Explorer of 3rd Spaces - Helping others avoid the awkward exploratory phase

Have you ever walked into a coffee shop, backpack on shoulder, not knowing if the shop you walked into is a spot to hang out, or will they kick you out after 30 mins? You look for a seat, and fumble around but feel the whole shop staring at you because this isn't one of those spots?? The couches are taken. Where are the outlets?? Are those baristas giving me the "eye"??
Enter this website. I'm just a guy who loves to use "Third Spaces" to get things done. It's not always clear-cut on how to find these spots, so I figured to create a site highlighting what I've come across and share with others. 


I've broken down my considerations into 5 categories:

The 'Vibe' is the overall score.

Black Coffee 

Rating: 4/5

Small space but well spaced out. Uplifting words around the entrance were a good addition.

The day started with Gospel music and progressed to R&B hits. It was easy to do my work and jam at the same time.

Dope staff. A young man has developed a clothing line he's promoting at the shop, Nex-Us. Check him out here.

Good coffee.

It was easy to concentrate in the morning time. Later in the morning noise level was a bit between the vendors and the crowds coming in. Great for business. Make sure you get there early enough to get a few hours' worth of work done.

Vibe Score: 4/5

The space is a locally owned shop. The owner greets everyone walking through the door. The music was dope, and the space was nice. 

Prevail Coffee Roasters

Rating: 4/5

Thoughtfully laid out space with a modern and industrial design that manages to be inviting. There's ample seating and the spaces are well lit.

Chill Folk/Indie music making for good background music

Friendly duo behind the counter

Good coffee.

Concentration comes here depending on where you sit. The shop is part of a condominium so if you're sitting towards the "back" of the shop, you may have a constant flux of residents.

Also depending on the crowd, their voices may carry due to the open nature of the space. You'll be fine if you pop on some headphones or if you can consider the voices as white noise.

Vibe Score: 4/5

The space and music makes for a good mix to hang out while you get your work done; the mix between modern and inviting makes this one of my favorite spots.

Urban Grind

Rating: 5/5

It’s a cozy, small shop with couches, a few high tables and several single seaters by the window. There’s plenty of good natural lighting while inside the shop lighting is dim and relaxing.

It’s a chill mix between different decades and genres. The music is at a good level to get work done while bopping your head to the beats. 

As as you walk in, you are greeted by the barista in an inviting manner. 

Good coffee.

It was easy to concentrate and get my work done. The lighting and seating options add to the chill. 

Vibe Score: 5/5

I’m a fan of spot. It’s a classic coffee shop with chill vibes and good staff. Its easy to become a repeat customer. 

ChocoLate

Rating: 5/5

It's a good-sized space with all the trimmings of a classic 3rd space: high chairs, 2 seaters, 4 seaters, and a pair of couches. The shop also has large windows for a ton of natural light. You had me at hello.

Chill music which picks up as it gets later in the morning. At some point, I found myself in a deep introspective trance.

Friendly staff.

Good coffee.

It's easy to plop down, chill and do your work here.

Vibe Score: 5/5

I cheated with this one. I’ve been here before, but this is the first time I visited, intending to review the spot. It's one of my top cafes in Atlanta. 

Woodstone Bakery & Cafe

Rating: 2/5

It’s a small space with art covering the walls, all up for sale. Seating is limited, and traffic is high.

There was a standard mix of R&B jams from the 90s and early 2000’s.

The duo were inviting when I placed my order..

Smooth.

It was easy to concentrate at around 0900. By 1030/11ish, the atmosphere changed, and business was in full swing. 

Vibe Score: 2/5

When business picked up, I didn’t feel comfortable staying. This had zero to do with the staff. It’s 100% due to the nature of the shop itself; it is in a high-traffic area, and groups of people were cannibalizing seats for their groups as the morning carried on. The vibe gets a low score on this one. If you’re looking for a place to work on a Sunday morning, you may want to consider another spot.

Rev Coffee

Rating: 4/5

Spread out and ample, open space.

I had my headphones on, but there was a mix of music and low chatter.

Friendly staff.

Good coffee.

This is one of my favorite spots. if you get in early enough, you can grab a good seat and work for hours. Grab some food, and tip your baristas. It's a good, chill spot.

Vibe Score: 4/5

Overall a good spot to hang out and grab a drink.

People's Town Cofee Bar

Rating: 4/5

The space has enough seating so you don’t feel crowded with other people. High chairs? Check. Single seaters? Check. Couches? Check. What about the lighting? A ton of natural light through the windows around the shop

Lofi beats dominated the airwaves. It was an ideal playlist for easy background listening.

The owners were the baristas. A welcoming group.

Good coffee.

The space itself makes it easy to chill. An echo component may be distracting if you don’t have any headphones. That said, the space makes up for the echo and…well…you’ll probably have headphones if you’re at a coffee shop.

Vibe Score: 4/5

The space is a locally owned shop. It's a new favorite spot for me.