Native Coffee Co.

I used to come here all the time when I worked nearby. If you were to drive past it, you’d have no clue there was a coffee shop tucked away here. The interior gives off a very industrial Manhattan vibe—think the Humphreys’ apartment from Gossip Girl. There’s outdoor seating, but no shade; it’s more of a cabana-style roof.

There’s a lot of seating, but I wouldn’t recommend it for long stays. When I’m at a coffee shop, I’m usually there for 3–4 hours. Here, I’d last a solid hour before needing to leave. The seating is clearly designed for groups, not solo patrons. As a result, there are often large tables with four chairs occupied by just one person. If you're comfortable asking a stranger to share their table, you’ll survive just fine. Odds are, you’ll outstay them anyway.

The “for here” coffees are served in short highball glasses. I think they’re going for classy and modern, but it just reminds me of IKEA. Also, they don’t mix the espresso and milk before serving it. Aesthetically, it’s pretty, but it means you have to stir it yourself, resulting in a toss-up of the final product. They use their own beans and love to experiment. The espresso has a slightly sour, fruity flavor. I can appreciate fruity notes in a cold brew or pour-over (those are typically consumed black) but in a milky latte, I don’t love it. The vanilla flavor is underwhelming; the espresso is too overpowering for any sweetness to come through.

Their music is catchy and vibey for a coffee shop, but I didn’t recognize any of the songs. This is what I almost prefer. This way, I’m in the right headspace for getting work done, but I’m not distracted by my own personal karaoke show.

Come here if you’re comfortable sitting near strangers. It’s a good spot for groups or solo visits. I’d come to journal or knock out some work on my laptop. Just don’t expect to read for hours—the chairs aren’t supportive enough for that kind of commitment.

My order:

• Iced latte ($5.25)

• Vanilla ($0.80)

• Oat Milk ($0.75)

• Total = 7.36

My rating:

• Coffee: 3

• Activity: 4

• Music: 4

• Vibes: 5

• Overall = 4