Life > April 3, 2008

By Caitlin Kenney | Senior writer

In a Starbucks society, the independent coffee shop could certainly have become a dying breed. But evidence right in our own backyard would speak otherwise. Winston-Salem boasts its own crop of unique coffee shops, some roasting their own beans on site or sourcing only local ingredients.

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From fair-trade to organic brews, here’s the best of Winston-Salem’s independent java joints.

Best Local Flavor

Newcomer Caffe Prada opened its doors to downtown Winston-Salem three weeks ago with a goal of sourcing as many products locally as possible, even down to the milk in the creamy homemade gelato.

Owner Alex Prada makes the gelato himself ($2.99) and it’s probably the best I’ve had outside the creamy dessert’s homeland of Italy. He’s serving Krankie’s coffee to support local brewers and Larry’s Beans to support fair-trade.

The shop is neat and fun, with a friendly vibe and bright color scheme that creates an inviting atmosphere.

Prada has also made a strong commitment to creating an environmentally conscious space. All his coffee is served in “ecotainers” made from corn and his desserts are served on old American Airlines trays.

Why airline trays? Prada said that with airlines cutting down on inflight meal services, he realized that someone somewhere must have hundreds of airline serving trays lying around.

So he found that person and bought those trays so no new plastics would have to be manufactured for his business.

Caffe Prada’s only drawback is that it’s fairly small and not open late, a must for the typical college student. Stop for lunch and the free Wi-fi or chill on the patio on a nice spring day.

Best Coffee Innovator

Brew Nerds claims to sell coffee for smart people. So what gives?

“We take all our coffee really seriously and just don’t take ourselves too seriously,” said owner DJ McKie, who brews all that nerdy coffee right in the back of the ultra mod, glass building off Hanes Mall Boulevard.

The nerdiness even seeps into the baristas decked out in suspenders and bowties, but they’re endearing nerds who really seem to love coffee.

The Brew Nerds opened in late February and McKie hopes to expand the concept to downtown Winston-Salem and beyond. Though Brew Nerds is fairly young, McKie is an old pro in the coffee industry.

He and his wife worked to create Krispy Kreme coffee before eventually starting their own brand at Brew Nerds.

The store is decorated with illustrations reminiscent of Napoleon Dynamite and includes limited but varied types of indoor seating, from retro club chairs to sleek bar stools.

Today, McKie sources coffee from 11 different countries and offers several fair-trade and organic options.

Try the official “Brew Nerd,” a blended iced coffee with bits of espresso bean topped with delicious espresso whipped cream ($2.95).

Order from the two-way video drive-thru, stop in to play Ms. Pac Man and enjoy two free hours of Wi-fi or chill out in the heated outdoor seating areas. If I had any complaint about Brew Nerds, it would be the limited indoor seating, but when the weather improves the spacious outdoor seating area would be perfect for enjoying an icy cold Swirly.

Best Alternative Study Spot

Coffee and scholastic achievement have long gone together like peas and carrots.

Many collegiate types stake out a favorite coffee shop and remain dedicated for four long years (or more) of long nights and large espressos.

If you haven’t found your own late-night niche yet, consider Chelsee’s downtown coffee shop on Trade Street (next door to southern eatery Sweet Potatoes).

As a study spot, Chelsee’s is perfect with some comfy leather couches, high tabletops and free Wi-fi.

It’s usually pretty quiet, making it ideal for concentrating students and their mocha java creations.

As the blackboard chalked with drink options says, “If you can dream it, we can make it.”

The baristas are friendly and willing to make suggestions, so if your own imagination is on the slow side, ask for a recommendation.

Chelsee’s serves Distant Lands coffee and offers at least one fair trade drip option a day.

My server, Matt, also claimed that Chelsee’s is the only shop in town to stock Kona and Jamacian Blue Mountain coffees, which run a little pricier than some of the other blends.

Matt also said that he’s interested in finding new uses for Chelsee’s after hours; namely DJing an 18 and up dance club and displaying student art in the cozy living room section of the shop.

Best Indie Vibe

If roasting your own coffee is a hip, new trend, Krankie’s Coffee has been trendy since 1972. A Winston-Salem original, Krankie’s is headquartered in The Wherehouse, a downtown artist space with an earthy, eclectic feel.

I knew Krankie’s was an authentic independent shop when the store’s black cat begged to be petted in the parking lot, a group of students camped out on the patio asked me if I was registered to vote and I saw my favorite Mary’s Of Course waiter chatting with the server.

Krankie’s is everything you’d wish for in an independent coffee shop: colorful murals, free Wi-fi, freshly roasted coffee, garage-like performance space and 25 cents off if you bring your own mug.

There’s plenty of space since the venue is converted into a concert spot at night.

Interesting concoctions include the Red Eye espresso for the extreme caffeine fiend and the Electric Yoo-Hoo ($2), your favorite childhood drink with a little shot of espresso to bring it up-to-date.

Krankie’s offers a few fair trade coffees, available by the pound, and on some days on tap.

The server said they rotate brews, but all of the Krankie varieties are on sale to take home.

Need Krankie’s on the go?

Pull up to “The Silver Bullet” on Reynolda Road, Krankie’s second location in a surprising vehicle that lives up to the nickname.