I visited Cuvee’ Coffee during a rainy, overcast afternoon. We we’re visiting my wife’s family in Houston but made a detour in Austin to visit some extended family and well…mainly the coffee scene. Because thats how we roll.

When I was editing the images for this feature the word ‘intentional’ keep coming to mind.

Was it because of their decision to go with the ModBar and allow for people to choose between two expresso blends? Was it because of how prominently their pour over bar was utilized? Which in it self takes time to prepare and serve. Or their fusing of a coffee shop and a bar in one setting? I don’t freakin’ know. But it works.

Barista, Bailey Rose Cain making a pour over.

Cuveé Coffee has been on the scene since 1998 as a coffee roasting company. But this is their first retail coffee shop. And as Co Founder and CEO Mike McKim stated,

“Retail seems like a natural progression and moving to the East Side of Austin was a no brainer for us.”

Another reason why the word ‘intentional’ may have come to mind was their decision to not offer wifi in the coffee shop. His hope was to build a space where groups of people would want to hang out together.

“Im not forcing you to interact when you come here. Im just giving you a space to do that if that’s what you want to do. Im not trying to socially engineer anyone.”

Barista, Rebehah McClure using the Modbar

“With this open setting they’re getting to experience the cup of coffee that’s being made for you. It’s not behind a big espresso machine and that has allowed for a rewarding customer experience.”

I like how coffee brings people together. I know it sounds really cheesy but it’s really nice seeing people get together over a great cup of coffee.