Gathering Grounds in Atlanta, Georgia

If you are a coffee lover like I am, then you'll be happy to know that I found a hidden coffee house gem right here in Atlanta, Georgia. It's called "Gathering Grounds". The name has a fun play on words as it's a great place to "gather" and enjoy some great coffee "grounds". Gathering Grounds Coffee House is located at 1994 Hosea L. Williams Drive in Northeast Atlanta, Georgia. It's positioned right in what I refer to as the center square of the Kirkwood neighborhood. Kirkwood is a transitional neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia where you will find lots of art and quaint little restaurants and shops.

I recently found myself at Gathering Grounds for a Spoken Word event given by Daniel Osbie who is a Pastor and national Christian entertainer. Once I entered this quaint little coffee shop I was impressed by the vibrant artwork on the wall as well as the colorful décor. The brunt orange color on the walls is beautiful and shades of blue in the artwork seem to jump right off the walls. Even the light fixtures are unique as they boast beautiful shades of orange, yellow and red. When you walk deeper into the establishment there is a lovely sitting area that has an ivory leather sofa and chocolate brown ottoman. Then beyond that area, are tables for dining or writing that next novel.

Gathering Grounds is locally owned and operated and they seem to cater to the artist in the neighborhood. Although Gathering Grounds offers some wonderful coffee such as Café Mocha, Espresso Americano, Peppermint Preacher and Vanilla Frappes, they have a great selection of Teas. Some of my favorite teas include: Organic Spring Jasmine, Organic Mint Mélange, Organic English Breakfast and Vanilla Bean just to name a few.

This quaint Coffee house also offers breakfast and lite fair items. Their breakfast items include bagels and Eggs and Cheese Croissants. However, I would have to say that one of my favorite edibles that Gathering Grounds offer is part of their lite fair or lunch menu. It's the flatbread pizza. Not only is the bread fresh, but you have your choice of toppings such as Spinach, BBQ Chicken, Margarita or Sicilian. They also have salads available and other specialty items on request.

Once you've had one of their lite fair items, you are now ready to try one of their many desserts. You have your choice of homemade lemon pound cake or perhaps their famous Morelli's Ice Cream. If sweets are not your thing and you prefer a healthy choice then try one of their Jet Tea Smoothies. The smoothies come in fantastic flavors such as Wild berry, Mango, Green-Apple, Strawberry and Banana and many other choices.

Gathering Grounds is opened Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday's from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Gathering Grounds host many invites that include Spoken Word, Open Mic, Book Signings and occasional art shows. Please check them out on line at http://www.rodscafe.com/home.html. The bottom-line: Excellent adult atmosphere, reasonable prices and conveniently located.