When people think of coffee shops today, they often think of little shops with great music, great conversation, and great coffee. And as specialty and gourmet coffee has grown in popularity, it seems there's a coffee shop around every corner!

A coffee shop, also referred to as a coffee house, is an establishment generally known for its regular and expresso coffee, but often they also serve light snacks. Coffee shops are usually a blend a bar, a restaurant, and a lounge. Many also include an outdoor seating section, calling to mind the atmosphere of European cafes and bistros. Culturally, coffee shops are hubs of intellectual conversation and social interaction. From business meetings to friendly get-togethers, coffee houses have always been a popular meeting place.

Since the 1950s, coffee houses in the United States have also been a popular venue for entertainment, most commonly for folk musicians and poets. In addition, churches have commonly used coffee shops as a form of community outreach, using the casual setting for Bible studies and Christian music performances.

As recently as the 1980s, though, the face of coffee houses has been transformed. Bigger chains like Starbucks have brought coffee shops even more popularity, and expanded them from the folksy, artistic atmosphere to something much more mainstream. As part of this expansion, merchandise available at a coffee shop includes regular and expresso coffee beans, both whole and ground, coffee cups and serving sets, and even coffee machines for home use.

There is some controversy among coffee lovers about buying coffee from a coffee shop versus making it at home. And, like any controversy, there are both good and bad considerations for buying coffee at a coffee shop.

There are drawbacks to getting coffee from a coffee house. For example, your coffee may be fresh, but if the coffee house is crowded, you may have to wait to get your order. If you're on your way to work, you run the risk of being late while you're waiting for your coffee. Another negative is that, despite great training, a barista may not get your order right. So after waiting for your drink, you find that it isn't what you ordered, so you have to take extra time to get the right drink.

One drawback many people mention when talking about getting coffee from coffee houses is the expense. It's true that most coffee shops charge more for their drinks than it costs to make them at home. Because of the extra work that goes into making them, as well as the specialized coffee machines used, it costs more to make these drinks, so coffee shops must charge more to be able to support their businesses. This expense can be a deal breaker for some people who aren't "hardcore" coffee lovers.

There are good things about buying coffee from a coffee shop, as well. One good aspect to buying coffee from a coffee house is the variety available. Coffee shops have access to different flavored syrups to enhance gourmet and specialty coffee drinks, as well as the ability to offer regular or decaf coffee with different flavors. You may only have regular coffee at home, but at a coffee house, you could get a vanilla caramel latte with a shot of mocha added to it!

Another positive to getting coffee from a coffee shop is the guaranteed freshness of your coffee. Coffee shops have to adhere to the food safety standards, which means their coffee is always fresh. At home, however, your coffee beans or grounds may be a little stale, so the coffee you brew will be stale before it's even finished brewing.

Finally, another great aspect to getting coffee from a coffee house is the baristas. A barista is an employee trained to make specialty and gourmet coffee drinks at a coffee shop. Many baristas go through extensive training with the shop's coffee machines to make sure your coffee is the best it can be. Obviously this is a good thing because your coffee drinks will be made well, helping to ensure the flavors are blended well, and it's exactly what you expect when you order it. Not only that, but baristas add to the coffee experience with their personalities. If you're not sure what you want, for example, a barista can suggest their favorite expresso coffee drink, or offer a taste of something before you decide. If you make your coffee at home, you have to hope you like what you bought, and if you don't, you're stuck with it until you can get something else.

Coffee shops continue to grow in popularity, and as they do, more and more are available in local areas. They offer great coffee, great conversation, and great atmosphere, but there are drawbacks to consider before buying your coffee and espresso coffee drinks from your local coffee house. Once you weigh your options, though, the answer will be clear to you, and you'll be on your way to great coffee that meets your needs and gives you a delicious boost in the morning.