Coffee Tour de Gainesville: Coffee Culture

For many months, Coffee Culture was only an idea to me. On occasion, one of my former coworkers would bring in some fancy iced beverage, tap me on the shoulder, and point to his drink - indicating to me that he had bought some Coffee Culture, and welcoming me to drink as much as I liked (as long as I didn't finish it, of course). The same coworker once told me to "become one with the bean" while I was learning how to make french press... ah, memories.

My excursion today began with an open mic. Margaret is a musician and is always looking for new open mics to perform at. Conveniently, most of the places in Gainesville that host open mic nights are coffee shops, so going out to support her is always a good time (even if only due to the fact that I love coffee).

Thus welcomes me to Sunday Night at Coffee Culture. While maybe not an Official Event deserving of the promotion to proper noun, for me, it was an event... Especially if one considers how I've been trapped in bed, sick, for the past week. I've been to two other open mics in Gainesville, and I've learned by now not to set any expectations. Well, Sunday Night at Coffee Culture delved into a new realm of "out of the ordinary." Or maybe not. After all, it was my third open mic ever.

From Tristan Harvey of Harvey and Whistle (source: Margaret), to Bruce the Naked Poet, to a "cool ass accordian player" (what I wrote in my notes, guess I didn't catch his name), I was kept on my toes as each performer took the stage. I have a list of memorable quotes because it just kept getting weirder. My favorite? "I'm going to talk about my cat's penis." Honestly, even if I gave context, it still wouldn't make much sense.

As far as I could tell, Coffee Culture consists of two main rooms, both reflecting separate 'coffee shop' aesthetics. One - comfy chairs, plush couches, and coffee tables to gather around. The other, tables and chairs perfect for studying. Marge and I sat in the latter room, facing the stage. I ordered an iced dirty chai and was pleased with my choice.

Overall, it's pretty cool place. It's comfortable, and doesn't have that same posh hipster vibe that so many other local Gainesville establishments do (at least not completely). I definitely want to return another time so I can look around a bit more, possibly take more pictures. However, they do have a drive-thru, and knowing I don't have to leave my car for my caffeine fix is a great thought.