Coffee Shops North of Dallas #2
Awhile ago I put together a list of coffee shops that were in North Dallas to share to the community. The list was for my own personal notes so that I had locations for potential client meetings, a space to work, and for photoshoot location options. It’s been a year now and the influx of home and commercial real estate has brought so much life north of Highway 121 aka Sam Rayburn Tollway. So it occurred me to that it was necessary to update the list from last year and create a list for the people who truly live North of Dallas…including myself. Unfortunately, if you’re a coffee connoisseur, this guide won’t help you at all. I don’t know anything about coffee. I drink the same two things: A Chai Tea Latte or a some other sugary latte that might strike my fancy. Espresso on the rare occasion but I know zilch about it. My guide is based off the CULTURE of Coffee shops. To be honest, the trend has several criteria that has nothing to do with actual coffee. Sure we need the shot of caffeine, but the vibes, and the atmosphere are what really call people to the door. So that’s why the guide I’m providing is based off the following points:
GOOD LIGHTING & DECOR - Don’t lie. You know you go to a coffee shop when you know the light looks good so you can post a hipster Instagram pic. I am guilty of that every so often. However in the North, that need for minimalistic, urban chic, and farm to table mentality seems to disappear as we move toward a more fuller Suburban environment. We are lucky if there is even Sunlight streaming through the windows at all.
GREAT WIFI - I’m not kidding. Seriously, the upload speed has to be AT LEAST 14mbps. I have spent many hours looking for a place I can export images especially high res ones. And although I have decent speed at home, sometimes, the deadlines require EXTREME speed. There’s probably only two or three locations that I’ve found who can fit this criteria.
AMPLE SEATING & ELECTRICAL OUTLETS - The big corporate shift of fancy suits and 8-6 hours is rapidly moving towards those big wig e-com environments where you wear shorts and flip flops and you carry Skype meetings over your computer at home. But cabin fever is a real thing and for many who don’t have room to conduct meetings, you flock to places like Common Desk or WeWork to get your pre-paid office space with Topo Chico included. But if you’re a freelancer (like me) who can’t justify that kind of spending, you go to a coffee shop where there is decent seats and a corner outlet you can charge a laptop. And let me tell you, most coffee shops seem to skip this oh so great detail very often.
Ok enough of the ramblings, you’ve probably just scrolled down and went straight to the list. Enjoy and all the best in whatever you do! Hope this helps! - E
Photo taken from plano magazine
NERDVANA Coffee + Shop (FRISCO)
I go here often. It gets an A+ for fulfilling all three criteria points for me personally. It’s different, unique, great WIFI, and plenty of outlets. NOTE: Buy coffee and ask for a receipt because it's got the Wifi password located at the bottom. The password changes regularly!
photo by esther huynh
Parks roastery & cafe (Carrollton)
Total coffee experience. tours, laboratory, work space, and best of all it’s locally done family owned and operated - i actually went to high school with one of the parks sons. the nitro coffee brew is great. Upload speed here is amazing.
photo by esther huynh
MUDLEAF COFFEE (PLANO)
No password for WIFi! I’m in love already. I’m excited to see a coffee shop like this in West Plano. It’s down the street from Plano West High School. Try the Honey Lavender Latte.
Photo by Jennifer Shertzer, Plano Magazine
XO Coffee Company (Plano)
In the heart of Downtown Plano, this coffee shop is pretty inside and out. I think it’s such a good spot for photos plus the owners are related to THE David Hasselhoff! My only thing about coming here is that parking is pretty difficult. i’m always circling around looking for a spot.
Turbo Coffee (The Colony)
I knew a coffee shop was going to open at that Dog Park. I’ve been periodically checking to see if this Coffee Shop will open soon. It’s a great location for the Shacks at Austin Ranch. Once their doors open, I’ll be first in line.
photo by esther huynh
GEORGE Coffee + Provisions (COPPELL)
This place is SO photo friendly. Calling all millennials with a phone - this is your space to pretend to study as you take lots of selfies. NOTE: You can rent their two attached spaces for events but you have to pay for it.
Photo by Esther Huynh
Swirl Cafe by the Grove (Frisco)
That modern farm look is all the rage up north and it’s so close to 121! Seated on the edge of Frisco & McKinney, this space is great for photos. There’s beautiful interiors that are more traditional (not really my preference) but still very friendly and plenty of natural light. This place is hidden inside of a suburban neighborhood called The Grove so don’t be confused when GoogleMaps takes you away from retail spaces.
Photo by esther huynh
Summer Moon Coffee (FRISCO)
The coffee has milk that tastes like Vanilla Ice Cream so it’s on the super sugary side. NOTE: Not the best for quiet study time or for using the internet. First come first serve. Claim your table and chairs (since seating is limited) before you order.
