There’s just something about meeting up for a chat at coffee shops with friends that brings out the social and intellectual vibes in people. Historically, coffee shops have always been the melting pot for ideas and inventions hastily scribbled on the back of a paper napkin. Even though we can make our own fancy coffee drinks at home for a fraction of the cost, having a neutral meeting point to “break bread” so to speak is both helpful and necessary sometimes. I am speaking to all of us introverts that are happy to be in our homes snuggled up with a good book and need to go out and socialize at some point.
I remember when my husband and I were first dating, we would have a standing date at the local coffee shop that had jazz groups in to play on Friday nights. We would play chess, listen to jazz, and sip our coffee drinks. The cool autumn air would create fog on the windows as the lovely blue hour shifted to twilight. Eventually, it ended up morphing into about twenty of our friends trickling in and joining us every Friday for a classy evening of chess lessons and music. We would close the place down. You can’t plan or force anything so wonderful, it just happens organically.
On the flip side, I now know why people prefer to work on their laptops in a coffee shop and not at home. The gentle hum of music and indistinct murmur of voices, the captured attention without household distractions, and the ambience all coalesce into a great work or contemplative session.
Not being an “only” black coffee drinker but more of a “candy bar” coffee sort of drinker, my criteria for local coffee shops are as follows: fancy cup of coffee (with whipped cream for sure), good ambient lighting, and above all- the ability to hear who you are speaking with. The total ambience of the room is what makes the delicious experience of a well done coffee shop. Here are some of my favorites. Who knows? Maybe we’ll run into each other at one of these haunts on a cold drizzly day!
Where to meet for coffee?
Cot’s Peak Coffee Co.
Located in the cute little town of Naches, WA this gem of a coffee shop is right off of HWY 12 headed to White Pass. Inside is a rustic and calm interior with great acoustics to be able to hear the conversation. With small to large group tables and two private work alcoves, this is top of the list for a meet up. They roast their own coffee in a room right off the shop and where else can you see a gift shop in the original old bank vault? Cot’s Peak is also a part of the ACTS program featured in our Gap year ideas.
Wallet and Watch Coffee Company
If your familiar with the old British pat down a-la-Columbo checklist saying, you might recognize the name of this coffee shop located on Nob Hill Blvd and 24th. Wallet and Watch is full of leather couches and old world style decor. To the side is a large work style conference room and a private reservation room. The sound ambience is great with pockets of furniture arranged for conversation. It’s not just for coffee, they also have a bakery and while Yaki-Mama Bakery is my favorite sourdough bread of all time, this is an absolutely great backup if you missed a pickup deadline.
Nikki’s Cafe
Nikki’s Cafe is a gem hidden out in the small country town of Tieton with a big art scene. About 15 minutes west of Yakima and overlooking the town of Naches, Mighty Tieton hosts year round town events that are a draw from as far away as Seattle. You might want to stop by for the Boxx Gallery exhibits, workshops, or the town wide Christmas bazaar. Nikki serves hand made scones, coffee, panini sandwiches, and weekend dinners. You can also find Paper Hammer stationary items along the south wall– my favorite is the humorous editor’s notes poster.
Sundance Espresso
Sundance Espresso has been a steadfast institution in Selah just north of Yakima for many years. Right on main street, this coffee shop is a hub for great coffee, conversation meet ups, and local spirit. You can find great gifts and is the place to find books by local authors while you sip. You can find students studying, groups gathering, and a cozy atmosphere. You might just find gelato to add to your espresso order- delish!
The Porch (formerly Better Now)
This unique coffee shop is found inside a boutique mercantile and floral bouquet shop right on a main thoroughfare in west Yakima on Summitview and 4oth. When the the weather is nice, the front roll-up door is open to let the breeze in. Sip while you look at beautiful gifts and home decor or pick up a lovely card and candle for a friend. When you’re done, you can pop over to one of our favorite plant stores, Verdant, to check out their selection. The daily drink is a scrumptious offering and you can also find Tieton Teas for sale here.
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