Atlanta residents enjoy having a new coffee shop
For so long, Atlanta’s center of town has needed a coffee shop. Now there’s one.
Barista Coffee Bar on East Hiram is different, however. First, it’s tucked away in the back of the Ole Rustic Treasures antique store. One would hardly know the bar is there except for a large banner that says “coffee” at the street front.
Then, one has to open and walk through a couple of wood and glass framed doors to get to the barista area. Once there, one can sit down — as if in a living room — and look around while waiting for the coffee order.
Of course, the coffee will be of “barista” quality. What is that, you ask? This will take a moment’s explanation.
First, a barista is a person. This person is an espresso machine coffee artist, one who has extensive knowledge about coffee, then prepares, decorates and serves the drink to customers. One who knows about coffee blends, coffee roasting, how to operate and maintain the espresso machines, froth milk and more.
The two businesses are owned by Melissa Smith. Her coffee bar opened Oct. 3.
Business was slow at first but is picking up speed as people begin to know and sample her coffee and atmosphere.
This was the case last week for Susan Irby, a new resident of Atlanta who has come here recently from Klamath Falls, Oregon.
“I know all about the ocean, valleys and growing area of Oregon where anything will grow. Now I am going to learn about the heat of Texas.
We’ll see,” said the transplant.
Irby had just dropped in to the barista bar after having seen the outdoor sign. She was quickly made to feel at home because Smith, the barista herself, is very personable, laughs a lot and seems to meet no strangers.
The bar is even a second home on several afternoons of the week for high school students who’ll drop in to sit at the comfortable chairs and study their schoolwork. They order coffee just like the adults.
Queen City school freshmen Halissya Green and Kaylyn Butler were two of those last week. The two say they know no one particularly at the bar but simply like to come in for the atmosphere and coffee.
Halissya has a favorite. It’s toasted marshmallow ice. Kaylyn has no particular favorite but tries different ones often.
Barista Smith says caramellow cappuccino is one of the most popular for adults. And many like the cold-brewed coffee, which seems not so strong.
“The beans in cold brew are never touched by heat, so it’s less strong. I think people like it for the caffeine as much as the taste of coffee,” Melissa said.
Her barista bar is certainly not existing on a whim, if for one big reason all coffee lovers will understand. Melissa’s bar is open six days a week, Monday-Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. That’s about as early and long as coffee lovers need their fix.
She’s also by herself. But her antique store feels a lot like home. To get to the coffee bar, one is surrounded by many memories in this well-kept setting.
So come-and-sit-a-spell. Coffee fiend? Well, just open two doors and you’ll transport yourself to another world.