Fairhope, AL, Part Two: The Coffee Loft

This sign pretty much sums up the whole mood of The Coffee Loft: artsy, eccentric, bohemian, and fun. I have no idea who put this sign together but they really put their ALL into it! This spot has free wi-fi and while I did not have the opportunity to test it out, one reviewer claims they have an "honor code for coffee payment early in the morning after a run"! How cool is that?! I don't think any place in NY would do that for you.

They have art from local artists all over the shop, mismatched furniture, and of course the typical moody teenager scattered about. I did see some local reviewers complaining online about the prices being a little too high, but being from New York, I did not think it was anything unusual. Of course my perspective may be a little skewed coming from one of the most expensive cities to live in, in the U.S.

Check out the glitter painted directly onto the building!

Another complaint was the limited parking. Again, not an issue for the typical New Yorker who walks everywhere, but I could see why it's frustrating in a town where everyone drives.

As you would expect from a small business, they are anti-establishment (read: anti-Starbucks). Try ordering a 'Frappuccino' in this place and you'll learn a thing or two!

They proudly advertise other anti-establishment views with the poster above, featuring the local hero: Willie Bean Roscoe P. Coltrane, an honest-to-God yellow Labrador, who ran for mayor in 2008, and almost won!

It may be worth mentioning that the Latte Da! coffee shop, only a few blocks away, has many similar drink names (such as: Shamrock and Ice Rages instead of Icerageous) but who came first, I'm not sure. It's obvious though that there's a little competition going on here.

This is a pretty great shop and their sausage biscuits are a-mazing!! The real deal folks!

Happy 4th of July y'all!

Fairhope, Alabama, Part 1: 'Latte Da'

I spent the 4th of July on vacation in Fairhope, Alabama to visit my grandmother and some other family members, and of course I had to check out some of the local coffee spots! The first place I am reviewing is a long-time favorite of my family's, located in the heart of downtown Fairhope, called Latte Da. 

The Handle on the door is made from a piece of driftwood!

Many people may not know this about Fairhope, but it has a large community of local artists, writers, and other creative types. This dreamy bay-side community located off of Mobile Bay & the Gulf of Mexico is steeped in history and southern charm, and is quite proud of their burgeoning artistic community! This little spot is a great place to pick up a book and a cup of coffee and spend the day reading away. My idea of heaven!

The steel siding used around the base of the counter can also be found on the roofs of many of the houses in the Fairhope area.

I spy a bookstore!

The Page and Palette Bookstore connects directly to the Latte Da! coffee shop. This is a common feature among the shops in the historic district, which helps promote local, small businesses. I think this is a great practice! I love the idea that, instead of competing with each other, they realize that the best way to survive is to help each other and feed off of each others' strengths. Not to mention that it really helps to make it feel like a real community effort.

This lighting fixture is so unique I can't help but imagine that it's from one of the local artists!

Iced Latte

Shamrock: White Chocolate, Espresso, & Irish Cream

They had some really creative drinks and it's a shame I only got to try the one, but The Shamrock definitely fulfilled it's implied promise of being a sugary treat that hit the spot on a hot July morning. They incorporate ice-cream into many of their espresso and non-espresso drinks, which makes it a great place to stop for the kids too! The Iced Latte was pretty much what you would expect for a standard latte- a good balance of espresso and milk that needed little to no sugar.

So. Many. Choices. Aaaaaah!

Other side of the door, with the driftwood handlebar.

This place is a great spot to try something new & exciting but I get the impression that this is not the spot for a gourmet cup of coffee. However, they must be doing something right if they have stayed in business for 10 plus years, so I feel that there is something to be learned here. They don't pretend to be something they're not. There is no pretension here. Just like the local community, they are charming, casual, and quirky. They definitely know their market and I can see why it's a local favorite. Overall, I would give this place 4 stars for a relaxing & charming atmosphere and creative drink choices, and a 3 for quality.

Photos by Nathanael Maharaj