"Aiming to be Riverside’s true third place, Bellwood Coffee offers a friendly space for working, studying, or evening socializing and was launched in 2018 so neighbors could stay past the afternoons into the evenings; co-founder Charles Norman says they wanted beer, wine, and cocktails to complement the coffee. Nathan Nerswick, whom Norman hired at Bellwood’s Peachtree location and later promoted to general beverage director, crafts standout cocktails — an espresso martini recommended as a must-try and the Mermaid Magik, made with dried seaweed–infused gin, sherry, lime cordial, Meletti, and soy, which Norman says balances savory and sweet and evokes stepping out of the sea. Bellwood is also finessing a new food menu and emphasizes treating customers like friends while delivering memorable coffee and signature drinks." - Denise K. James