Indie java joint brings coffee, conversation to downtown
At the corner of Coffee and Main streets in downtown Greenville, the light tunes of R.E.M. are heard strumming outside an underground walkway.
“Monopoly, 21, checkers and chess, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,” the song chants as it welcomes the early evening crowd to Coffee Underground to not only play some games with friends but enjoy a well-brewed cup of java.
Stepping into this venerable Greenville establishment brings the scents and sounds that most coffee aficionados are accustomed to — the rich aroma of coffee beans, the intricate workings of the espresso machines and a warm, welcoming glow from soft, nautical-style lighting. One may describe it almost as a little cave, albeit a dimly lit cave.
Dana Lawie, one of the three original owners of Coffee Underground, who has been with the shop for more than 12 years, says the most special thing about this business is the welcoming atmosphere.
“It’s a very comfortable place,” she says. “It’s intimate, and you can use it for any purpose — we have business meetings and people getting engaged. And sometimes people breaking up.”
“But more love than the other,” she adds.
Quinn Peterson, one of the baristas at Coffee Underground, agrees.
“I enjoy the atmosphere and getting to know the people who work here,” he says. “I like coffee, too.”
“I like working here because I feel like I’m connected to this place,” barista Casey Tulk adds. “It’s really laid-back and artistic. People can come here and feel comfortable because we accept everyone.”
There are plenty of ways Greenvillians can find their connection to Coffee Underground. On any given night, you can listen to spoken-word poetry, view an independent or foreign film, or hear a singer-songwriter in the AcousticSeen intimate listening room.
Besides the culture and conversation, the main attraction of Coffee Underground, like all coffee shops, is the coffee itself and the expertise with which the baristas make their concoctions. One of the most important aspects of building the perfect beverage isn’t just in the technical details, however.
“Our boss would rather you throw away a latte than make one without heart,” Tulk says. “If you don’t put any thought or concern into it or you’re in a bad mood, you shouldn’t make a latte. If you’re in a good mood and you put thought and care into it, it’s going to be a good one.”
Two of the more popular beverages are turtle mochas — dark chocolate combined with caramel, espresso and steamed milk — and frog lattes — white chocolate mixed with caramel, espresso and steamed milk.
Lawie is especially adamant about the independence of Coffee Underground, evidenced by its affiliation with the Greenville Independent Business Association and the various signs and brochures near the registers.
Buying from an independent brings a sense of personal ownership in the establishment.
“I think that the chains can have a generic personality, and in a local establishment, you see a reflection of the people who own it and work there more,” she says. “It’s just more original and personable — you know who you’re purchasing from, you know so much about the people, you form a relationship.”
She minces no words saying that “there should be no national chains on Main Street. They should be on side streets.”
Coffee shops, local and national, may come and go, but some Greenvillians have grown up with Coffee Underground. In a way it has greatly affected their lives.
Sipping on a hot chocolate, Katie Hughes remembers coming to Coffee Underground in years past.
“I’m in college now, and this is what I miss,” she says.
Sitting next to her, Cody Oliver, who has been coming to this place at least four or five years, notes the relaxed setting as a reason to return.
“There are so many different people here. You come here and touch on a different topic every time,” he says. “It’s like a little unplugged scene — just people going out and playing guitar. Sometimes they even do poetry.”
In light of shops and restaurants closing downtown, Coffee Underground patrons feel a deep connection to this place, especially young people who have fewer alternatives and want to see the locale remain a cornerstone of downtown Greenville life.
“A lot of people would be really upset if this place ever shut down, just because people grew up here,” Hughes says. “If you’re not 21, you can’t go to the bars downtown, so this is where everyone goes.”
Coffee Underground is at 1 E. Coffee St. in downtown Greenville. It is open 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Thursday, 7-12:30 a.m. Friday, 8-12:30 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. It offers live music, open mic poetry and movies, and provides outdoor seating on warmer days.