Hot Take: Having good coffee isn’t the most important thing for a good coffee shop.

I know it seems like a contradiction, but when it comes to judging a coffee shop, how their coffee tastes is honestly only half of the evaluation. Meaning, delicious coffee alone does not bring enough value to the business to automatically mark it as being good.

When I reflect on my favorite coffee shops, they all have one major characteristic in common: they all have good vibes. Each of the places I regularly stop at has something about it that is inviting and makes me want to come back.

You see, if I wanted to, I could make my coffee at home (which is free because girl math) or always visit my work on my days off for a free coffee. And yet, being a barista has only increased my desire to support other local coffee shops. Spending $7 on a coffee isn’t just about having a tasty treat; it’s about supporting a local business. 

With all that in mind, when I have the time to go out for coffee, I base which place I am going to support based on my previous experiences there. I love trying out new coffee shops, but they only get categorized as a Mac Mead Favorite if they meet the following requirements:

• Friendly staff (bonus points if the barista is willing to strike up a conversation with me)
• Specialty drinks or a seasonal menu (I’m a sucker for a limited-time deal)
• An inviting space (somewhere I feel welcomed to be at, even if it’s just a drive-thru)
• Good coffee (it’s on the list, it’s just not at the very top)

Because I am always seeking out new coffee shops, I have an extensive list of places I love, places I am willing to give a second try, and places I will only go out of necessity. You know a coffee shop is really bad if I am more willing to go to Starbucks than there (not because Starbucks has bad coffee, I just prefer shopping small).

If a coffee shop has good coffee but bad vibes, I avoid it. I mean, if I wanted to go somewhere where I was going to spend my hard-earned money just to feel like everyone is judging me and wants me to leave as quickly as possible, I would join a sorority again. 

So, my fellow caffeine addicts, I am curious what the most important characteristic is in choosing your favorite coffee shop. What factors do you consider crucial in order for you to become a regular somewhere?