If you know what green beans are, why burr grinders are superior, and the difference between a pour-over and an espresso, then chances are you’re a caffeine junkie. Norfolk is a great place to get your fix, as it’s home to some of the best coffeehouses in the state. The most difficult part is choosing from this vast array of excellent locales.
Fair Grounds
As the oldest independent coffeehouse in town, Fair Grounds is a benevolent king on his throne, dispensing coffee and good vibes to all of his subjects. Every coffee served is Fair Trade Certified, so you can be proud that you’re supporting global equality and responsible purchasing. Fair Grounds has a quieter, more relaxed vibe than most coffeehouses, making it a great place to read, study, or have an intimate conversation with a friend. It also boasts an extensive menu that includes veggie burgers, sandwiches, and baked goods.
Fair Grounds supports the local community of musicians and artists, and open-mic nights are held here regularly. It also has its own parking lot, unlike some of the competition. Fair Grounds’ hours are also a bit more extensive than other coffeehouses in the area. The coffeehouse is open until 10 p.m. on Sunday and until 11 p.m. the rest of the week.
Cafe Stella
For a more upscale experience, try Cafe Stella. The decor, a mix of modern and vintage, is a bit fancier than most, yet the prices remain quite reasonable. Best of all, Cafe Stella roasts its own beans in tiny batches. You can buy whole-bean coffee to take home, and Cafe Stella uses only reusable and recyclable packaging. There’s even a small shop that sells vintage items, art, coffee paraphernalia, and home furnishings.
Cafe Stella’s menu is diverse, including salads and soups of the day, fresh-baked pizza, brown rice bowls with pan-seared salmon, and a variety of grilled sandwiches and burgers. They bake their own pastries daily, right on the premises. When the weather is pleasant, you can enjoy your gourmet meal and coffee in the outdoor seating area.
Cure Coffeehouse and Brasserie
Proudly serving Counter Culture brand coffee, this airy and spacious coffeehouse has a distinct advantage over some other venues. Beer! Cure has local craft beer in bottles and on tap, and it serves wine as well. Pieces from local artists hang on the walls, live music is featured regularly, and it boasts a small library. Expect a young, hip crowd with a friendly vibe.
Besides the staple caffeine and alcohol, Cure has extensive menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a weekend brunch menu that’s good until 2 p.m. Folks rave about the mac & cheese, Reuben sandwich, spinach quinoa burger, house-smoked chicken salad, and Cuban sandwich with house-smoked BBQ pork.
With choices like these just a short walk or drive away, there’s no reason to sit at home with your room-temperature toaster pastry and cup of instant coffee. Support your local independent coffeehouse and get your caffeine fix, all in one trip!
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Image via Flickr by Infomastern
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