This Charming Coffeehouse In South FLA Is Perf For When You Want A Break From The Beach
Google great coffee shops near me and you'll probably see Cumby's, DD, and Starbucks pop up. Dig a little deeper, and if you're anywhere in or around South Florida, you’ll discover Brew Urban Cafe.
If your world revolves around coffee, books, and atmosphere (Update, it turns into a lounge and live music venue most Wed thru Sun evenings now too, how amazing is THAT??!!), add Brew to your FLA itinerary.
Situated in a Central Fort Lauderdale neighborhood called FAT Village Arts District (have also heard it referred to as FAT City) that's a mix of industrial (case in point, the train tracks that this combination cafe and bar overlooks…I wasn't there for a passing train, but I hear it's really something), artists' spaces and murals, modest one family homes, and a fancy-looking high rise or two thrown-in for good measure, Brew is not easy to find. I mean, there’s most definitely a members only, exclusive vibe, the idea being that if you're hip enough, you'll know it's there.
Not gonna lie, after spending $24+ on an Uber (it was farther away than I realized, which tends to be my refrain for most of the time I spend catching ride shares in the Sunshine State every winter) and getting out in front of what looked like an empty studio space, some panic began to set in. Stepping inside the eerily quiet storefront and down a seemingly deserted hallway, wasn't sure whether I was walking into something sketchy. Cue the haunting music. (True story, even the Uber driver seemed tentative about the whole thing when she dropped me at the front entrance.)
After reaching the end of the hall, and turning to see the counter with the Euro coffee machine backed up by that oh-so-tall wall of books (the very same image from my Google search), however, I knew that I was in the right place.
My coffee was tasty and not bitter, so I say, if you're looking for a side of comfy eclectic (think grandma and geek chic meets rustic, industrial…hey, there's also a silver Airstream trailer towards the back of the bar, which I guess makes sense when you realize this space used to be a garage) with your next cup, then by all means.