“Spill Them Beans” — Coffee Shop Writing
I used this writing prompt as an excuse to visit one of my favorite coffee shops. I find a lot of comfort in finding little, local businesses where I can sit, people-watch, and enjoy my coffee. When I’m back home, I like to try new spots, but often just end up going to my favorite few anyway.
The Place
After parking my car, I walk through the parking lot, passing the large, black coffee truck which when it isn’t off serving coffee at events, decorates the parking lot. The front garden is full of green, metal chairs and tables, too cold to sit in. Inside the shop, the “floating” shelves have been filled with new items from local small businesses.
I peek into the glass case, praying there will be an everything croissant left over from the morning rush. Looking up, I am greeted with the familiar faces of the two baristas. The woman in front of me, ready to take my order, has dark hair, filled with light highlights and a few pieces of gold tinsel pulled up into a messy ponytail. Behind her, making espresso shots, I my next-door neighbor and dorm RA. I converse with them about the holiday menu, but settle with the Gingerbread Man Macchiato I’ve had many times before. The both of them approve of my selection.
The People
Looking around the coffee shop, my suspicions were correct. Although I would not say the coffee shop is crowded, the four tables in the shop are already full. The table where baristas always sit at is empty, but their notebooks and coffee reserve the table for them while they are busy making drinks.
The table to the right is filled with a young family. A little girl, only two or three years old, stands wobbling in the booth as her dad carefully watches, hands outstretched, ready to steady her. The mother sits across the table, sipping her coffee and watching the two lovingly. It may seem odd for them to bring a baby to the coffee shop, but Saturday mornings are when they both don’t have to work and can spend quality time together. Plus, their daughter really seems to enjoy the fruit danish so it’s a win-win.
In the table across the room, a young man sits, camped out with his work. He must have been here for a while or plans to stay for longer. His laptop is set up on the table, charging cord connecting his computer to the wall behind him. He looks back and forth between a binder and the laptop screen. His over-ear Apple headphones block out his surroundings, allowing him to fully engage with the work in front of him.
The last table is bigger than the others. It is made from a large piece of wood and is decorated with succulents and lamps. This table is occupied by four girls. They don’t talk to each other and are immersed in either their computers or phones. Three of them have headphones on, blocking out any distractions.
Although I also came here to do work, I question why so many people come here only to block out the surrounding environment. I come here because I thrive in this environment. I don’t like quiet. The sounds of the espresso maker and the chatter of those around me makes for my perfect chaos.
About Them Beans
Who: Lucy Rimmel, a common coffee shop goer
Where: 83 Custom Coffee — High Point, North Carolina
When: 10:45 — A Saturday Morning
What I’m drinking (+ eating): The Gingerbread Man Macchiato + The Everything Swiss Croissant