Third Time’s a Charm at Third Perk Coffeehouse

Today’s adventure did not go as planned. But I must also say it turned out better than I expected.

My friends, Alexis and Avery, joined me on an adventure to downtown Dayton. Our plan was to go to Press Coffee Bar, but it was too busy for us to sit down. (Here’s my 60 second impression of Press—mainstream atmosphere, comfortable, popular, and small).

With our original idea out of the picture, Kobrick’s Coffee popped up next on Google Maps. But the seemingly abandoned office building it was supposed to be inside was a little too sketchy to investigate further.

So, we made our way through a cute downtown area with unique shops and a brick street. Just outside of this main strip we finally found Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar—excuse the cliché, but I guess the third time’s a charm, haha.

Atmosphere

As soon as we walked in, I could tell Third Perk had a very different atmosphere than the coffee shops I have been to so far. Rich colored walls of purple, yellow, green, and black brought an intense greeting. The vibrant color blocking was accented with patterned seats and decorations that carefully tied all of the colors together.

The main counter separated two sections of seating areas, and floor to ceiling windows helped break up the color. (Despite Third Perk’s different feel, I have decided that tall ceilings are another requirement for a successful coffee shop).

The local, urban nature of the coffee shop was readily apparent in all of the details. The locals drifting in and out were familiar with the shop and very friendly with one another. Pictures and posters highlighted the African-American heritage of the area. And soulful R&B music drew the relaxed, “adult” environment together.

Past the décor, the next aspect that caught my eye was the people—or more specifically the lack of college students. The openness and good study tables provided a quiet and almost tranquil setting in the midst of an urban hustle.

I can’t finish a discussion about Third Perk’s atmosphere without noting how friendly the barista was. He answered all of my questions about their specialty drinks and gave me his recommendations (mochas are his favorite, but the Dunbar is their top selling drink).

Third Perk is not your typical trendy coffee shop, but they have a unique vibe and they stick to it.

Drinks & Prices

So, to be completely transparent, none of us actually tried the coffee.

BUT I can tell you that they have excellent smoothies and serve high-quality hot chocolate in a cute mug with lots of whip cream.

“Green latte smoothie” caught my eye on the menu board right away, and after deliberating with the barista about what it actually was, I decided to give it a try. It tasted like a green tea milkshake—which I’ve never had—but I’m a big fan.

Also not about the coffee, but a random customer reported, “This is the best matcha I’ve ever had, and I normally drink Starbucks.” Depending on your opinion of Starbucks, I’d say that is pretty high praise.

Third Perks’ smoothies were cheap ($3), and the prices were average for everything else. They also sell their coffee blends and serve food, red and white wines, and various cocktails.

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Despite the turbulent start to our java journey, it was good to get out of the corn fields and into a city. Being from Chicago, I missed the urban atmosphere and the surprises you can find around every corner. What’s your favorite city coffee shop?