Undercurrent Coffee

"Plaza Midwood is chock full of coffee shops, making the competition stakes high, but not too high, because it’s cool, relaxed Plaza Midwood. What makes Undercurrent the neighborhood’s prized gem is the velvety steam of the latte milk, the impossibly smooth espresso, and the near-scientific milk-sweet-espresso ratio. Perched in a prime location on Commonwealth, Undercurrent’s interior devours sunlight from the open windows, making work-from-home, or rather work-from-Undercurrent, more pleasant. While the wait for a drink — be that the golden turmeric latte or its Onyx or Nightswim pour-overs — is definitely a bit longer than a typical wait, that is for good reason. Undercurrent’s baristas, like coffee chemists of sorts, are consistent in their craft, in the temperature of seasonal favs like the brown butter pecan latte. The tomato gravy grit bowl (add local bacon and a melty poached egg) is a hidden gem for lunch or breakfast. There’s ample seating, indoor and outdoor, to chat, read, and people-watch. Keep an eye out on Undercurrent’s Instagram for silent reading nights, weekend markets, and espresso cupping classes in the Lab, an actual lab in the back dedicated to coffee education and training." - Kayleigh Ruller

"This sleek and light-filled space designed to mirror the vibe of a true current boasts house-made syrups and artfully crafted beverages (like the seasonal Campfire Cappu-Tea-No with smoked Lapsang Souchong tea and steamed milk, vanilla brown sugar, dark chocolate, and, of course, a toasted marshmallow and cocoa powder). The menu also carries rich drip coffee as well as food featuring seasonal and local ingredients (think avocado toast, grit bowls and chia puddings). And just beyond the lounge-like seating area is the lab, technically a Specialty Coffee Association Premier Training Campus, where public classes and tastings are unrolled, plus SCA certification courses and workshops for coffee professionals." - Katie Toussaint