Jupiter’s Coffee Culture

When you think of Florida, what do you see? I imagine palm trees, sunshine, and the ocean—a beautiful, tropical vacation spot.

Now when thinking about coffee shops in Florida, I tend to picture the same environment, but the key to finding the best coffee shops is going where the locals are, not the tourists.

Subculture Coffee Roasters first caught my eye because the bright, red, illuminated sign was half burnt out, simply reading “cult coffee roasters.” My family seemed to be the only vacationers amidst a group of college students and various professionals (even if locally occupied, it is conveniently located in a nice shopping area just a mile from the Jupiter Beach).

A relatively new establishment, Subculture opened in 2014 as a way to bring the coffee culture into Jupiter.

“We strongly believe in fostering a community of diversity and expression, one that brings soul to our city.” - Subculture

Atmosphere

Subculture Coffee Roasters embraces a very unique side to the coffee shop industry. Its distinctive atmosphere intentionally mixes the coffee culture from various time periods to highlight the “cult” or prominence of coffee throughout time.

The best word to describe the shop is inventive. This theme is tied into every element so well that the different styles are too perfectly combined to be called eclectic.

The black and white photograph wallpaper features famous actors and actresses of the past drinking coffee. A curved front wall filled with windows offers the perfect lookout spot for Florida thunderstorms (or sunshine). Marble and wood tabletops on old ice cream parlor bases compliment the subway tile wall covered with cartoon art.

Red accents and wood touches can be found in everything from the 40s style furniture and Victorian column bases to the industrial ordering counter. Alternating mid-century modern and farmhouse style bookshelves placed along the wall are filled with a variety of games and books.

Stained glass paneling suspended above the counter breaks the color palette, but somehow fits with the metal spaceship hanging from the ceiling. Old, aircraft, pilot-looking chairs with tall metal backs and brown leather seats add some unique seating while creative restroom labels “thinking spot” and “mediation room” complete the inventive feel.

Drinks & Prices

My parents tend to be a little bit of coffee snobs. They know what they like and have no problem voicing their opinions. That being said, I trust their coffee knowledge.

According to them, Subculture’s americano is better than the black coffee (the drip brew wasn’t hot enough). The americano was very bold, hot, and strong enough to give you a noticeable caffeine buzz. Even the next day my dad was still commenting on how good the coffee was.

My iced latte came in a cute mason jar with the coffee perfectly balanced on top of the milk—that’s about all I can add, drink quality wise, but I was impressed.

Subculture typically brews a medium roast, offering the broadest spectrum of flavors. Their drip brew is on the expensive side (almost $3), but they also have a full food menu, wine, beer, and smoothies.

The red coffee roaster displayed in the corner of the shop does more than add to the décor—it is fully-functional and all coffee is roasted in-shop multiple times a week. Their coffee bean selection is rotated based on the season and roasted in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. Subculture sells coffee in 12oz bags and offer coffee subscriptions to make sure you can get quality coffee wherever you go.

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Subculture Coffee Roasters has locations in West Palm Beach and Delray Beach. Based on what I can tell from pictures on the internet, they all have a similar feel with their own unique twist in décor. In 2018, Subculture was ranked among the top 10 local coffee shops in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Whether a tourist or local, do you have a favorite coffee shop in southwest Florida?