One of the best ways to catch up with a good friend is over a cup of coffee. One of the newer coffee shops in Norfolk, Coalescence Coffee Company, is an ideal setting for just that. Located in the Railroad District of Norfolk right across the street from O’Connor Brewing Company, Coalescence provides a spot to gather. In fact, their name means “the joining or merging of elements to form one whole.” They highlight this theme not only in their name, but throughout their business. They seek to build community throughout the city of Norfolk, and are doing that through coffee!

One thing I love about Coalescence is how unique it is from every other coffee shop in Norfolk. As soon as you step foot inside, it’s bright and open with high rise ceilings. As someone who doesn’t love crowded places, this is a dream come true! The industrial exposed ceilings and the giant garage door that opens up in warmer weather provide even more of an open-air feel, ideal during social distancing.

As far as atmosphere, they are doing it right! The words “Coalescence Coffee” cover an entire wall, reminding visitors of their mission. The décor is clean and simple, feeling both modern and natural with pops of greenery scattered throughout the space. The baristas are friendly, making each beverage with care and diligence to get it just right.

How’s the Coffee?

The coffee is delightful, bringing a little extra joy with every sip! I’ve had the Miel, which is a latte with honey and cinnamon. It’s the perfect amount of sweet and creamy without being too much. While I’m usually more about the fun lattes when I visit a new coffee shop, for the coffee purists, they regularly rotate in different coffee beans from different parts of the world.

They also usually have a few different seasonal specials. During the holidays, I tried a Candy Cane Forest, which was made with a candy cane rosemary syrup. It was delicious and festive! I really enjoy checking out what fun specials they have, but also knowing that they have a delicious set menu that I can always depend on if I’m not feeling the specials (although that hasn’t happened yet).

The set-up here is perfect, with the set menu items listed on the wall. As someone who gets stressed out with people waiting behind me while quickly skimming a menu, I enjoy being able to see the menu as soon as I walk in and take the time to process what I want without a million eyes staring at me at the register.

Serving the Norfolk Community

I’m especially drawn to this coffee spot because of their shared passion for Norfolk. They are a non-profit organization that genuinely loves building up their local community, and are using their passion of coffee to make it happen. Coalescence Coffee Company is a business with delicious coffee and a mission, and I’m all about it! If you haven’t given them a try yet, you need to! It is truly one of a kind.