Did you know 64% of American adults drink coffee every day? Or that we consume a whopping 146 billion cups of coffee each year? Or that only 35% of coffee drinkers prefer their coffee black?
For millions of people, coffee is an integral part of any workday. Copious amounts of the caffeinated beverage every morning gets our brains churning and increases productivity. While we may normally forgo the coffee on vacation in lieu of sleeping in, it’s a different story on a flexcation or workation. Work needs to be completed, and the coffee pot in the rental unit might not be up to the task.
There are a lot of great coffee shops between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. At Beach Girl Coffee, the only way to enjoy a brew is to take it to go with their drive-thru service. Southern Shores Coffee’s signature blend is the Bushwhacker, a rich blend of coconut, chocolate, and Arabica beans.
If you’re looking for a great place to take the laptop or tablet and get work done, there are five perfect coffee shops for remote work.
No. 01
Happy Pappys Coffeehouse
Located off Gulf Shores Parkway on a quiet street, Happy Payppys Coffeehouse is one of the best in the area for remote work. The spacious interior is flooded with natural light from large windows. The modern industrial style features a painted concrete floor and black painted ceiling that disappears into the shadows.
Tables are plentiful, though not entirely the most comfortable. But a collection of leather armchairs and a sofa in the corner is the perfect place to lounge while getting some work finished. On cooler days in the shoulder seasons, outdoor seating at large tables covered in the shade of an umbrella would be a great place to spend a workday.
The coffee menu includes everything from drip coffee to lattes and tea. They have a small assortment of fresh baked goods like muffins, cookies, and scones. They also have a small menu of authentic Greek pastries.
1550 West 2nd Street, Unit A5, Gulf Shores, AL | 251-967-2779 | https://happypappyscoffeehouse.com
No. 02
Foam Coffee Shop
When Foam Coffee moved to a new location – conveniently located directly behind their original location – owners Saidy and Kale had the chance to create something special. Large windows flood the space with light that bounces off the white walls and creates an invigorating atmosphere.
Comfortable seats at large tables offer a place to get some work done. Although outlets are few, the Wifi is just as strong as the coffee. The menu covers everything from drip coffee to lattes, toast, and smoothies. It’s the kind of place to stay caffeinated while getting all that work done on your flexcation.
313 East 22nd Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL | 251-948-0660 | www.foamcoffeeandshop.com
No. 03
The Southern Grind Coffee House at The Wharf
In 2012, Jimmy and Jaime McPhillips – along with a bit of help from Jimmy’s sister, Carol – opened The Southern Grind Coffee House at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Jaime’s interior design background is evident throughout the coffee shop with gorgeous décor and immensely comfortable furnishings.
With sturdy tables and steady Wifi, The Southern Grind is a perfect place to work for a few hours – or the entire day. The Wharf features a couple of fantastic restaurants and a great place to stretch your legs in between work sessions. It would be easy to spend an entire day working in that coffee shop!
“Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert & coffee.” Their menu is the most expansive of any coffee shop along Alabama’s beaches. Breakfast includes biscuits, bowls, and enormous plates, all cooked to order. The menu includes paninis, sandwiches, burgers, and salads for lunch and dinner.
4751 Main Street #116, Orange Beach, AL | 251-923-3265 | https://thesoutherngrind.com
No. 04
The Southern Grind Coffee House at Hotel Indigo
In 2017, the second location for The Southern Grind Coffee House was opened at the recently completed Hotel Indigo. The new location was easier to access for the throngs of beachgoers, located along the main highway through the beach towns near Gulf State Park.
A similar design style was chosen for the second location that featured turquoise ceilings, gorgeous coastal décor, and comfortable seating. Solid wood tables, sturdy chairs, and comfortable leather armchairs provide plenty of places to get comfy while working for a few hours – or more.
The Southern Grind doesn’t hold back on ways to make a caffeinated drink. Drip coffee, cold brew, espresso, and frappes fill the menu with options. They even have chai latte and various hot teas for the non-coffee drinkers.
22843 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL | 251-975-2883 | https://thesoutherngrind.com
No. 05
BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets
You won’t find BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets by accident – and you’ll be happy when you find them on purpose. Owners Brian and Jodi Harsany, who also own Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar next door, wanted to expand their services with a unique coffee shop.
The buzz around town is all about their famous cinnamon rolls. Slightly smaller than an average adult’s face, the savory sweets are baked fresh every day and served glazed, topped with cream cheese, or smothered in pecan praline. They also bake their own BuzzCatz “Pop Tarts,” offer made-to-order breakfasts, and will even whip up a “lite” lunch.
The interior of the coffee shop is cozy – dark hardwood floors contrast against the vibrant purple walls and black tin metal ceiling. Solid wood tables inside offer a sturdy place to get work done, while nearly a dozen tables with moderately comfortable metal chairs are scattered across the covered patio outside.
25689 Canal Road, Suite A, Orange Beach, AL | 251-980-2899 | www.buzzcatzorangebeach.com
