The coffee at PieLab is good (press pot or percolated coffee from Higher Ground roasters), but the best thing about this hidden gem in a sleepy rural town, is its larger role in the community.

While the homemade pie and coffee bring people in up front, a force of socially-minded designers work away in the back on projects inspired by the conversations they've had with residents from the community over a fresh cup or slice.

Though the coffee wouldn't hold up to big city baristas, in a town this size, a french press of organic beans are leagues ahead of the surrounding options (gas statio...

I moved to Brooklyn the day Boneshakers opened. I happened to be living on a friends floor just a block away, while I looked for a place of my own. When I first walked in, I was immediately comforted by all the dark reclaimed wood that was used for the counters and large communal tables. I immediately felt welcome.

I ordered a cup of black coffee and it was served in an eclectic mug that someone bought in another life on a trip to Colorado. In fact, the entire mug shelf was an attractively curated collection from thrift stores and home collections that added a lot of great character to the...