Raise your hand if you and your babe are the type of people that sit down at the beginning of the year to discuss goals and aspirations (while you can’t see both our hands are up) We love a new year and all that it has to offer (btw, if you don’t do this…do it! Hold each other accountable for what you want to accomplish and support one another’s goals and dreams) BUT…do you know what we love even more?!
Coffee…
Man, just sitting here thinking about it I get that warm feeling I get when I pour that first glorious cup ‘o joe in the morning (I will pause here for a sec so that you all can experience that same feeling I’m talking about). This year we sat down at one of our fav local coffee shops to dish about last year and rally for this year so this week we are sharing some of our favorite local coffee shops (we have too many to just choose one…duh!) and bonus – some tips for getting the new year convo juices flowing!
AVOCA Coffee Roasters is an artisanal roastery and coffee shop and while they only have 2 physical locations (both in Fort Worth) their specialty roasted coffees can be found at a variety of retailers, coffee shops, and restaurants across Texas!
Okay y’all, I have to admit that this might be my favorite spot. As soon as you walk into their Magnolia Ave shop you are hit in the face with that freshly roasted/ground coffee smell that we all know. My go to here is a latte made with almond milk (holla to my dairy free peeps) and I usually cannot avoid having a cookie or scone to go with it. We typically will camp out at one of their tables or couch/comfy chairs to talk. The vibe of this place invites you in and is one of my favorite places to spend time with my babe and friends.
Craftwork Coffee Co was onto something when the whole “co-working” idea swept the nation. The idea is that people want places to co-work but they also really want coffee so Craftwork said “Let’s give the people what they want – under one roof!”. Craftwork locations can be found in both Fort Worth and in Austin and while their co-working spaces are super legit (think wood accents, antique décor and 10/10 lighting quality) we wanted to share their coffee experience.
BTW, George slid me a note and wanted me to share this might be his favorite spot…Craftwork has a simple menu (which I totes appreciate because I butcher pronouncing half the drink names off a full coffee menu – I’m talking about you Affogato) What do we suggest? In George’s opinion you cannot go wrong with an Americano with cream and vanilla (honestly this is what he gets everywhere we go but he said Craftwork puts the right amount of “stuff” in it – man of many words peeps). If that is not your style – just ask them what is! The staff is super helpful and ready to help serve your coffee needs.
Ascension is a different kind of coffee shop that is catering to those that like coffee beans and grapes (aka wine wine) and a fun food menu that does not disappoint with locations all across the metroplex (closer to the “D” side of DFW) with a new location in Fort Worth coming soon! Ascension has the simple goal to elevate the everyday American café experience and they hit the nail on the head! They invest in their people, the products that they serve, the communities that they are located in and internationally by helping provide clean water, medical support and education/entrepreneurial initiatives.
You can’t go wrong with a classic latte but if you are feeling adventurous I suggest trying the Turmeric Chai Latte or the 9-Spice Chai Latte (think strong spice notes with hints of sweetness). I highly suggest you plan to stay and enjoy more than just the coffee though, the Avocado Toast is a café favorite since 2012 and you know how everybody makes pie but your grandma always makes the best version of pie – think of the Avocado Toast at Ascension in the same way. This place is so much more than a coffee shop and for that reason I recommend meeting there for drinks in the evening and then breakfast the next morning?
Let’s be honest though friends, there are so many great local coffee shops popping up everywhere – for that reason we listed some more of our favorites below and fully expect you to share your favorites also!
When George and I look at the new year and the things that we want to accomplish we typically will break down the conversation into 3 categories: Personal (specific to him and then specific to me), Professional, and then Joint goals.
Personal goals can be everything from starting a new routine (this is George’s this year) to trying to take more time to read and do the things that you actually enjoy doing (this is mine – side note about me I love to cook and write so I am making those things a priority). If you are having a hard time with this, think of something that you have always wanted to try or learn! Don’t feel pressured to choose something that you feel like you “have” to choose (i.e. loose weight or go to the gym…). Write down what you each want to accomplish individually and then ask your partner how you can help hold them accountable for it. George and I talk frequently about this but maybe try doing it once a week (on your date night?!) or more often to help hold you accountable.
Professional goals will vary for everyone but George and I both had very specific professional goals this year. We both work in finance but that does not mean that we even remotely understand what the other person goes through day to day. These goals will be specific to each other and while we always will hold each other accountable and encourage each other in these we also have found that having someone from your “inner circle” at work be in on these to help cheer you on and push you.
Lastly and most importantly what are your joint goals for the year? The things that you want to go after as a couple. A few examples of this would be vacations, paying down debt or maybe it’s a goal to be more intentional with your time together. Whatever it may be talk about it! Don’t waste the moment and look back a year later wishing you had gone after that thing or gone on that adventure you guys have been dreaming about.
I love marriage and relationships because they give you so much more than just love and companionship but a true partner in life that is going to talk the talk with you then grab your hand and walk the walk with you also. Now…finish your coffee (if you are a slow sipper…) kiss your babe and go tackle this year.
Bonus Coffee Shop Suggestions:
- Dwell Coffee and Biscuits – do not even get me started on their Gingerbread Latte and make sure you grab one of their Biswhiches (I love these clever people)
- Black Coffee – recently opened hotspot that does not disappoint. The staff here is awesome and they have so many fun things to try!
- Summer Moon – a wood fired roastery with locations across the metroplex and Texas. Their wood fired beans and secret Moon Milk is a must try!
- George Coffee + Provisions – this place not only dishes out great coffee but is a 10/10 when it comes to photo ops
- 151 Coffee – the customer service here is great and so if the coffee. George recommends the Irish Cream Coffee
Date Night DFW 