Caffeine, typically in the form of a great latte, really does fuel my wiring. I have my neighborhood favorite and when traveling I look for the best local coffee shop. No offense to Starbucks (But I’m going to offend Starbucks), the vibe in their cafes just doesn’t work for me. I work best with creative people surrounding me, an obscure soundtrack playing loudly and a quirky decor. Here are my favorites
My Covid-19 Coffee Shop – Home
Covid-19 has made coffee shop trips difficult at best. Working from home 5 days a week doesn’t help much. I’m thankful for my Keurig and Nespresso machines. Here’s hoping I can head back for a proper barista-made latte soon!
American Bulldog Coffee Roasters – Ridgewood NJ
Visiting American Bulldog Coffee was a Hail Mary Pass for me. As noted, Coolbeans has been very hit-or-miss as of late. I was dropping my kids off at the Ridgewood Train Station on a Sunday morning. I brought my laptop and hoped for a good latte. I was not disappointed! It was the best latte I’ve had on this side of the Hudson River. Good coffee is the basis for any good latte and ABRC hit the nail on the head. THANK YOU! Their food menu is limited and runs more sweet than savory. They also close at 6 most nights; no chance for late night writing here. The decor and old architectural elements almost make up for this. I’ll be going here when I need a good dose of caffeine and someplace to write.
Coolbeans – Oradell NJ
You always remember your first! This is my local shop where I have been coming for years. Some of my favorite memories are or bringing my children here and the owners letting them “work” behind the counter. I visit with my daughter and we share writing time together. Currently she is working on a TV script; if anyone has connections in the industry, reach out to me. Here imagination is awe-inspiring.
ALERT: Coolbeans is closed for good! Lost a part of my soul with this one.
Culture Espresso – NYC
Damn perfect cup of coffee. Do they know the generic businessman grabbing a non-fat latte and ham & cheese croissant is a writer in disguise? Its a major win when I stop by on my way to the office and find a low-table seat. Those are some of my best writing days. A word of warning: During rush hour, the line is out the door. I take an earlier train when I go into the office solely in hopes of finding a seat.
Birch Coffee (Flatiron) – NYC
I miss this place sooooo much. My company changed offices so I moved to another shop during lunch hours. Their espresso is perfect. Some of my best plot twists came to me in this place. Its also where the overall tone and theme of my book came together.
Gotan Midtown – NYC
My lunchtime writing spot when I can escape the office. I love when I can steal a bar stool facing the street. They have incredible espresso. Have you noticed a trend by now; smaller NYC Coffee Shops really do offer the best coffee. This trend is turning me into a bit of a coffee snob. As a bumper sticker I once read said, “Friends don’t let friends Starbucks.”
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer – Charleston SC
For several years my work has taken me the Charleston Library Conference. Kudo coffee is one of my all-time favorite places to write. During short writing stints the word-count on my WIP increased here exponentially. I have some theories on why my creativity soars here. First, its in Charleston. If you’ve visited the city, you know what I mean. Due the the conference, when I’m writing here I’m typically surrounded by librarians. In my job I interact with academic librarians from schools throughout North America. They are interesting, intelligent and most of all book geeks!
Las Vetas – Fairfield CT
My daughter is attending Fairfield University and last year my son had an internship in town. Both raved about this coffee shop. One writing session in the place showed me why. Their breakfast menu rocks! When my daughter graduates, I’ll have no excuse to go back here. I had several epiphanies here which really drove my narrative forward.
Louis Cafe -Amsterdam Netherlands
(No link..because its a cafe in Amsterdam)
I have to be really careful about saying I write in ‘Coffee Shops’ in Amsterdam. Here is a cafe where I’ve done some good writing when visiting the city for business meetings. I have no problem with Coffee Shops; I just could never write when under the influence of anything other than caffeine. Side note: its not usually as sunny as this picture shows.
Two Brothers – Brighton Michigan
For two years I “commuted” from New Jersey to Michigan for my job. Doesn’t that sound terrible. It was. Two brothers was my sanctuary while living in Brighton. It was where much of my current novel-in-progress was born. Great food, good coffee and an awesome staff.