A few weeks ago, we ran into the Griffin of Olde Towne Fredericksburg, Virginia. When we saw the words "coffee shop" and "bookstore" on the same sign, we knew we were going to get sucked in. This idea is not only genius (coffee shop?! AND book store?! Together?!), but it was implemented here so perfectly. The Griffin has the layout of an old house - rooms here and there, hallways, a large living space. The various sections of books were segmented and the same went for the seating. A table with chairs in what might have been a sitting room (surrounded by shelves of books). A kids area that was a space underneath the stairs (surrounded by shelves of books). Two cush chairs with an end table in a wide hallway (of course, surrounded by shelves of books). Depending on where you sat, you'd get your own little alcove. A cup of coffee in hand staring at a wall of books? What is better, my friend, what is better. I often find myself overwhelmed at bookstores, with the urge to move here and move there, craning my neck to see what's on the bottom shelf. But when you're sitting down without a single inkling to move (i.e., latte in hand), you have all the time to eye up a thousand books.
Kudos, Griffin.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for their coffee. Good brews were clearly not their focus, and it was about the equivalent of what you'd get at a hospital kiosk. Though my husband had the regular brew, I had the basic mocha, and was all but impressed. It was overly bitter and overpowered by the undersweet mocha powder.
Yes, definitely go to the Griffin for books and ambiance. But avoid for good coffee.
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