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I love the famous green mermaid’s turf for her zillions of locations and dependable lattes (convenience being the key), but the mega-chain’s ambience is usually about as fun as a deflated balloon.
Since Naples has traditionally been short on mom-and-pop coffee shops, I got whipped into a frothy flurry when Hello Coffee debuted in late July on U.S. 41 between Wiggins Pass and Bonita Beach Road.
With lounge furniture, stark-white patio tables, and an interior oozing with personality from an overhead filament light installation and pebble tiles lining the bar, it’s a great place to grab a cup of joe and settle in. There’s free WiFi (which should go without saying but isn’t always the case), and there are sweets and savory snacks from Mikkelsen’s (arguably the area’s best bakery) and beyond, like the irresistible artisanal Hyppo ice pops in flavors such as chocolate sea salt and watermelon hibiscus. Plus, they serve wine and beer, should you or a friend be in that kind of a mood.
The coffee beans themselves are from a roaster in Miami, and there are cold brew and nitro on-tap that are done in-house, but my eye was drawn to the giant slushie machine used to make what they’ve labeled "mocha granita." It’s more so what Italians call crema caffe (the granita you find in Italy is shaved ice, like that resembling a snow cone)—you say coffee, I say cawfee—but the important thing is it’s delicious and will put a spring in your step. Made each day with real ingredients rather than a mysterious powder or “cream base” (eyeing you, Ms. Mermaid), it’s a mixture of espresso shots, chocolate milk and some secret touches. I also just love that you can get your (virgin) daiquiri somewhere else than besides the beach.
To plan a visit: Hello Coffee 15495 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 106, Naples (239) 228-7966 facebook.com/hellocoffeefl
Once the website and app launch, online ordering will be available.