The Corner Cafe Knows My Order... Even if That Corner's in the Next Town Over

 

There's something sacred about being known—like, really known—over a cup of coffee. 

You walk in. You don't even have to say it.
They smile and start making the drink you order. 

That moment? That's more than caffeine. That's comfort. That's community. That therapy in a mug. 

And okay, okay—I'm about to say something scandalous for a Clear Lake girl:

Sometimes... I cheat on Cabin Coffee with Jitters in Mason City. 

There, I said it.. 

Don't get me wrong—Cabin Coffee is the hometown hero. It's cozy, rustic, full of friendly faces and that north woods charm. But Jitters? Jitters is where my coffee soul does a happy little dance.  It's funky and creative and warm in a way that feels like your favorite pair of socks and a playlist you forgot you loved. 

There's a seat near the window I always grab when it's open. I pull out my laptop, or Ariella's bottle, or both. And without a word. a barista is behind the counter making my go-to latte - an amaretto one. My FAVORITE! I personally think all coffee shops need to carry amaretto coffee syrup. They know I'm a mom now. They ask how she's doing. They remember her name. 

That kind of small-town magic? It doesn't care if you cross a county line. 

Sure, Clear Lake is where I live. But Jitters is where I write, where I breathe, where I sneak away for a hot second to remember who I am beneath the diaper bags and Target runs. 

Sometimes, the corner cafe that knows your order isn't on your corner at all. But it still knows you. An that's what counts. 

So here's to Cabin Coffee for it's classic hometown comfort. And here to Jitters—for knowing that some of us moms just need a corner that feels like us. 

I'll take that extra shot, thanks. And maybe a chocolate chip muffin while you're at at. 

—from the table in the corner with the mama mug and the her daughter, Ariel.