanta
One of my favorite coffee shop in Atlanta, is located near downtown area. What’s not to love? People are friendly, the space has high ceilings, awesome to work and FREE wifi oh and did I mention BEER + liquor?! Can you say happy hour at 5pm? The French Press takes longer than the average Starbucks, well worth it. You can find local artist pieces hung on the exposed brick walls with little tables and charming school chairs.
Dubsea coffee -seattle
If you ever want to just hang out and have a strong cup of coffee this is the place for you. I do enjoy an occasional almond latte but here black coffee is perfect. Seattle is one of those cities you go and you fall in love with the coffee. I mean SERIOUSLY, saying I love the food + coffee in Seattle is an understatement. After 10 different coffee shops in the 3 weeks I was there, it was hard to pick just one. People from Seattle LOVE their coffees.
I got to Dubsea coffee shop at exactly 6am and they were open for business. As I entered I felt a sense of community I wish I had back in the OC. Walls are covered with local artist, the friendly baristas was enough of me to say, I’ll be back tomorrow. If you pay with cash you save 5%. If you’re like me a coffee lover, that’s enough money in your pockets to pay for more Stumptown coffee.
La Colombe-New York City
The hype is REAL! Something about the smell and the strong taste of black coffee here will have you typing 100 WPM. The SoHo location has limited seating and honestly this is a “grab n go” kinda place. I personally like to get there early and just read my emails. The staff is knowledgeable, but you might get a bit of New York attitude with your draft latte which by the way is exceptional. I started drinking black coffee at a very young age. You can say I’m a bit of a coffee snob. The coffee here reminds me of my grandmothers’ harvest coffee beans back in the Dominican Republic.
Todd Carmichael is the owner and founder of La Colombe. He’s what you call a true adventurer and a globe trotter.
What are some of the best coffee shop around your local community? Feel free to tag me on instagram @pinkcreativestudio, I would love to hear about your recommendations.