Coffeehouse

Coffeehouse

A Coffeehouse (also known as a café, coffee shop, or coffee bar) is a type of restaurant that primarily serves coffee and related coffee beverages (e.g., espresso, cappuccino, latte), along with a variety of light meals and pastries. Coffeehouses originated in the Middle East and have been a popular type of social institution in many cultures since the 16th century.

History

The first coffeehouses appeared in the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century, and quickly spread to Europe by the 17th century. They became popular social gathering places, where people could meet to drink coffee, engage in conversation, read, write, and enjoy music. In the 18th century, coffeehouses in London played a significant role in the spread of the Enlightenment.

Culture

Coffeehouses often serve as centers of social interaction, providing patrons with a place to meet, talk, write, read, entertain one another, or pass the time. In many countries, coffeehouses also serve as informal clubs and meeting places for artists, writers, and intellectuals.

Types of Coffeehouses

There are many types of coffeehouses, ranging from small independent businesses to large multinational chains like Starbucks. Some coffeehouses specialize in fine, artisanal coffees and have a more upscale, sophisticated ambiance, while others cater to a more casual, relaxed crowd.

See Also

• History of coffee
• Café society
• List of coffeehouse chains