What’s your favorite coffee shop in southwest IL? Submit nominations for our next poll
Since I started working from home nearly two years ago (Egads! Thanks, COVID.), I’ve really missed my morning ritual of stopping for my morning coffee on the way to the office.
I’d head over to Balance Coffee & Tea for my daily Americano (black, no sugar) and a little something for breakfast.
It’s not exactly on my way to work — I like the scenic route — but close enough.
And sure, I could make my coffee at home before heading out. But that morning stop was about more than coffee.
It was about the food.
Just kidding. (The food is a bonus.)
It was about the people.
Every morning I’d encounter the same group of regulars at the counter. And every morning I’d sit with them and spend a few minutes (give or take half an hour) hanging out and talking and joking around with them and the baristas.
It was always a great time. And that time flew by. I can’t tell you how many times I was incredibly late for work (sorry, boss).
But visiting with these new friends was what made my mornings.
Plus, coffee.
So to pay tribute to the places that bring us coffee, companions and comfort, my next reader poll will be for the best coffee shop in southwestern Illinois.
But this time, I’m asking for your input first. Nominate your favorite coffee shop for the poll with the handy, dandy form below.
If you are reading this in the print edition, you can type this URL into your address bar on your phone or computer and share your nomination: https://bit.ly/BLVcoffee.
The top nominations will appear in the poll. And the voting shall commence!
This story was originally published February 5, 2022 at 9:00 AM.
