As a Knoxvillian, I have fairly high standards of good local coffee shops, given the plethora of options in my area. However, Johnson City, a significantly smaller town, exceeds my expectations for a tasty latte and a favorable ambiance. The coffee shops are all a short drive from campus, so if you want to find an alternative study place and drink a great cup of joe, I’ve got you covered.

Pike House Coffee Roasters prides themselves on being different, and they are the only coffee house out of the bunch that roasts their own coffee. They have a “Poe’s Corner,” a nod toward Edgar Allen Poe and the owner’s love of dark academia. Set in the historic “Burlington Mill,” the mood is mysterious, dramatic and eerie, the perfect ambiance for fall and cuddling up with a spooky Southern Gothic book. Its website claims the “customers are as varied as [their] drink menu.” In addition to coffee, the menu features an assortment of Lotus teas, such as “Purple Lotus” with elderberry and black raspberry, a plant-based energy alternative.

Open Doors Coffeehouse is a popular place that serves coffee and tea, breakfast all day and lunch. The staff is friendly and attentive. Jake, the general manager, recommends the grilled pimento cheese sandwich on Texas toast with a cup of tomato soup. As for the coffee, they currently have a “Caramel Apple Latte” with salted caramel and apple syrup, and a “Dirty Pumpkin Chai,” which features chai, espresso, pumpkin and cinnamon sprinkle, a unique twist on a fall classic. The coffeehouse was established to support the local faith-based organization, Rise Up, founded in 1994 to empower young people to strive for success. Local artwork is also on display and available for purchase.

Photo of a team member working at Pike House Coffee Roasters. (Contributed/discoverjohnsoncity.com)

Blue’s Brews Co. has such a great vibe. As soon as you enter the shop, you are transported into a garden of wonder. The fall menu includes 15 coffee-based drinks with creative names like “Campfire Song,” “Witches Brew” and “Sweater Weather.” Sarah, the owner, recommends the “Cider Donut,” a pleasant treat with apple, brown sugar and cinnamon powder. The most popular fall coffee drink is “Hermione,” an iced dirty chai with cinnamon dulce, caramel and pumpkin oat cold foam. I’m not drooling, you’re drooling. Sarah uses Cooperative Coffee from Asheville, North Carolina, and offers a diverse selection of books for sale.

The Moon Coffee and Tea House is the “star” of local coffee shops as the coffee is exceptionally smooth and balanced. Owner, Brett, and his staff, are a friendly, helpful bunch that takes great care in making their customers feel welcome and at home. The artwork in the shop is distinctive and impressive. The owner’s grandfather drew up plans for a “lunar” theater that hangs on the wall, as well as a captivating painting of a full blood-orange moon over a river encased by majestic ridges in the night sky. Their signature latte is the “Moon Latte,” which features homemade salted vanilla whipped cream and organic cocoa. They offer a variety of pastries made by the Lazy Lady Baking Company, including “Peach Butter Pop Tarts” and “Strawberry Scones.” One of the baristas is a medical student at ETSU and reports that Brett takes significant care in selecting phenomenal coffee for the place. They are working on a homemade chai whipped cream for the fall season.

Dos Gatos is an ETSU faculty favorite, and for good reason. The “Cafe Miel” features a double shot of espresso, local honey, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. They make their syrups in-house, my favorite being the lavender syrup. They use Counter Culture Coffee, based in Durham, North Carolina, and a staple in my pantry. The latte art at Dos Gatos is some of the best I have seen.

The last and final destination is a true gem regarding study space. It is less about the coffee and more about the serene atmosphere and extensive range of teas. The Philosopher’s House feels like a tranquil space with cool air, jazzy music and a large array of seating options which include private rooms on both the main floor and upstairs. Woodsy decor, a zen room and stunning mountain views from the “living room” make The Philosopher’s House a truly relaxing hideaway. While the tea house does offer French Press coffee, it would be a travesty not to try some tea during your visit. The menu is 54 pages long, but much of it is information about the history of tea. A popular pick is the “Masala Chai,” and a staff favorite is the “Summer Love Lemonade,” offering notes of hibiscus, pineapple, orange peel, lavender and lemon grass. In addition to tea time, the Philosopher’s House offers classes and workshops such as crochet, a poetry writers workshop, a Spanish club and a queer in Appalachia group. The calendar is filled with daily events sure to pique the interests of many.

While not every coffee shop made my list, I hope this helps you find a safe study haven away from campus to enjoy a great cup of coffee or tea. The local shops would appreciate the extra business, and they all offer a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, with each place having a distinctive vibe.

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