The Well Coffee House — Restaurant in South Bend

Another Northern Indiana Christian coffee house, but less slick than and thus less obnoxious than, the one that took me by surprise at Granger Commons. I dropped by around 400pm on a Thursday and there were 8-10 teens and preteens hanging out, which I suspect is their major clientele. A big space, with wood floors and community art on the walls. A half dozen tables, along with a lot of comfy chairs and couches. Free wi-fi and plenty of power outlets. Rock on soft volume and kids conversations for a pretty reasonable noise level, though later in afternoon got noiser with noise from an adjacent day care that's part of same building.

Chai is yucky sweet from powder. A mixed up box of reasonaby good packaged teabags. Snacks are, the volunteer told me, highly variable: today it was packaged biscotti and package chocolate kiddy graham cracker animals. There's no actual prices, just suggested donations. Personnel are volunteers and hours are limited based on that. Maybe this is really a 2 star, but I'm not quite that...

This place makes me happy. I never remember how happy it makes me until I step foot inside again.

I realize that people get obnoxious about coffee. Sure, I like nice coffee just like the next person, but it's when people actually talk about it that I want to tell them to stick a sock in it.

That being said, their coffee is from Zen Cafe, a local roaster who only offers fair-trade, organic beans. The Well uses a French Press. So, it's a nice place for a simple and delicious coffee. I avoid fancy drinks anywhere.

The coffee house is beautiful, it's peaceful, it's clean and comfortable. Seating is pleasantly worn, second-hand tables and chairs. The floors are wooden and the walls are decorated with interesting, but soothing colors and designs. Nothing too busy or too boring.

Board games are provided, along with a small selection of books accommodating different ages.

The atmosphere is chill...

The Well Coffee House is a great place to hang out with friends, grab a coffee or hot chocolate, or curl up with a book. This place has a selection of books that anyone can read and borrow as well as a good selection of board and other games on hand for people to play. There is a wonderful neighborhood feel to the place. The staff here is super friendly and always there to answer any questions. Their items are reasonably priced (unlike some major coffee chains).

I am definitely coming back to this...