How to Spot a Good Coffee Shop

Authentic small business retail is a large part of the fabric of a great neighborhood. Small business coffee shops are favorites within that small business retail segment... but do you know how to spot a good one? No, it's not looking for the Starbucks symbol. The book called Coffee Nerd: How to Have Your Coffee and Drink it Too goes through a depth of detail to find a cool coffee shop. Going local for your coffee is as cool as it gets, but it can be easy to be faked out. The Coffee Nerd book lists some ways for you to know whether to go on in or keep on walking. Here is some of that list:Go on in if...

• It offers a variety of brewing options, including at least one pour-over method

• The baristas look like they just stepped off the set of Boardwalk Empire, Portlandia, or Mad Men

• It roasts its own beans

• It is a hybrid coffee shop and record store

• Espresso is served with a small glass of sparkling water on the side

Keep walking if...

• The baristas look like they just stepped off the set of Jersey Shore or The Big Bang Theory

• More than one drink on the menu involves whipped cream

• There is a TV

• There are drinks with cutesy names like "Livin' La Vida Mocha" and "Whole Latte Love"

• It is located inside a chain bookstore

This is not fun and games, people. Make your coffee decisions wisely. Go local, go cool.;-)