The Java Grind
Deanna and Nadine Mars are the proud, lesbian owners of The Java Grind, an LGBTQ-friendly coffee shop located in Albany, NY.
The Java Grind, a central locale in the Love Grows in Honest Places series, is designed as a cozy and welcoming coffee shop that serves as a safe haven for many of the characters. The interior is described as having a warm ambiance, with exposed brick walls and soft, ambient lighting that casts a comforting glow over the space. The floors are hardwood, polished to a shine, reflecting the string lights and vintage lamps dotted around the room.
The café features an eclectic mix of furniture, including plush armchairs, small round tables, and a couple of long communal tables made from reclaimed wood, which encourage both intimate conversations and larger, friendly gatherings. Bookshelves line one wall, filled with an assortment of books and board games, available for customers to use. The décor includes local art, which rotates monthly, showcasing the talents of the community and adding a dynamic visual appeal to the space.
At the back, a small stage offers a space for open mic nights and local acoustic sets, further establishing The Java Grind as a cultural hub within the community. The counter, staffed by friendly baristas, features a large chalkboard menu listing an array of drinks—from classic coffees to inventive blends unique to the shop—alongside homemade pastries and sandwiches.
The vibe of The Java Grind is one of inclusivity and warmth, making it the perfect backdrop for many pivotal moments in the series, where characters meet, confide, clash, and reconcile, all within the comforting embrace of their favorite local hangout.
The Java Grind is based on the Teatotaller bistro and café in Dover, NH, a “queer, hipster oasis of tea, coffee, and pastry goodness.”
Purpose / Function
The Java Grind provides tea and coffee style beverages, pastries, and light meals. It also hosts singers, bands, karaoke, LGBT book and poetry readings, and standup comedy performances.
Architecture
The Java Grind is located on the first floor of a historic building in the downtown area of Albany, NY.
History
The Java Grind replaced the long-standing Steadman's Tailor Shop. The space was renovated to include a coffee bar, a kitchen, space for guests to sit, work, and eat, and a stage for evening and weekend small shows.
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