The Charm of Murray Coffee Shops
By: Eliza Simikian
In local coffee shops, there is always a different type of atmosphere. The delicious scent of coffee swirls through the air as a friendly face is ready to take your order. Whether I need a quiet place to study or just my daily caffeine fix, I constantly find myself going to an independent cafe. Although we have some big-name coffee companies in Murray, there is so much charm in the local cafes that Murray has to offer.
Future Grounds has been a Murray staple since 2006. They have some delicious pastries, such as muffins, scones, and bagels from other local businesses such as Kirchoff’s baked goods. Having themed seasonal drinks is a tradition at this coffee shop. From Harry Potter’s Butterbeer, a mix of caramel, toffee, and hazelnut, to the Pot Of Gold, dark caramel with Irish cream, their coffee is filled with all sorts of flavors. You can enjoy these drinks as hot, iced, or my personal favorite, blended. FG is a great place to work alone, catch up with old friends, and even have some casual business meetings.
If you’re a fan of latte art, then Shaffer is the place for you. From the classic tulip to hearts, their latte art is a wow factor. This cafe has a busy, lively ambiance. Shaffer is great for coffee dates with your friend groups or family as they have community tables and even some cozy chairs. I thoroughly enjoy the vibe that the lighting fixtures give here as well. When I head to Shaffer I always look forward to the homey atmosphere, iced matcha’s with soy milk, and their gigantic, sweet cinnamon rolls.
Third Eye Grind is the trendiest, hip place to get your caffeine fix in Murray. They are a plant-based restaurant located at Five Points with some tasty treats to pair your coffee with. If you’re not sold on coffee, they also have some great handcrafted teas, lemonades, and smoothies. This spunky cafe has fun drink names like White Rabbit, a sweet white chocolate latte, and Better Latte Than Ever, your classic latte, but sweetened with agave. Every other Tuesday night they have karaoke, so grab a latte and hang out with some local Murray artists.
Located in the Murray square on the lower level of the New Life Christian bookstore, 5th and Main is an underrated coffee shop here in Murray. Not only is their java phenomenal, but it is also very affordable. Aside from coffee, they also have books, mugs, and seasonal items for sale. The next time you need a quiet place to read, study, or even sit, go down to 5th and Main. Grab yourself a cup of joe, sink into one of their couches, and enjoy the aroma of coffee.
Supporting local coffee shops is important. These one-of-a-kind cafes enrich your community, boost your local economy, and always guarantee quality coffee. So next time you’re heading down to grab a to-go coffee between classes or meeting up with a friend over a cappuccino, keep your local Murray coffee shops in mind.
