Never Underestimate the Importance of Being Caffeinated

Having a role that allowed me to work from anywhere led way the luxury of freedom outside of the office. When I wasn’t in client meetings, I was free to work from anywhere as long as I had my computer and phone with me. At any given time between building human capital and infrastructure for businesses and corporations, I could easily be found at the nail shop, a restaurant, but most likely a coffee shop. Having the flexibility in my schedule allowed me to skip the very cliche Starbucks (this does not apply to Starbucks Reserve) but explore locally owned coffee shops in the area. I started to move my meetings and one-on-ones with my teams from inside a stuffy office but to new places they hadn’t tried. Why expense boring coffee when we can get better and a vibe?

Although I love the space that I built for myself at home, I intentionally curated it to be a calming environment for me. I can’t always be nor want to be productive there. It’s easy to let the smoothness of my onyx-colored couch provide relaxation as I wrap up in one of a thousand of my fur blankets. As a result of switching careers and being in an office for 8 or more hours of the day, I’ve moved a way from working at home so that my space is one that is free from stressful energies and to-do lists.I have had more success getting up and getting out to let my mind work in a whole new space. In celebration of National Espresso Day, here are my five favorite choices for the perfect coffee shops to work and play for the Corporate Entrepreneurial Social Butterfly.

Halcyon

By far one of my favorite places in DFW. My first experience at Halcyon was for an offsite planning breakfast that my former manager had. The eclectic vibe curated by art from pop art from local creatives hung on dusty brick walls while alternative R&B and throw back Hip Hop plays set the scene for an environment to breed creativity and business. As a bonus the coffee shop is also a a full service bar with a variety of cocktails to can lead you from a day of working straight into happy hour which runs M-F 4-8 pm. I highly suggest the Long Island Iced Coffee but only after you’re done with serious work.

The Wild Detectives

One part bookstore one part bar, all parts a hub to let you climb an intellectual jungle gym via coffee and cocktails. If you need a break from work you can also enjoy one of the live book readings that they offer throughout the week. Let your fingers guide you down the walls lined with books old and new. If you buy a drink, you get a book which is why you’re there anyways, right?

ASCENSION COFFEE

Labeling itself as a coffee and wine bar, Ascension opens its doors to many business professionals and creatives alike for business meetings and gatherings. The chalk board walls boasts weekly specials such as their half-off bottles of wine on Wednesdays. With locations around the Dallas area it’s easy to find one to slip in to get your caffeine fix.

Civil Pour coffee

A “coffee and beer” ruckus, this stylish coffee shop with ceiling to floor windows has both coffee in house and beers on tap that you can only find at Civil Pour. They don’t skimp on the menu items with a variety of both baked goods and other treats. They have hand-selected meets and cheeses that are sliced in house daily to preserve the freshness and taste.

TOASTED

A clear pun with the name, this coffee + cocktail bar is one where you can get toast, and well, get toasted. The chic industrial style decor and smell of freshly ground coffee is sure to get your juices flowing (they also have juice btw). The cocktail menu starts with choices for just $5. If it’s too early for an Old Fashioned, try one of the coffees with their house made syrup for an additional boost.

As always, be sure to get out and explore to find your own favorites. There is a lot out in the world you deserve to see.