Safe from the Storm: Harbor Coffee
Website: https://www.harborcoffeeatl.com/
Hours: 8am-4pm, Sun-Sat
You’re wandering the throws of Atlanta, having finally escaped traffic. Clouds have rolled in, and now—between the torential downpour and humidity—you might as well be lost at sea.
Tired and weary, like any sailor lost after a storm, you search for a safe harbor to dock.
And luckily, you find one. And they have really good coffee.
Harbor Coffee in Inman Park has been my go-to spot for over a year now. The baristas know my name and order, and I know (most) of theirs. Most of my work, professional or otherwise, is done at one of their tables. They’re the first place I bring family and friends when they visit. You all know I love coffee shops, but I love this place.
So, where better to start Coffee Corner’s revival then the place that’s kept my caffeine addiction afloat for so long now?
Coffee
We’re starting strong with the most important factor. And DAMN do these guys make a mean latte.
Their syrups are all made in house, and their beans come from local roasters with occasional guest stars from across the U.S. Vanilla, mocha, and lavender are their only syrups available year round, but they have a seasonal flavor as well as a couple lemonade or matcha flavors that rotate about once a month. Each one is fresh, inventive, and worth stepping out of your comfort zone. This month they’ve welcomed “Faux Fall” which blends pumpkin, cardamon, and graham crackers and is perfect for Georgia’s famous two weeks of fake fall.
Do I still dream of the day they bring back hazelnut in their seasonal rotation? Yes. Will my dreams ever be answered? Who knows. Harbor, if you’re listening, please guys, pretty please, fall’s practically hear. Just a lil hazelnut magic for your favorite regular. Think about it.
The greatest thing about their coffee though is their consistency, which you don’t often think about. But some cafes, the quality of the drink can largely depend on the barista. How they dial in, steam the milk, syrup ratios, can all create an entirely different drink if not consistent. I’ve been to plenty of shops where I’ve had a banger of a latte one day, and the next time I visit it’s an extreme let down.
Harbor, however, these guys are dialed in, pun intended. Any one behind the bar is going to serve you up the same, perfect coffee every single time, and that kind of reliability is just as valuable as ingredient quality.
The drinks are incredible all around. 5/5 for Harbor’s coffee (please please think about the hazelnut syrup please).
Food
Harbor hosts a variety of freshly backed goods from two separete bakeries, Colette Bread and Flour & Time Bakery, the former providing some unique and complex savory options while the later focuses on the classic coffee shop staples.
What’s better than supporting one small business? Supporting three small businesses at once.
I’ve said before that I’m a fan of a coffee shop that does a bit of everything, but having these guest bakers allows for that variety while also ensuring each item has as much dedication to it’s preparation as possible. Of course the coffee and pastries are going to be stellar, they’ve each been given equal time and energy to be perfected, and now get to be housed in one cute, convenient storefront.
If you want to see their food at it’s peak, however, visit during Biscuit Sunday. You’ll have to get their quick since they sell out damn fast, but if you want a quality breakfast sandwich and a beautiful spread to post, then head over.
Harbor’s food gets and easy 4.5/5
Vibes
Good god do I love the vibes of this place. Nestled in a little side street of Inman park in the remnants of an abandoned warehouse, the entire caffe feels like that one friends apartment who somehow has both the money and time to be really good at interior design. The exposed brick and wood besides the green and brass accents make any angle of the shop worthy to behold. Having moved into the space just over a year and a half ago, Harbor managed to revitalize the space while still maintaining the old charm the neighborhoods famous for. They’ve adapted to the space rather than taken it over, if that makes sense.
Though the space, the food, and the coffee all come together to make great pictures and hang outs, the vibes arise to incredible levels thanks to the staff. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more concentrated bunch of thoughtful people who can also make a banging latte.
Harbor Coffee’s baristas are in a league of their own. No matter whose handling register, on bar, or running support, you’re going to feel welcomed, comfortable, and have a drink in hand before you realize that maybe you don’t want to take it to go just yet. I know I came for the coffee, and stayed for the company. And also the coffee.
Harbor succeeeds in attaining a vibe the way all coffee shops should: by embracing community. Evening improv shows and music performances are commonplace on weekends. Run clubs and Meet cutes have the storefront built into their daily routes.
In a time so robbed of third spaces, Harbor Coffee stands as a pillar of comfort and community outside the day-to-day mundanity. They’re a safe space to dock amidst the storm that life can feel like, and there’s no shop I’d rather have star in Coffee Corner’s return, and if there’s any recommendation you take to heart from me, it’s this one.
Am I biased as a regular to this spot? Maybe, but I’m a regular for a reason. No one does it quite like Harbor Coffee. 5/5 vibes.
