The DailyDyl

Recently, my beloved local coffee shop, Java Love, closed its doors in my town, leaving us with only Dunkin as a local option. While there are other coffee shops in the surrounding towns it is not the same as having one in your own town. This change has significantly affected the downtown vibe, as Java Love was unique for roasting its own beans and offering a wide selection of choices, including my occasional favorite, Bad Ass Brew as I am more of a latte drinker. Beyond just coffee, it was a spot for my mom and me to spend time working or simply getting out of the house for a few hours. Java Love’s closure marks the end of an era for our local community’s coffee culture.

As coffee lovers, we love going to different coffee shops near us and some that are even out of the way. Every coffee shop offers something unique. For example, some craft their own syrups for beverages such as Longfellow’s, adding a personal touch to their drink menu. Others have a different aesthetic to them, like an airplane-themed café that captures my interest for a future visit, offering a departure from the conventional coffee shop aesthetic.

I’m eager to visit as many coffee shops as possible, immersing myself in the unique offerings of each—from their specialty beans, drinks and food to their distinct aesthetics. For me, food at a coffee shop is not the most important factor, it is a bonus. I would be satisfied with a pastry to pair with my coffee. My focus is more on the drinks, particularly in search of unique drinks not found elsewhere.

While I would love to find the “best coffee shop ever”, I think that it is impossible, because each coffee shop has it’s strengths and weaknesses. My drink cravings vary; some days I crave a Mocha, while on others, a Chai Latte beckons. I’ve discovered that certain coffee shops or cafes stand out by offering a drink that surpasses others in quality. For instance, the best hot Mocha I’ve ever enjoyed was at Art Cafe in Nyack New York.