The Prevalence of Coffee House Culture
By Delaney Church
Coffeehouses have been around for centuries, acting as social, commercial and intellectual hubs that have become a popular part of our culture and society. The first official coffeehouse was established in Boston in the seventeenth century, and quickly became a desirable location for a variety of activities and exchanges. Ideas were circulated, business deals were made, means of creative expression were demonstrated, goods were bought and most importantly, communication was fostered. Now, coffeehouses have evolved into an integral part of modern culture in America, and it is fascinating to discover why these shops have remained a hot spot for young adults in particular.
To those who are not frequent coffeehouse-goers, a coffeeshop may appear to be just another place that sells coffee to caffeine-addicted Americans. However, those who fancy trying out new coffeehouses, like myself, know that these cafés have more than just coffee and a bit of charm to them. While yes, they do offer rich and delicious cups of coffee, they also provide an experience if you choose to sit down and stay a while. What experience you want to have is completely up to you, and depends on your chosen coffeehouse. Like people, they are all different, and all have different personalities and quirks.
As I look around Highland Coffeehouse, I am reminded of all of the reasons why I love to sit down and enjoy a good cup of coffee in this shop in particular. Potted plants are tucked into corners and in between tables throughout the shop, as well as hanging from window sills. A variety of art pieces decorate the walls, most of which are decades old and fraying at the corners. Flyers also adorn the walls; many containing information about local poetry slams, art shows or bands that will be performing in the near future. The lights are warm and somewhat dimly lit to create an intimate, yet socially inviting atmosphere. At their tables, some people chatter, some play board games that are offered by the coffeehouse and others sip on an iced latte while their eyes are fixed on their computers as they type away. This coffeehouse, like many others, serves a variety of purposes.
In the age of social media and social isolation, coffeehouses have remained a constant that promote socialization and interaction, especially for younger people. Whether you want to meet up with friends or have a date over coffee, do schoolwork or office work on your laptop, write, draw, try out some fresh pastries or even attend local events, these locations are favorites for a reason. You are a part of the scene, whether you’re an active participant or a wallflower who wants to keep to themselves. I love date nights at my local coffeehouse where my partner and I sit on the back deck area surrounded by twinkle lights, coffee and conversations. I also love mid-afternoons spent at a small table in the corner with my laptop, lost in my own world of writing but surrounded by real people. Coffeehouses keep you connected, and in the digital age of faltering in-person connections, coffeehouses provide a breath of reality.
The best part? Each coffeehouse is unique and depends on what experience you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a sleek, modern coffee shop to work in for a couple of hours, there is undoubtedly a perfect location nearby. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an artsy, intimate shop with art and local events to explore with your friends, you likely won’t have to look far. Cincinnati is home to countless coffeehouses that offer a variety of coffees, experiences and aesthetics, and I highly recommend exploring as many as possible and seeing which ones stick out to you. Whether you’re looking for coffee and conversation or a quiet place to create or work, coffeehouses are centers for connection, and you may enjoy being a part of it.
Coffeehouse culture resonates with many Americans, including myself. As someone who tends to fall more on the introverted side of the social spectrum, I find joy both in socializing, and in observing. These quaint cafés are one of my favorite simple pleasures in life, along with the iced caramel lattes that they offer, of course! More than that, I find a sense of connection in existing and conversing amongst people who are there for the same reason: to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and to be a part of the world that exists around them, not just the world that exists in their phones. Though centuries separate the establishment of the first coffeehouse and the newer coffeehouses of today, the original human desire for creativity, connection and exchange is still the same, and that is a wholesome desire of humankind that we should all take part in. So yes, coffeehouses are really more than just coffee!
