Cozy Coffee Connections

Years ago, my friend Claudia and I frequently bemoaned the limited choices for enjoying a simple, exceptional cup of coffee. While you could certainly indulge in a delightful cappuccino at various restaurants, what if all you craved was a relaxed moment sipping a latte with a friend? Yes, our coffee-related laments preceded the emergence of Starbucks and the popular sitcom “Friends,” in which many memorable scenes unfolded within the fictional and quirky coffee haven known as Central Perk. Fast forward several decades, and the notion of an upscale coffee establishment offering a no-nonsense, robust cup of Joe alongside an array of fancy coffee concoctions ranging from a standard espresso to a salted-caramel-double-butterscotch-extra-dry-pour-over-cold-foam-latte, has become an integral part
of the urban landscape. Claudia and I occasionally jest about how we should have opened our dream coffee shop, as Starbucks essentially mirrored our vision. Ah, the regrets of life. Still, I prefer to focus on the positive and appreciate the multitude of coffee options available in our neighborhood. Here are a few favorites and new options around town.