Working from home each day can be difficult. Nagging household chores are begging you for attention. The television is only one click away from a huge distraction, especially if you have writers block.
When I decided (actually my husband encouraged it) to launch my freelance writing career, I created my own planner and set out to create a weekly schedule, allowing me to stay focused on my blog AND my freelance writing.
However, I under estimated the significance of my work environment.
Living and working in a two room apartment, while our home is being constructed has proven to be very claustrophobic. Don’t get me wrong, I love working from home; however, every day and every night, the same four walls can be suffocating.
To relieve my stagnant situation – I needed motivation so… I started this series – Java Journey.
Each week, I will work outside the home for a full day, in a local coffee shop and report back to you what I see, experience and feel.
Goals for this experience:
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- Get to taste some good coffee. I love a good cup of java. It gets my creative juices flowing and picks me up, especially since I am NOT a morning person in the first place.
- Find the quaint hidden gems. Greenville is a foodie town. So many restaurants opening. Greenville Today: 6 New Restaurants in 6 Days. Hopefully, I will discover some great places to work in the future.
- Stir the creative juices. Hopefully getting out of the house will help me figure out some places to pitch my freelancing credentials. Plenty of small businesses in this town, which could use an outside prospective to stimulate their profits.
- Network? – I don’t know if this will be possible, since 90% of the people I see in coffee shops, are meeting other people. The solo-entrepreneur is not the majority here, which kinda shocks me. Am I the only one?
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Today I am at Coffee Underground.
Located in the heart of downtown, but hidden literally below street level, hence underground, Coffee Underground is a full service coffee bar, offering a vast selection of hot coffees, frozen smoothies, flavored milkshakes, frappes, and other beverages.
Hungry? Coffee Underground has an array of pastries, cakes and sweet treats available. But they also have more substantial choices, with simple breakfast plates served all day. Sandwiches, salads, burgers and a kids menu are available. Food can be prepared from open to close.
With a hardwood bar, dark wood tables and trim, the surroundings are homey and comfortable. The aroma of fresh brewed coffee is always present. There are secluded rooms for those needing a more quiet environment. Small sofas and winged back chairs are scattered throughout the dining area.
Scenic black and white artwork adorn the original brick walls, creating an unpretentious space. Subtle classic rock ‘n roll music plays in the background.
During lunch and in the evenings, Coffee Underground takes on another personality. Offering not only the huge coffee menu, but also adult beverages. Ranging from beer, wine, and mixed cocktails to hot tot-ties, and delectable sweet ice cream based drinks; there is something to satisfy every pallet. Most standard liquor brands are available – Bacardi, Smirnoff, Jack Daniels, Crown Royal and others.
A small theater called The Alchemy is next door, featuring Improv shows and open-mic nights.
A group meeting room can be reserved for birthday celebrations, baby showers or networking meetings, complete with a television monitor for visual presentations. Coffee Underground offers a catering service for large parties.
A minimum purchase of $2 is required for wi-fi access. A designated parking lot is NOT available.
I circled the block twice to obtain a free street space.
As you enter Coffee Underground, you will approach the “place your order” counter. I ordered a large chocolate mocha with whip cream (a drink to compare to all bistros), along with a “build your own omelet.” Prepared with two eggs, bacon, peppers, onions mushrooms and cheese, it was ready within five minutes.
I picked up my order at the adjoining counter, once my name was called and sat down.
The omelet was delicious and filling. Served in a large, ceramic, heavy cup, my mocha was creamy, chocolaty and not scalding hot.
I love the coziness of this place. Although very busy with customers, it does not feel loud or overbearing, like a certain bustling chain coffee house can be.
What a discovery! Coffee Underground is great for…
an early workday
a light, quick lunch
or a relaxing evening cocktail
Coffee Underground located at 1 E. Coffee St. Greenville, SC
- Monday – Thursday 7 AM – 10 PM
- Friday – 7 AM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM – 10 PM
- Hours change for holidays
One Comment
Renee E Goddard
Although I don’t like the taste of coffee, I do love the smell. I could almost smell the coffee with you desription of Coffee Underground.