So, sit down and prepare yourself for a long ride down the rabbit hole about this coffee shop.
Firstly, I was born and raised in Austin. Old Austin. I'm not a hipster and have no clue what 'New Age' is. But, I digress.
I moved from Austin to Copperas Cove a few years back and was in for a HUGE culture shock. The diversity was absent. None in sight.
I soon was searching for local owned coffee shops. Only to find my options had dwindled to National if not International chains.
The days of quaint, personable coffee shops was behind me. It was saddening. I missed those shops that had mix-matched couches and recliners and warm mahogany wood tables. Abstract lighting that utilized outside and felt like a warm embrace.
I missed being in a coffeehouse. A place that felt like an extension of the owner, not just a quick way to make a buck. A place who's employees you knew and recognized.
My first job was in a small locally owned Gelatoria Cafe and that personality, that atmosphere made it great for employees and customers alike.
Well, fast forward a few years and my newest job plants me working in Temple. Well, soon, I get introduced to this little coffee shop in the mall.
I typically detest and adamantly try to avoid any food and drink places within the mall. They always seem lacking.
But, I mustered the desire to go in one day and see what all this talk had been about.
So, here goes this 30+ old Austinite about to enter a local coffee shop for the first time and I must admit, I didn't have high hopes for the place.
But, I step through those doors and I was enraptured with the atmosphere. It was joyful, encompassing, welcoming. It was the warmth you get when you walk into a place and smell something like home. Fresh baked cookies or bacon or just a specific sight.
It was different.
Great. But what about the coffee?
I'm getting there. I'm looking around and I notice the sign out front. Deathwish Coffee. Coffee I had only seen scroll across my Facebook feed like a unicorn fleeting over the horizon in my peripheral. Always there but not quite obtainable. Don't forget Valhalla, either!
Oh, well now I definitely had to see what there was to offer.
I go to the front and the employees are pleasant. But not in that cookie cutter way. They are themselves, and I enjoy that. I don't like the sterile greetings you receive at most places. It gives me a weird sense of professionalism. I want to enjoy coffee, not sign a business contract deal.
There are so many espresso drink options! I've had the majority of the flavors and I get them in a large whether they are hot or blended. They also offer iced but I'm not a fan.
My espresso has never been burnt or lacking. That's for sure and it's the only place I'll drink coffee outside of what I grind and make at home.
It is warm and inviting and the decor is always a surprise.
The owner is one of those folks you want to sit and pick his mind because he's so randomly knowledgeable and I certainly enjoy it coming from a geeky little place like Austin.
Comic books are a huge theme here but in a fun way! Whether it's just watching a few movies to have read the entire series, you'll enjoy the little touches and quirks that make it Peggy's.
They use a hand press and have smoothie and tea options for those who don't drink caffeine or coffee. They're delicious and I've had most of them on my long days where I just need something light to tide me over.
THEY EVEN HAVE BUTTER BEER which doesn't have espresso but you can certainly add it.
The food is actually amazing and I've had every sandwich they make with a pickle spear and choice of chips and I have yet to be disappointed.
The prices are worth it and I would certainly invite others to come in and enjoy the scenery and drinks given the time.
I now come in here as often as I can afford when I'm in town and it's always a pleasant stop by even if it's only 5 minutes.
I say go by, see what's going on and then decide for yourselves. read more