UNC-G – the center of Greensboro’s coffee universe

Mocha Mutt recently went on an exploration of the UNC-G neighborhood, which is actually quite large and takes up a significant portion of central Greensboro.

In addition to the bookstores, drugstores, restaurants, and bars that typically serve a university population, UNC-G and the immediate area boast a great variety of coffee shops, which cater to students, professors, staff, their families, and local residents.

On the southeast corner of campus, beginning at the intersection of Tate & Spring Garden Streets, coffee shops abound. Within sight of this intersection is Tate Street Coffeehouse, which considers itself (rightly so) the “granddaddy” of Greensboro Coffee Shops, and Coffeeology, which prides itself on the knowledge and culture of coffee.

Further along Spring Garden Street, headed west, you will find The Coffee Break at the corner with Chapman Street – step inside for a variety of drinks and snacks, gift items, and great window seats for people watching.

Less than a block east is Spring Garden Bakery and Coffeehouse. In the past, it was primarily a place to get great baked pastries, muffins, cakes, etc., and a quick cup of coffee. However, new owners recently expanded the store, which now has a large seating area for customers, a great selection of baked goods, and lots of electrical outlets for those of us who just have to be “plugged in” wherever we go.

Still further west on Spring Garden, you’ll encounter Moulin Rouge Café at 3612-D Spring Garden, in a small shopping center catering to the international community surrounding it. Moulin Rouge prides itself on coffee brewed “to perfection.” Across Spring Garden, on Merritt Drive, is the recently opened Wildwood Fruit and Coffee Company. The husband and wife team operating the store have created a great combination of coffee selections, fruit smoothies, bagels, and bakery items.

With most of these shops, you may find parking a challenge – unless you know where to look! Most of these shops have limited on-street parking in front of the building. In addition, Coffeeology, The Coffee Break, Spring Garden Bakery, and Wildwood all have parking lots behind their buildings. When in doubt, ask the shop’s staff where to park - - they have a vested interest in making sure you can enjoy your visit and can linger without fear of parking tickets.

Coffee Shop fans - - let us know how your tour of the UNC-G Coffee Universe turns out!