Aurora Coffee

Strip malls aren’t typically known for their unique culture or individuality. However, java junkies flock to one particular retail storefront in Little Five Points because Aurora Coffee has more than just fresh brew – it’s got atmosphere.

You’ll know this isn’t your typical suburban – or even urban – strip mall as soon as you pull into the parking lot. Brightly colored graphic art is splashed across the entire length of the building off Moreland Avenue NE. It’s a welcome mat that’s analogous with Aurora Coffee’s interior.

The shop’s industrial interior maintains a minimalist style with splashes of cool artistic bright spots. For instance, a polished concrete floor meets natural wood and aluminum fixtures, gray walls light up against colorful art and a bare ceiling is dotted with highly inventive lighting.

It’s the type of place you might find a poet writing his haikus, or overhear a business meeting between creative types. You might see a graphic artist immersed in work on her Macbook (free Wi-Fi) or find a student putting up more flyers on a wall that is already papered with information about hundreds of local shows.

At Aurora Coffee, not only is the espresso flowing, creative juices are practically poured over customers as they come through the door. And it’s been that way since a “couple of fugitives from the 9-5 world” opened their doors in 1992.

Organic fair-trade coffees come in a variety of flavors from a variety of regions (French Roast, Costa Rica, Fire Hill, El Salvador, Pacamara, ect.). Like pretty much any coffee house, you can choose to get your coffee in a number of different ways: Americano, cappuccino latte, espresso, and much more. Not a coffee fiend? Try a Chai or other flavors of tea instead. The shop is also known for its breakfast foods and pastries (cupcake or scone anyone?).

Aurora Coffee also operates one other location in the Virginia Highlands off North Highland Avenue.

- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Christine Foster

Christine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.