But what about the budget brews?

Two chains face off. Photo cred: SocialHead.com

A friend of mine asked me recently: With hundreds of *insert name of popular, well-known, more reasonably priced coffee chain* in the area, why do you opt to go to these overpriced places that suck you in, feed you the same caffeine, and sap your wallet dry?
She had a point. There are four of those chain storefronts within 10 blocks east and west of me. Their lattes (medium sized) are now going for a mere $1.99, compared to a typical $4-7 drink at some of the hot spots I've found. The chain even has fancy flavors inspired by some of my favorite cookies from my childhood. Their doughnuts are a dollar. In coffee shop comparison, they're a real bargain.

In truth, I've caved to the fact that my coffee hopping habit is a part of my household food budget. Since I don't have an single-cup brewer, an espresso machine or the skill to work one, this is what I've settled with...for now. With the increase in visits since the onset of this blog, I've felt it a little deeper. Since I've not been endorsed, or paid in coffee for posting my voluntary thoughts and observations, each visit (and resulting tab) has been a justified by my academic endeavors and in the name of neighborhood love. For the good of the people, you know?

I don't like chain anything. Mass production of product is unsettling to me because I feel like high quantities lose depth of flavor and care of preparation. Usually, I'm not satisfied with the taste of chain coffee because it's not as rich and while there are a handful of things I'll settle for in life, coffee just isn't one of them. A blog post from a small shop owner and roaster shared similar views as mine. He wrote: Independent or “Indie” Coffee shops primarily focus on great coffee or espresso first. Then they may, or may not, branch out into some alternative coffee offerings.  But, great coffee is first and foremost on their minds.  The “indie’s” also make their coffee to stricter standards, using quality brewing methods, NOT by the 10 gallon urn. We grind to order and make our specialty coffee drinks with the utmost care.  Unlike the mega-cafés coffee, that is made by some under-trained “faux-rista” that could, quite frankly, care less what goes into your cup..."

The experience of the coffee shop. Photo cred: Untappedcities.com

On top of that, I know viscerally what coffee shop does for me. It creates an experience and social backdrop that is meaningful. I love community and sharing and experiencing diversity in a very real way. The coffee shops in my neighborhood do just that. There are always people working, families spending quality time, and conversations that are as informative as they are entertaining. People greet and convene and share. The atmospheres are (usually) calming and inviting. The baristas are invested in the quality of your cup, more than just getting to the next order in line. 


So, to my curious and coffee shop conscious friend, I said: some like their bars and pay for that. They spend to get drunk and indulge and uhh...do things. It's a part of their recreation and experience, right?  Same concept, just different context for me. I'll opt for a pretty cup, a strong roast and a sunny spot by the window.