Shady’s Coffee and Tea might give off an out-of-place vibe to passersbys, but like they say, don’t ever judge a book by its cover. This coffeehouse doesn’t just pump chocolate into the sweetest drinks on earth, but pumps up the jams on Friday night’s with originality that’s out of this world.

Even on a Tuesday night, Shady’s is a home outside of home. With its warm colored wallpaper, leather couches, and tucked away work corner, it can make anyone feel like they belong. What better way to pull in customers than to make them feel like they never want to leave? And while you’re working or maybe just relaxing in their cozy hideaway in the back or on the couches near the counter, there’s no way you can resist purchasing one of their steaming beverages. With swirled whipped cream and cocoa sprinkles topping off each one in a different way, just writing about it makes me want a hot chocolate. Oh, not to mention, it also tastes amazing.

 Shady’s Coffee and Tea may look like just a small homely coffee house, but open the glass doors on a Friday night and you will be overwhelmed with the crowd and inspiring original music that secretes from the back room. Well, more like the back stage. Friday Nights are the perfect nights to grab a frothy, steaming cup of a sweet beverage and enjoy an open mic night at Shady’s.

The performers at the Open Mic Nights really caught me off guard with their talent, and their ingenuity. The musicians and singers had never tried out to perform, but seemed as if they had been practicing since birth. Every music entrepreneur that performs at the Coffee House never fails to keep the crowd entertained and engaged. Sure there’s that one banjo playing tone-deaf man who comes every now and then, but the acceptance of all just supports the fact that Shady’s sees talent in anyone who had the courage to get onstage. And he always gets a good laugh to spread like wildfire throughout the crowd, which is always a good thing.

 Shady’s Coffee open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Friday Night Open Mic night starts at 7, gets busy at 8, and ends 11. This coffeehouse might give off a bad vibe from the start with its name, but I’m positive that the hesitations will end once you take one step into those glass doors. So get up, and smell the coffee.