“As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could it be?” -Cassandra Clare
I have always enjoyed a nice cup of coffee. Even as a little girl, I would watch with wonder as my parents prepared their steaming mugs. Eventually, my mother indulged me with some decaf -mainly milk – so I could partake in the morning ritual.
I also married a coffee drinker, who happens to be a very early riser, so I’m lucky to enjoy a fresh pot when I wake up (lately, it’s Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason Blend). I wonder just how many cups of coffee we drank over the last year adjusting to life with Little Lovely? 
While we mainly brew ours at home I wanted to celebrate National Coffee Day by sharing some of our favorite local spots for a cup of Joe.
Drip on Main
This is the destination for poured-over coffee served in a bustling indoor-outdoor setting right in the heart of downtown. You can grab a scone or lunch along with your latte and catch some pretty good people watching on Main Street too.
The Wired Goat Cafe
Named for the Ethiopian goats that apparently were “wired” after discovering and eating coffee beans for the first time, The Wired Goat just celebrated its first birthday in the Vista. This redefined coffee shop is passionate about quality ingredients and carries responsibly grown and traded coffee as well as baked goods, breakfast and lunch menus made with locally sourced products. I’m a fan of their handcrafted lattes, including some new, fall flavors: pumpkin pie, ginger snap, and French toast.
Rise Bake Shop
Named Columbia’s Best New Restaurant in 2016 by The Free Times Rise Bake Shop opened last year on Harden Street in Five Points by Chef Sarah Simmons. Getting back to her Columbia roots, Chef Simmons developed Rise as a Southern boulangerie focusing on freshly baked breads and pastries in addition to sandwiches, bowls and salads. I love the classic yet modern design of the shop and have found it a great place to meet friends for a coffee date. In fact, if you stop in today, you will receive a free, sweet treat with your coffee purchase in honor of National Coffee Day. I also can’t wait to try their new, weekday Family Meal offering that includes a main dish, side, dessert and bread, warm and ready for pick up!
I hope you are able to linger over a lovely little latte today!
