But all coffee is not the same, and all coffee places are not either. In Squirrel Hill, there are numerous places to get your coffee, as it is to be expected in a vibrant neighborhood such as here. Let me give you the rundown on your coffee options in SqHill.
1 - The store is your corporate coffeehouse. You don't need me to name them, because we all know them. There is the global corporate superstore, and there is the local Pittsburgh-region phenomenon. There is nothing wrong with these places and they are great for a quick, generic cup of joe on your way to work or while you're on your morning jog. But, let's put it out there: there is also nothing out of the ordinary on the menu, the employees aren't always invested in the service experience beyond what the corporate store demands, and the atmosphere doesn't have a strong identity beyond what brand promotes. The lack of a strong identity sometimes causes the coffeehouse to become something like a transit station, as people just rush in to grab their coffee and leave (making it difficult to enjoy the experience). Those that do stay aren't always there for the coffee, but instead use the coffeehouse as a meeting place - the coffee is incidental. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with this! You can (and do) find the same coffeehouse in any neighborhood in Pittsburgh (or the world), and these stores make people comfortable. Neighborhoods need name-brand coffeehouses like this so that locals can quickly meet; if they are visitors or new to the area, these coffeehouses act as safespots to go until someone is used to the neighborhood. But often people do tire of these places, which leads to...
2 - The store that is your atypical small coffeehouse. This place plays loud alternative music, with gritty-looking and ambivalent employees, and a very devil-may-care presentation. This is what I like to term the "alternative" coffeehouse. Something about it screams counterculture, and it screams it right in your ear while you're trying to enjoy your coffee, read a book, or do some writing. This store is not really so much about enjoying yourself, as feeling as if you're part of the counterculture experience, of which coffeehouses are a major identifying part. Again, there is nothing wrong with this! Neighborhoods with vibrant cultures need a variety of cultural offerings; Squirrel Hill, long prided on having something for everyone, should have places like this. But it may not be your cup of tea (or coffee, if you will). For most of us, visiting the counterculture occasionally is fine, but staying there isn't an option after awhile. So, from the corporate store, to the culturally-symbolic alternative coffeehouse, we move on to the...
3 - Boutique coffee shop. Now, I want to define what a boutique coffeeshop is for you, because it doesn't mean the place is covered in french chiffon and features namby-pamby pastel colors or the like. Just because boutique is a french word doesn't imply these things. Instead, my use of the word boutique indicates that the coffeehouse specializes in meeting a niche and providing unique items and experiences. Why is this important? Because as you move from the corporate store with it's broad identity, to the cultural-icon coffeeshop which you may not feel allegiance to, you end up here - at the coffeeshops with more mainstream identities that cater to you.
Today, I'm talking boutique coffeeshops. In Squirrel Hill, there are two boutique coffeeshops that I can see: one is Arefa's and the other is Coffee Tree Roasters. Coffee Tree Roasters is a fine place. It is more of a small-business alternative to Starbucks. It provides good coffee and a nice place to meet, and then sit and chat. When I walk by or visit CTR, it reminds me a bit of a Starbucks in its atmosphere. But the crowd is very cerebral; on a summer evening, it is not uncommon to hear very intellectual conversations at the cafe tables on the sidewalk in front of CTR. Not a bad place, but like Starbucks, it doesn't have a very strong identity beyond its customer base.
And then there is Arefa's. We have tried them all, and for us, Arefa's Espresso is at the top of the list of all the coffeeshops.
Arefa's Espresso has been open for a little over two years. I first visited not too long after they debuted in the neighborhood and I, like other Sqhillers, discovered this hidden gem as I ambled by on one evening, enjoying the Forbes Avenue scene. At first, I was a bit skeptical. Another coffee house in Squirrel Hill? I was convinced some better known places or long established ones would prove to be difficult competition in the coffeehouse market.
But as soon as I entered, I realized that Arefa's was smarter than your average coffeehouse. They have carved out a niche that, seemingly, all the other coffeehouses either neglect or aren't interested in. Whether they set out to do this on purpose, or the owners just happen to create a coffeehouse with a personality that matched their own as well as filled the niche, I can't tell you. But, either way, they are onto something with Arefa's.
First off, let's talk product offering. Arefa's offers a variety of coffee's and teas, and are always updating and including the newest and latest products. It's not uncommon to find that they are introducing something interesting or rare into their shop. For instance, Arefa's now features the only siphon coffee system in Pittsburgh. If you haven't heard of siphon coffee, then you're missing out. Here's a link to get you familiar: Siphon Coffee. The taste of this coffee is out of this world: it is smooth and delicate, with little or no bitterness. The flavor of the bean is what you taste. As you watch the barista's at Arefa's make a siphon coffee for you, you can also indicate to them how strong you want the caffeine. And watching them make it is half the fun; it's a very involved process that involves timing that I'm certain I never could get right.
In addition to their siphon coffee, they are introducing a new line of high-quality teas, and regularly experiment with new coffee blends for their ready-brewed drinkers. And the quality of their standard espresso-based drinks is unsurpassed, as the owners take a personal hand in training their barista's in how to prepare coffee to their exacting standards. One drawback is that Arefa's does not have a strong dessert-and-food offering, so if you're interested in coming for a sweet snack or quick bite with your coffee, you may have to visit elsewhere in the Hill. They do have some minor offerings, however, if you just want a little nibble to keep you going. Finally, they do offer grinded coffee to go if you wish to enjoy their blends at home.
The atmosphere is simple-and-unassuming. Arefa's chooses easy-listening or new age music, with no vocals. The volume is set low enough so that it doesn't distract you from other pursuits, such as reading, quiet discussion, or watching their large 32" flat screen television place high above the eyeline. On big sports days, it is not uncommon to see an important game playing on screen while you work; often, you'll find the news. The volume is not on with the television, though; they use the CC system so you can read along if you choose.
For those of you with computers, Arefa's has a WiFi connection through Green Light Wireless. If you purchase something at the counter, you get two hours of free use. Now, some of you may be screaming "two hours?!? But some other places let you use it for free!" This is true. But in all honesty, Andy, Yellow Dog and I think that if you're lounging in an establishment for more than two hours, you should buy another coffee. Interestingly enough, though, one of the owners has never had a problem giving out extra passcodes to regulars (she's a doll) - so if you frequent Arefa's, don't be surprised if you never run into this problem. The quality of the connection is excellent. In addition, there are ample plugs spaced at 6 foot intervals around the entire seating area - you will NEVER have trouble finding a plug.
The seating area is comfortable. The decor is easy on the eyes and unassuming, with a French or Tuscan feel to it. Lots of rust, copper, and butter tones on the walls. At the front of the shop, there is a sofa for lounging. There small cafe tables for two or three located around the shop. There is additional seating in front of the cafe under an awning, if you wish to enjoy a warm evening or a little bit of sunshine with your coffee. There have been moments when chairs become scarce at a specific table. This has only occurred in the evening and has been rare, but you may have to grab a chair from another part of the cafe to bring to where you want to sit. The option of additional chairs may be a useful consideration for Arefa's to add at some point, even if they are kept in back to bring out in case of busy evenings. But it's a rare problem, and a good one for Arefa's to have - it means business is brisk! Also, the seating and tables are kept very clean, and it is not uncommon to see the owners themselves wiping tables or mopping the floor.
Because of all this, Arefa's is an EXCELLENT place to write, study, read. It's a great place for quiet conversation with your spouse or some friends. For those who are looking for a little culture, Arefa's does feature special entertainment for a few hours on weekend evenings. You'll find events posted at the front of the store. These events can include light acoustic music, lectures on important topics from local scholars and leaders, or poetry and literature. I personally have attended one of the lectures, and found it fascinating.
So, as you can see, managing the atmosphere at Arefa's seems to be as important to the owners as selling the coffee. As a result, you don't see anything which upsets the sensory experience of visiting the shop. And this is the niche they seem to serve very well: providing a coffeehouse experience which has unique and even upscale product offerings, an easy-going and peaceful atmosphere, and exemplary customer service. Indeed, if you're looking to spend a tasteful and relaxing afternoon or evening out in Squirrel Hill, you couldn't go wrong spending a few hours and a few bucks on drinks at Arefa's.
Surprisingly, considering their offerings, Arefa's is very affordable and competes well with other coffeehouses very well on this dimension. In most cases, they are at least less expensive than the corporate stores. They do accept credit cards. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM and weekends 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM. They are located at 5827 Forbes Avenue, between Shady and Murray. Of course, parking in this area can be tight, but there is free parking in the residential areas surrounding or paid parking at the Library or down the street behind Dunkin' Donuts.
Arefa's Espresso
http://www.arefas.com.
Phone: (412) 436-0908
5827 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
