
I have visited 3 Cups a handful of times since they opened in 2014. I love coffee and all things related to coffee shop culture, so I was initially ecstatic to have an independent coffee shop close to home. Unfortunately, my first few visits to 3 Cups were disappointing. Their prices were higher than their competition. Their beverage sizes were smaller than industry norms. Their coffee tended to be too bitter. Their minimalist decor seemed stark and uninviting. This combination of factors kept me away for a very long time. And then I tried 3 Cups again this summer. A few times, actually.
The prices are still high, and the beverage sizes are still small, but the overall product and environment have improved. I have enjoyed an occasional indulgence in good coffee, light breakfast items, and community interaction. 3 Cups has been reasonably busy during each of my recent visits with a definite buzz of activity and creativity in the air. It’s a fun place to be in the morning. Counter service has been prompt, gracious, and attentive. My “go-to order” has become steel-cut oatmeal with granola and berries and a side of frothed milk. (Yes, they are fancy with the milk.) Other available toppings include bananas and pecans. I also have ordered either drip coffee or cold brew, depending on the temperature outside. Both have been delicious — lightly sweet, in fact — without the previous bitterness. I invite you to try 3 Cups for those mornings when you are looking to treat yourself, linger over a bite to eat, or get some work done in an invigorating environment. The experience is worth the indulgence.

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