I know to some of you it may seem like Highland Coffees has been there forever, but way back when, that same cul de sac off Chimes St was occupied by The Gumbo Place and later The Mediterranean Café. There was a Marine recruiting center next door to a keg store (sorry, can’t remember the name) and back entrances to Godfather’s Pizza and Bank One? Bank of America? Clarke Cadzow, the owner/operator of Highland Coffees and a fervent Northgate historian, left this mural in what was once the patio of the Med Café and it is now part of Highland Coffees.
The patio itself is deep and shady and seems very much a natural extension of the LSU campus across the street. During each semester the place is full of students, staff, faculty and locals all day and well into the night. Highland roasts their own beans, creates all espresso drinks to order and brews small batches of the daily special blends throughout the day. They also have a granita machine which is a tremendous boon during the summer months.
The shop is very involved in readings and local art and music. Clarke usually rotates local artists’ work in the shop every six weeks or so, which makes it an even nicer place to visit–but of course, parking, the one inescapable issue around campus.
I’ve always viewed neighborhood coffee shops as secular churches. They are quiet. People are courteous. And everyone walks in wanting to be a better person. Highland Coffees also has cakes and pastries supplied by a local baker and an extensive list of loose leaf teas and natural waters. I’m a big fan of the iced mocha and granita, and occasionally I’ll get the ham and cheese croissant or break down and get a muffin or a slice of cake. Good place to bring the laptop to set up to surf or write or just answer email and listen to tunes while enjoying top of the line fresh brewed coffee.