Four Atlanta Shops Offering Coffee, Cocktails, and Community

A New Trend in Atlanta’s Gastronomic Scene

In the pulsating city of Atlanta, coffee shops have always been known to be vibrant community gathering spaces. In the recent times, there has been an emergence of a new trend where such coffee shops have started to transform into multi-functional establishments, serving up both refreshing espressos in the morning and tantalizing cocktails as the day progresses.

More Than Just Coffee

The key establishments at the helm of this innovative trend include the Reading Room, Grant Park’s Little Tart, Harbor Coffee at Inman Park, and Riverside’s Bellwood Coffee. These pedestrian-friendly hubs offer everything from a morning caffeine buzz to a soothing nightcap, providing a unique blend of coffee, cocktails and community.

Going Beyond Espresso

Take the Reading Room for example. This cozy establishment in downtown Decatur opened with a mission to serve a medley of beverages throughout the day. Opening its doors at 7 a.m., the shop sees steady footfall from coffee lovers early in the morning, extending well into the afternoon and evening as cocktail connoisseurs stop by. The options range from classic espresso shots to a vibrant green Grasshopper cocktail that is as flavorful as it is visually fascinating.

Seeking Third Spaces

All these shops share one simple yet profound commonality – the concept of fostering a ‘third space’. This term, rooted in psychology, defines a place outside of work or home where individuals can gather to foster community. As proof of this, four of these establishments, each in their unique ways, are adding post-coffee hours to their itinerary fostering community interaction past regular working hours.

Blending Art with Coffee

At Harbor Coffee, for example, the after-hours setup incorporates artistic programming with special beverages to create a vibrant space for local artists to connect, collaborate, and showcase their work. It is the perfect stage for artists to curate events and display their creative endeavors.

Elevating the Beverage Menu

However, the transformation from a day-time café to evening hang-out spot means more than simply adding cocktails. They stress on creating a unique identity with innovative beverages made especially for their locations by talented baristas and mixologists. Keeping up with the spirit, Little Tart uses fresh seasonal produce and local products for their evening drink menu, while at the Reading Room, one of the most popular choices is the Grasshopper cocktail that has been given a unique twist.

Embracing the Future

These coffee-cum-cocktail shops are not stopping anytime soon. Harbor Coffee is planning to incorporate homemade coffee syrups into a creative mocktail menu, Bellwood Riverside is working on a new food menu, Little Tart is planning for more special events, and the Reading Room is welcoming local music acts to add another layer to their evening atmosphere.

This innovative trend in Atlanta’s food and beverage industry truly showcases the city’s commitment to cultural innovation and distinctive hospitality, and it provides additional reasons to explore its charming culinary scene.