Coffeehouses and Roasters: a time-honored tradition
By Mark Okrant
After nearly fifty-four years of marriage, I can honestly say that my wife and I disagree over very few things. One of those, however, is coffee. While I enjoy an occasional glass of decaffeinated iced coffee, she drinks five cups of the hot stuff every day.
Admittedly, coffee has had a very good run since its origin, believed to be in Ethiopia, prior to the fifteenth century. Throughout much of the coffeehouse’s early history, its development was focused on the Middle East. Damascus was the home to several of the first coffeehouses. By the fifteenth century, coffeehouses had appeared at Mecca in what today is Saudi Arabia. Early sixteenth-century locations were in Istanbul—at that time the capital of the Ottoman empire—and in Bagdad, in the Fertile Crescent. Coffeehouses became popular meeting places where men gathered to drink coffee, play chess and backgammon, and be entertained. Subsequent coffeehouses were opened in Cairo and Persia.
The earliest European coffeehouses were established during the seventeenth century in Venice, Italy, Vienna, Austria, and London, England By 1675, there were more than 3,000 coffeehouses in England. These were accessible to all men, regardless of social status. Here, ideas of equality and republicanism were spawned. Finally, during the middle of the seventeenth century, coffeehouses were diffused to the Americas.
According to the National Coffee Association (NCA), 67 percent of adult Americans drink coffee every day, with 36 percent of coffee drinkers consuming three to five cups each day. Meanwhile, according to the NCA, an eye-opening 51 percent of these coffee drinkers purchase theirs from a coffee shop at least one time per week—which brings us to our topic.
A coffeehouse, coffee shop, or café is an establishment that serves various types of coffee, espresso, latte, americano, and cappuccino. Some coffeehouses serve tea, and cold beverages, such as iced coffee or tea, and non-caffeinated drinks. Also, on some menus are pastries, breads, cakes, muffins, and donuts. A number of these establishments are of the single, mom-and-pop variety, while others are franchised businesses. Coffeehouses are much more than a place to buy and consume a cup of coffee. Many of the best ones serve as “centers of social interaction,” wherein writers write, readers read, thinkers think, internet users use the internet, and small groups gather to entertain one another or discuss the hot political topic of the day.
During the early 1950s, coffeehouses served as the home of the Beatnik culture; later, during the 1960s, they were places to listen to some of the best folk music at that time. In 2002, Brownstones Coffee of Amityville, New York opened its first location as a breakfast-oriented coffeehouse. As that model increased in popularity, the trend grew in the form of Starbucks and similar franchises.
The Lakes Region is not unaffected by the quest for a good cup of coffee and some accompanying food. Here is a partial list of some favorites. We offer this sampling—in no particular order—as a starting place, not as a suggestion that you end your personal search here.
Wayfarer Coffee Roaster Lakeport Wayfarer Coffee
626 Main Street, Laconia 781 Union Avenue, Suite 2, Laconia
This pair of establishments is owned and operated by former Seattle residents Karen and Reuben Bassett, and their local partner Ben Bullerwell. When the first of these businesses opened in 2015, it was in response to their perceived need to bring quality coffee to the region. Today, they are known for their coffee, sourdough toasts, and fine pastries. This team operates the Wayfarer Marketplace which offers local beer and wines, farm produce, and has a section for local artisans to present their crafts.
Seven Suns Café
21 Railroad Avenue, Wolfeboro
This establishment specializes in the delectable combination of good coffee—cappuccino, Americano, tea latte, and Affogato (espresso over ice cream)—as well as a variety of delicious crepes.
Mellow Moose Coffee House
136 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith
This establishment offers great coffee, espresso, lattes, chia lattes, teas, and some of the area’s best hot chocolate. It serves made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and a daily quiche, as well as soup, salad, and sandwiches for a light lunch.
Identity Coffee
312 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith
This establishment offers something extra—excellent views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Coffee and lattes are the specialties of the house. One highlight for those with dietary concerns—they offer gluten-free breads and bakery items.
Cup and Crumb
1040 Whittier Hwy, Moultonborough
This establishment is a coffee shop and bakery combination. Coffee specialties include a range of espressos. Each day, freshly baked pastries, muffins, and breakfast sandwiches are made on site.
Lucas Roasting Company (roasters)
7 King Street, Wolfeboro
This establishment is a coffee roasting company that regards itself as a community—linking coffee farmers, to roasters, to baristas, to consumers. This establishment services residential consumers as well as businesses of various sizes. Orders are met with quick turn-around, as coffee and espresso will be roasted, delivered, and shipped within a 24-to-48-hour window.
Harmony Coffee House
21 Central Avenue, Wolfeboro
This establishment specializes in atmosphere, highlighted by a cozy fireplace. It offers coffee, espresso, latte, mocha, cappuccino, americano, cortado, hot chocolate, teas, and a variety of cold brews. All-day breakfasts and lunches are served.
Rise and Shine Coffee House
400 Main Street, Wakefield
This establishment offers a full range of coffees, as well as teas, hot chocolate, various iced drinks, and five varieties of smoothies. Quick breakfasts and pastries are also available.
The coffeehouse is a time-honored tradition. Like their predecessors, coffeehouses in the Lakes Region have become much more than a place to sample quality coffee products and good food. These are places where young couples meet, businesspersons make significant deals, political ideas are spawned, and a considerable amount of contemplation occurs. If you have not already done so, head right over to a coffeehouse on this list or choose one of your own. You might just meet up with my wife.