Coming from Austin, TX, my expectations for coffee are pretty high, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I love Two Story! They have excellent ambiance: comfortable seating, great natural lighting, and music set to just the right volume to either nod along whilst writing that 20 page paper, or have a conversation with a friend. And, they have french press coffee available in multiple sizes. Great shop, great coffee, and awesome employees to chat with when you need a break from staring at your computer screen and asking yourself why you thought grad school was a good idea.
(5)
Licca K.
Okay, so that almond milk thing didn't work out, but soy will do. When it comes to coffee and lounge area, you've found your spot. Ample room, lotsa table space, outlets in decent spots. Two Story probably tops it as my favorite coffee shop. The tea, I'm not sure, since I've yet to sample it. I'm also not the most knowledgeable of the art of coffee, but I do enjoy their iced lattes, and have sampled here and there. Add a little caramel in the mix, and I have a treat. While Two Story is great for coffee, I'm not impressed by the baked goods selection. Which is fine. They do what they do.~ Unless you want a scone, that is. I only have ever seen scones here. Haha. Maybe a muffin once upon a time? The whole venue is a renovated house. It makes it cozy, but still airy. The back patio is great too. A little enclosed with the allowance of trees to grow through it. Parking in front is snug, but there us plenty in the back as well. My only hang up is their hours are wibbly wobbly and to their own reasoning. So--- I never trust Yelp when it says open. Sometimes they're open, but it's a closed event. If you happen to be inside before one, they will boot you out. Given this always happens around 5 pm you can be sure to get your fix before. Then other times they're simply closing shop for the day. It could be I'm missing some huge sign since I've never came in through the front entrance. Anyways, it's not a big deal. The staff is jovial and friendly, drinks are great, space is superb. All around great shop.
(4)
N A.
I used to love coming here because of the quiet space upstairs with lots of desk space. However, recently there's been no indication of the 2nd story being a "quiet study space," so there have always been small groups of students talking, which is pretty distracting for those of us who come here to study. I guess they'll put up some sort of sign once the summer ends and fall semester starts. The iced coffee they offer is nice but way too caffeinated. They've also been out of the small selection of pastries that they do offer every time I've been there, so bring your own snacks or pastries from Earth Fare or Independent Baking before settling down to study. Like I said, it's probably a summer thing, but since the majority of their patrons are students, I wish they'd be better equipped for those of us taking classes or doing work during the summer.
(2)
Joy W.
Two story just might be one of the most spacious coffee shops I've been to. The front parking lot doesn't fit many cars, but once you drive down the small side driveway on the right side of the shop, there is more parking in the back. The barista Melissa was super bubbly and enthusiastic about coffee and life. Even at 5pm when they were closing for the day, she was really kind and peppy even while letting customers know the store was closing. She recommended the iced latte and Italian cream sodas. It was today that I learned that cream soda isn't just a lollipop flavor, but is actually cream mixed with club soda, and add flavor syrup to your liking like peach or pomegranate. Mind blown. My favorite drink was the Italian Peach Cream Soda. The downstairs has a lot of 2-3 person tables, and there is also an upstairs that is reserved for "quiet" if you need a place to study. Two Story was the 8th and last stop. It was a great end to our day trip in Athens, and fueled us with enough energy for the drive back to the big city.
(4)
Heegie S.
Two Story is one of my FAVORITE local coffee shops in Athens! If I could, I would study here everyday. They have an upstairs "quiet" section, yet downstairs is where you can meet with friends for a cup of coffee or even have a meeting with a co-worker or business partner. The coffee is tremendous and the baristas truly love their craft. However, my biggest complaint is the lack of parking. There have been multiple times in which I intend to study at Two Story, yet I have to leave after not being able to find a parking space. I even circle around and drive through the parking lot about two or three times! It's such a disappointment because if it wasn't for the parking, I would be able to study at Two Story as much as I would love to. Like every other cafe or coffee shop, beware during finals and midterms - this place is jam-packed with students shoulder to shoulder and little (to no) parking available. Other than that, I love two story! Go check it out yourself.
(3)
Diana T.
This place is so packed all the time that it is hard to find a place to study. Parking is also difficult because their parking is way in the back. I have had some of their coffee and I still prefer Starbucks over them. This place just causes me stress every time I come.
(2)
Maryann G.
Awesome coffee with an even better atmosphere! A great local spot for an afternoon drink.
Love the pour over coffee and the service. Everyone here is super knowledgeable about the coffee and helpful with recommendations. Parking can be tough at times but worth it.
(5)
A R.
Excellent coffee, great atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff. I drive over an hour each way just to get a cappuccino from this place! Plus the pastries they offer from the bakery across the street are amazing! Love it!
Only a few spots to get find a well trained barista and a good drink in this lil college town. They have gone very Americana and place a big TV in main room... so try the front porch!
(4)
Ben M.
Two Story. Out of-towners, listen up. This is the coffee shop you want to go to. It serves locally roasted coffee: 1000 Faces, which is in my opinion a big step up from Jittery Joes, another local roaster/chain. 1000 Faces is more on par with Intelligensia or similar craft coffees. Give it a shot if you want a nice cafe atmosphere and craft coffee.
(5)
Coco D.
Good coffee, but if I wanted to hear baristas vomit out their extremely ignorant take on international politics, I would troll the comments section of Fox News. Seriously. Nobody cares about what you think of Haiti, dude. Especially when your source of information is your church. That said, it's good for studying because there's a nice, isolated upstairs quiet section. It's pretty populated during the school year, but not tooooooo crowded. Warning: in my experience their internet connection is kind of hinky, so I don't come here if I NEED to be connected. Also, pour over coffee. Probably the best cup in Athens, and I would put it up with Ultimo in Philly, if you're familiar with that. I suck at being knowledgeable about comestibles, so I don't know if they're helpful in explaining their product or not. Additional points off for having mainly old school (two prong) outlets. My laptop was not made in 1970, thanks. Also, the music kinds of sucks ass, but my guess is that their clientele doesn't realize that. Oh, and I assume that they advertise with Yelp, since I see Yelp filters the less positive reviews out so that they don't display unless you enter a captcha, so you will most likely not even see this review. Mediocrity rules!
(3)
Brea G.
I was visiting Athens and stumbled across this place. It's an old redone house across from Earth Fair. Looks like a really nice place to sit, read, and have a few shots. Good beans - good espresso - good atmosphere. I'll definitely be going back the next time I'm in Athens.
(5)
Sebastian A.
Cozy place to have coffee!
(5)
Casey S.
Favorite coffee shop in Athens, hands down. Super friendly baristas, incredible atmosphere, and great coffee. I try to come here at least once a week to study or just to hang out. Highly recommended
(5)
Michael B.
So happy to see this coffeehouse still in operation (for context, I used to come to this place in 2000 when it was Cups back in high school). I came here the morning after Thanksgiving for a coffee and light breakfast and discovered the warm, earth - tone decor was still intact which I like. I ordered a cafe Au lait with a whole wheat bagel - loved the coffee. The barista was pleasant and prompt with my service (I note this because I can't tell how many times I've gone for coffee and been greeted with indifference and scowls from people who condescend to their customers). Glad this place is here and hope it's always here upon my return.
(5)
C N.
Two Story is the place I go to for a great iced vanilla latte with almond milk. It is my absolute favorite and the main reason why I go to Two Story. As a study/work spot, tables get filled up fast, and there aren't many outlets. Some of them aren't three prong, which is problematic for my laptop charger. On the rare occasion I come to get some work done, it's quiet enough, and there are plenty of windows and natural lighting, which is a plus. Parking also can be a huge hassle, especially when the place is packed. This is why I usually only go to Two Story if I happen to be craving a latte after shopping at Earthfare, which is just across the street.
(4)
Jennie C.
Good coffee and pastry selection. Lots of areas to sit and visit, work or study.
(4)
Shay L.
Parking is rough here but they have wonderful coffee, lattes and teas here! Great place to study if you can find a spot! Or just to sit and chat with some friends!
(4)
Sarah F.
Two Story is truly a gem of a coffee shop. I am an Atlantan who has moved to Athens for the summer, and in my search for a great coffee house, this very quickly became my go-to spot. This place seriously has it all - a good space, hospitable baristas, and delicious coffee. The shop itself is a renovated home turned coffee haven - complete with a front porch, multiple rooms, an upstairs, and a back deck. The coffee bar greets you as soon as you walk in, with a full menu of roasted coffees and espressos from 1000 Faces, a local roaster. The baristas are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and are ready to provide a recommendation for whatever you're in the mood for - sweet, bitter, hot, or cold. My go to in any coffee house is their pour-over. Hand brewing truly does give the best cup, and the baristas here do it right. They make sure the grounds are used evenly and that the coffee is allowed to bloom. It was delicious, and I would definitely recommend it. If that's not your thing, the iced lattes are also really good, and you can get them in a variety of flavors. Regardless of your drink choice or the duration of your stay, there's one thing that's certain - you will feel right at home here. Love this place!
(5)
Dana K.
This place is the best! They have wonderful coffee! I love their lattes, pour over coffee, and americanos. I also enjoy their raspberry or pomegranate Italian soda and their wide variety of teas! Overall, best coffee in town! To go along with great drinks, Two Story has a great atmosphere! There is so many different seating options between the front porch, back porch, main room, and side room. There is also additional quiet study areas upstairs! I love to come to Two Story to study as well as meet up with friends! The only downside is there is not an abundance of parking, but it's not a big enough deterrent to keep me from returning! Next time your in Athens, stop in!
(5)
S E.
After reading these reviews I can't believe I was in this place this morning and had a completely different coffee experience. I just came back from Melbourne, Australia, which has been rated as one of the best cities in the world to go for a coffee. So I decided to try the Two Story in Athens and was bitterly disappointed. The soy cappuccino was served in a small cup, the coffee was lukewarm and had absolutely no taste . This place needs to improve.
(1)
Holly J.
I somehow never knew about this lovely coffee shop until very recently. It's quite literally a coffeehouse, with the building being a converted house and all. The house is a bit old, which makes for some very lovely original decor, architecture, and creaking sounds. You can imbibe inside on two floors or outside on a covered deck off the main floor. The beverage and food options were plentiful and palatable. My companion had a black coffee and I had a raspberry lemon type of tea. My memory fails me on what exactly we had, but they were so good! The barista who helped us was very friendly and helpful. I'm only giving 4 stars for the following reasons: *Parking is inadequate for the space. Yes, it's Athens and yes, it's 5 points, but the parking situation in back is pretty atrocious. *The back deck needs some reno. We originally sat on the back deck but had to move inside after a carpenter bee, who crawled through holes in the screen, was drilling into a beam above our heads, covering us with sawdust. *The interior was brutally cold. Patrons everywhere were winding scarfs around their faces (instead of loosely draped around necks for that prime hipster effect), and I saw two women return their plates of food and ask for to-go packages because they were so cold.
(4)
Holly H.
We were visiting Athens and found this place. What a great atmosphere to chill out. The place was packed but quiet as all the students were busy studying for finals. The staff was friendly and really solid espresso drinks too!
(5)
Jessica S.
Love this place. Fantastic coffee and lots of space to work. My favorite coffee spot in Athens!
(5)
Caroline M.
Great study space! Quiet with lots of big tables. The lattes are delicious and I always appreciate that they have plenty of milk alternatives for their dairy-free customers.
(5)
Allison V.
The staff is super helpful and friendly, and the shop has tons of room and a LOT of plugs which is perfect for getting homework done. I tried their coffee which was good but then I had their chai and OH MY LORDY it was incredible. They apparently use a homemade chai recipe and it is fantastic. Will definitely be going back (:
(5)
Tian S.
The baristas are absolutely phenomenal, kind, and helpful. They have turned around horrible days just by being themselves. Aside from that, the coffee is really fantastic, and they really know what they're doing. :)
(5)
Steve K.
My favorite coffeehouse in Athens. It's a bit pricey but the ambiance of the place is better than any other place around--it's not too loud, the tables aren't too small, etc. and their items are tasty without fail.
(5)
Steven V.
The barista Melissa @2 story coffee house just explained to me all the ways in which 4 coffees sourced from various parts of the world could be prepared, the varying flavor combinations and roasts in a fashion that would rival one of Shakespeare's most memorable sonnets. She recited it to me with so much joy and appreciation for her craft that I felt I was slighting her with merely partaking in a single cup. Give her a raise.
(5)
Addison G.
Great local coffee shop! The coffee is quality and it isn't overpriced. Love stopping by when I'm in town. I also picked up a Local Notion card when I was there and got 10% off. I think they have most local joints in Athens who give similar deals when you use their card as well.
(5)
Jason M.
Two Story Coffeehouse is the best coffee in Athens -- nothing else really comes close. My first visit was during a pilgrimage to a Yo La Tengo show with a group of friends. One of these friends happened to be extremely inquisitive about coffee, so he engaged one of the baristas in conversation about coffee. Simply being a witness to this conversation showed me how much these guys put into their product. They told us basically everything about their various brew processes, and the level of passion these guys put into their coffee is analogous to what Sam Calagione or another craft brewery put into their beers. During the descriptions of their brew processes, the baristas lamented about the state of the coffee industry with big players like Starbucks -- and it honestly struck me much more strongly as passion than pretension. The product stands up to the process. If you're in Athens, there's no reason to go anywhere else for coffee.
(5)
Newton F.
Great local place to chill. Great coffee. Favorite place tog et coffee in Athens.
(5)
Tina E.
I love this place! My boyfriend and I stopped by for breakfast. They basically turned a house into a coffee shop. It definitely has the coziness of a house :) The top floor is meant to be a quiet area, but downstairs there's three different rooms to sit in and also an outdoor porch with tables and chairs. I ordered the Cubano Con Leche with cinnamon, and it was delicious! My boyfriend got a pumpkin spice latte. We got the 12 oz size, which looks small in a to-go cup, but in a regular cafe cup/mug it seemed like so much! I could barely finish it, actually. It seemed a bit pricey at about 4.50 or 4.65 (can't remember exactly what the price was), but for the peaceful atmosphere and the fantastic, high-quality coffee, it was worth it. I will definitely come back here again next time I'm in Athens. Plus, for people who bring their laptops, there's like a gajillion outlets.
(5)
Christine K.
Two Story is a good place for some coffe and quiet. The things I have ordered were always pretty good, but it is a bit pricey. I love that they turned a house into a coffee shop. The downstairs is pretty spacious and feels cozy, but the upstairs feels very cluttered. This place is almost always packed with studying students...so the atmosphere tends to be really down and silent. They also have another location on the East Side.
(3)
Reginald W.
Lovely place to get an excellent coffee. Carefully and artfully prepared espresso drinks. It would be nice if there were a few more pastries. Great place to sit and study or have a quiet conversation. A welcome oasis in the land of JJ's and Bulldogs.
(4)
Kim P.
I wasn't always a fan of this place. I thought it was a bit too hipster for my tastes... but I have come to realize how wrong I was... This place has it all: -quiet study area: YES -outdoor seating: YES -free internet and tons of space to spread out: YES -social group chatting area: YES -great service and friendly staff: YES! -best tasting coffee in town: HALE YES!! the ONLY thing to consider when considering not going here is the hours it keeps. Opens late, closes early, and doesn't open at all on Sunday. During the day is the lowest coffee drinking hours, I believe. And they are open for all the low points and none of the high traffic times. Oh well, though. I plan accordingly. Like I said... best tasting coffee in town!
(5)
Kristin B.
I have to agree with Ruth N., Two Story is indeed "as good as it gets." Spacious yet cozy, Two Story is beautifully decorated with a variety of spaces and styles to drink your great beverage or eat your locally made gelato (as a side note, what is up with these coffee places serving gelato? Am I the only one that doesn't quite get the combo?). You can try the enclosed porch, the open porch, the comfortably noisy downstairs with lots of tables, or the quiet zone upstairs for those of us who need a little silence to get work done. One nice touch is the office supplies they leave out on the landing for all to use, so don't worry about forgetting paper, pens, staplers, hole punchers, etc. My mocha was deliciously chocolately and obviously made with a high-quality espresso bean. It was also huge, so while it was a little more expensive than your average Starbucks "tall," the value was much better. I am so excited about the number of new independent coffee shops opening up in Athens!
(5)
Gina Y.
From the outside, this beloved coffeehouse already invites with its quaint and cozy facade. On stepping inside, you are immersed into a nook filled with aromas of fresh brewed coffee and sounds of light chatter and soft, bright music. You look around and see couches and tables so naturally placed, it feels like home. The covered porch is illuminated with nostalgic christmas lights. You approach the counter and get a taste of the passion and enthusiasm of the baristas. The first sip of their unbeatably smooth mocha and the first bite of the tasty sweets, will never disappoint. Especially if you long for a coffee house taking coffee back to the basics while providing a feeling of comfort and peace that so many other places lack. Two Story Coffee will always be a favorite of mine.
(5)
Ben R.
Great place to get work done and great blends of coffee flavors.
(5)
Christine K.
A step up from the Jittery Joe's nearby, in my opinion, so between the two, I'd definitely pop in here. It's very spacious, but cozy/homely at the same time. Actually, as I was studying, I kept thinking how the place reminded me of someone's house -- thoughtful decor, lots of chairs and tables (indoor and outdoor sitting), soft lighting, relaxing music, friendly staff, and the humming of laptops/chatting friends/coffee brewing... It's a very comfortable and serene atmosphere. It's almost tempting to just sit there, not do anything, and never leave. I hear the cappuccino is excellent; I drank the cold latte, which was refreshing and they certainly give you A LOT. Prices are reasonable and there's a selection of pastries and gelato. I did not try any pastries, but they looked pretty yummy! Even better, today's Memorial Day, and they open until 10pm :)
(5)
Greg W.
When two story coffee first opened I was its biggest fan and could be found there all the time. I loved the french press coffee, the atmosphere and the diverse yet affordable coffee. When you go to a coffee shop you are paying for the environment in addition to the coffee. You buy a cup of coffee so that you can spend an hour catching up with a friend or two hours studying for that test, but many times this past semester I got my coffee, sat down and then soon left. It seemed that in an attempt to cut costs, Two Story was either too warm or too cold. More than a few times, I went to two story, ordered my regular coffee and then sat down. You can't drink coffee when you are sweating. Since two story opened, there regular coffee(the on the fly coffee) has gone up in price(you can see where they put paper over the menu). I can understand paying $4 or $5 for something like a cappuccino or espresso that requires work, but I don't see how a small cofffee costs $2. I'm going to give two story another chance this spring and hopefully things will improve. Four star seems high for my above mentions, but I can't give it less till this trend continues.
(4)
Dianne T.
Awesome place to study and hang out. In the east side two story they have a space for quiet studying in another room and then a space for conversations and hang outs in the main area. Nice!
(5)
Jeff W.
Love this place more every time I go!
(5)
Kailey R.
If you come for the food, coffee and other specialty drinks, you will not be disappointed. Everything I order is always delicious and a perfect temperature, and the service is top-notch. If you come here to study, I hope you're not easily distracted. Everyone uses this place to meet social groups. I've been at Two Story at least three times when a group from a religious organization has shown up, opened their computer and played music on the speakers, or grabbed the guitar off the wall and started playing. There is plenty of room in the renovated house, but it seems that there needs to be a designated quiet space. Additionally, the Wi-Fi is spotty. Use Earthfare if you're having a problem. The earlier you go in the day, the better chance you'll have of a place to sit and a quiet environment.
(3)
Stephen M.
This Is a great local coffee shop. If you nerd a place to study or do some work I would suggest this place. There is tons of room to pop out your computer a study away.
(5)
Chriss F.
This is my fav coffee place. Very homey and plenty of books. Great atmosphere and the drinks are great. They have a couple of drinks that no one else has. Ask for the Cubano. Service is fantasmic.
(5)
Ruth N.
As an update, 2Story did a bit of renovation and now has an improved, covered back deck for added seating. They have also improved the Wi-Fi service. Yay for 2Story!
(5)
Bethany K.
This place has a nice atmosphere and good study or chatting space. Once they even gave me a free cookie! The owners seem like really nice people. The only reason 4 stars and not 5 is that parking can be a real hassle.
(4)
Dustin S.
as a native of athens, i'll admit that i've always enjoyed jittery joe's when i've come back to visit. i lived in seattle for a couple years so my coffee addiction is certified. now that i've moved back to athens, i've had a little more time to try some new spots. two story now tops my list for coffee. i'm a straight up coffee drinker (nothing fancy for me) and their brews are top notch and the folks there know what they're serving. the place itself is just plain cool too. the back porch is a great indoor/outdoor space. would be nice to have some more outlets on the front porch but i'll manage
(5)
Willie M.
relaxing and cool on a hot summer day...and a very good Latte...good place to sit and get some work done on my laptop...
Shirelle H.
Coming from Austin, TX, my expectations for coffee are pretty high, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I love Two Story! They have excellent ambiance: comfortable seating, great natural lighting, and music set to just the right volume to either nod along whilst writing that 20 page paper, or have a conversation with a friend. And, they have french press coffee available in multiple sizes. Great shop, great coffee, and awesome employees to chat with when you need a break from staring at your computer screen and asking yourself why you thought grad school was a good idea.
(5)Licca K.
Okay, so that almond milk thing didn't work out, but soy will do. When it comes to coffee and lounge area, you've found your spot. Ample room, lotsa table space, outlets in decent spots. Two Story probably tops it as my favorite coffee shop. The tea, I'm not sure, since I've yet to sample it. I'm also not the most knowledgeable of the art of coffee, but I do enjoy their iced lattes, and have sampled here and there. Add a little caramel in the mix, and I have a treat. While Two Story is great for coffee, I'm not impressed by the baked goods selection. Which is fine. They do what they do.~ Unless you want a scone, that is. I only have ever seen scones here. Haha. Maybe a muffin once upon a time? The whole venue is a renovated house. It makes it cozy, but still airy. The back patio is great too. A little enclosed with the allowance of trees to grow through it. Parking in front is snug, but there us plenty in the back as well. My only hang up is their hours are wibbly wobbly and to their own reasoning. So--- I never trust Yelp when it says open. Sometimes they're open, but it's a closed event. If you happen to be inside before one, they will boot you out. Given this always happens around 5 pm you can be sure to get your fix before. Then other times they're simply closing shop for the day. It could be I'm missing some huge sign since I've never came in through the front entrance. Anyways, it's not a big deal. The staff is jovial and friendly, drinks are great, space is superb. All around great shop.
(4)N A.
I used to love coming here because of the quiet space upstairs with lots of desk space. However, recently there's been no indication of the 2nd story being a "quiet study space," so there have always been small groups of students talking, which is pretty distracting for those of us who come here to study. I guess they'll put up some sort of sign once the summer ends and fall semester starts. The iced coffee they offer is nice but way too caffeinated. They've also been out of the small selection of pastries that they do offer every time I've been there, so bring your own snacks or pastries from Earth Fare or Independent Baking before settling down to study. Like I said, it's probably a summer thing, but since the majority of their patrons are students, I wish they'd be better equipped for those of us taking classes or doing work during the summer.
(2)Joy W.
Two story just might be one of the most spacious coffee shops I've been to. The front parking lot doesn't fit many cars, but once you drive down the small side driveway on the right side of the shop, there is more parking in the back. The barista Melissa was super bubbly and enthusiastic about coffee and life. Even at 5pm when they were closing for the day, she was really kind and peppy even while letting customers know the store was closing. She recommended the iced latte and Italian cream sodas. It was today that I learned that cream soda isn't just a lollipop flavor, but is actually cream mixed with club soda, and add flavor syrup to your liking like peach or pomegranate. Mind blown. My favorite drink was the Italian Peach Cream Soda. The downstairs has a lot of 2-3 person tables, and there is also an upstairs that is reserved for "quiet" if you need a place to study. Two Story was the 8th and last stop. It was a great end to our day trip in Athens, and fueled us with enough energy for the drive back to the big city.
(4)Heegie S.
Two Story is one of my FAVORITE local coffee shops in Athens! If I could, I would study here everyday. They have an upstairs "quiet" section, yet downstairs is where you can meet with friends for a cup of coffee or even have a meeting with a co-worker or business partner. The coffee is tremendous and the baristas truly love their craft. However, my biggest complaint is the lack of parking. There have been multiple times in which I intend to study at Two Story, yet I have to leave after not being able to find a parking space. I even circle around and drive through the parking lot about two or three times! It's such a disappointment because if it wasn't for the parking, I would be able to study at Two Story as much as I would love to. Like every other cafe or coffee shop, beware during finals and midterms - this place is jam-packed with students shoulder to shoulder and little (to no) parking available. Other than that, I love two story! Go check it out yourself.
(3)Diana T.
This place is so packed all the time that it is hard to find a place to study. Parking is also difficult because their parking is way in the back. I have had some of their coffee and I still prefer Starbucks over them. This place just causes me stress every time I come.
(2)Maryann G.
Awesome coffee with an even better atmosphere! A great local spot for an afternoon drink.
(5)Andrea M.
This is my 2nd time here. The original visit was back during college days and prior to me actively writing reviews. Here I am again on a cloudy Sunday afternoon doing some light work while my friend proofreads a paper for someone. This place is filled with college students, but how's that any different from any other coffee joint here in Athens. Right?! The vibe here is def more different than your standard Starbucks or possibly even Jittery Joe's that's also nearby. I suppose I enjoy the more local coffee shops from occasion. There's just something about the décor and types of patrons that stop by that makes it different than the commercial coffee shops. The upstairs location is much more quiet while the downstairs area is more for chit chatting. There is also a patio area, but it is closed off when the colder weather rolls around. Oh. The WiFi password is "coffeenow." The chai tea latte was pretty creamy and warm. This was the only item on the menu that would have that caffeine kick that's not coffee. Even though it was advertised as such, why am I still feeling sleepy? :/ It was good and delish nonetheless. And btw, how is $8 plus change a total price when the menu board has something that says all prices shown include taxes? I mean, the email receipt literally has a tax breakdown. Dumbfounded... Parking spaces aren't the most abundant. There is literally 3 sole spots located at the immediate front of the shop. I find that parking across the street and walking over is more do-able, but be caution of having your car booted or towed. But I do believe that there is parking directly behind the building? I am unsure since I have never taken a peek behind there. I've parked behind the building before at a café that's a few doors down from this place so I know they do exist.
(4)David O.
Love the pour over coffee and the service. Everyone here is super knowledgeable about the coffee and helpful with recommendations. Parking can be tough at times but worth it.
(5)A R.
Excellent coffee, great atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff. I drive over an hour each way just to get a cappuccino from this place! Plus the pastries they offer from the bakery across the street are amazing! Love it!
(5)Nathan B.
Great atmosphere, even better coffee. Baristas are very friendly and knowledgeable. Coffee selection is much better than other cafés. Also, the playlist is fantastic. My only complaint is the limited parking availability. 2 Story's rear parking lot is quite small and it is often difficult to find a space. That should tell you how good this coffee shop is though - It's always crowded! If you're lucky enough to find an empty room upstairs during finals week, 2 Story is one of the best places to study!
(5)Dorus D.
Only a few spots to get find a well trained barista and a good drink in this lil college town. They have gone very Americana and place a big TV in main room... so try the front porch!
(4)Ben M.
Two Story. Out of-towners, listen up. This is the coffee shop you want to go to. It serves locally roasted coffee: 1000 Faces, which is in my opinion a big step up from Jittery Joes, another local roaster/chain. 1000 Faces is more on par with Intelligensia or similar craft coffees. Give it a shot if you want a nice cafe atmosphere and craft coffee.
(5)Coco D.
Good coffee, but if I wanted to hear baristas vomit out their extremely ignorant take on international politics, I would troll the comments section of Fox News. Seriously. Nobody cares about what you think of Haiti, dude. Especially when your source of information is your church. That said, it's good for studying because there's a nice, isolated upstairs quiet section. It's pretty populated during the school year, but not tooooooo crowded. Warning: in my experience their internet connection is kind of hinky, so I don't come here if I NEED to be connected. Also, pour over coffee. Probably the best cup in Athens, and I would put it up with Ultimo in Philly, if you're familiar with that. I suck at being knowledgeable about comestibles, so I don't know if they're helpful in explaining their product or not. Additional points off for having mainly old school (two prong) outlets. My laptop was not made in 1970, thanks. Also, the music kinds of sucks ass, but my guess is that their clientele doesn't realize that. Oh, and I assume that they advertise with Yelp, since I see Yelp filters the less positive reviews out so that they don't display unless you enter a captcha, so you will most likely not even see this review. Mediocrity rules!
(3)Brea G.
I was visiting Athens and stumbled across this place. It's an old redone house across from Earth Fair. Looks like a really nice place to sit, read, and have a few shots. Good beans - good espresso - good atmosphere. I'll definitely be going back the next time I'm in Athens.
(5)Sebastian A.
Cozy place to have coffee!
(5)Casey S.
Favorite coffee shop in Athens, hands down. Super friendly baristas, incredible atmosphere, and great coffee. I try to come here at least once a week to study or just to hang out. Highly recommended
(5)Michael B.
So happy to see this coffeehouse still in operation (for context, I used to come to this place in 2000 when it was Cups back in high school). I came here the morning after Thanksgiving for a coffee and light breakfast and discovered the warm, earth - tone decor was still intact which I like. I ordered a cafe Au lait with a whole wheat bagel - loved the coffee. The barista was pleasant and prompt with my service (I note this because I can't tell how many times I've gone for coffee and been greeted with indifference and scowls from people who condescend to their customers). Glad this place is here and hope it's always here upon my return.
(5)C N.
Two Story is the place I go to for a great iced vanilla latte with almond milk. It is my absolute favorite and the main reason why I go to Two Story. As a study/work spot, tables get filled up fast, and there aren't many outlets. Some of them aren't three prong, which is problematic for my laptop charger. On the rare occasion I come to get some work done, it's quiet enough, and there are plenty of windows and natural lighting, which is a plus. Parking also can be a huge hassle, especially when the place is packed. This is why I usually only go to Two Story if I happen to be craving a latte after shopping at Earthfare, which is just across the street.
(4)Jennie C.
Good coffee and pastry selection. Lots of areas to sit and visit, work or study.
(4)Shay L.
Parking is rough here but they have wonderful coffee, lattes and teas here! Great place to study if you can find a spot! Or just to sit and chat with some friends!
(4)Sarah F.
Two Story is truly a gem of a coffee shop. I am an Atlantan who has moved to Athens for the summer, and in my search for a great coffee house, this very quickly became my go-to spot. This place seriously has it all - a good space, hospitable baristas, and delicious coffee. The shop itself is a renovated home turned coffee haven - complete with a front porch, multiple rooms, an upstairs, and a back deck. The coffee bar greets you as soon as you walk in, with a full menu of roasted coffees and espressos from 1000 Faces, a local roaster. The baristas are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and are ready to provide a recommendation for whatever you're in the mood for - sweet, bitter, hot, or cold. My go to in any coffee house is their pour-over. Hand brewing truly does give the best cup, and the baristas here do it right. They make sure the grounds are used evenly and that the coffee is allowed to bloom. It was delicious, and I would definitely recommend it. If that's not your thing, the iced lattes are also really good, and you can get them in a variety of flavors. Regardless of your drink choice or the duration of your stay, there's one thing that's certain - you will feel right at home here. Love this place!
(5)Dana K.
This place is the best! They have wonderful coffee! I love their lattes, pour over coffee, and americanos. I also enjoy their raspberry or pomegranate Italian soda and their wide variety of teas! Overall, best coffee in town! To go along with great drinks, Two Story has a great atmosphere! There is so many different seating options between the front porch, back porch, main room, and side room. There is also additional quiet study areas upstairs! I love to come to Two Story to study as well as meet up with friends! The only downside is there is not an abundance of parking, but it's not a big enough deterrent to keep me from returning! Next time your in Athens, stop in!
(5)S E.
After reading these reviews I can't believe I was in this place this morning and had a completely different coffee experience. I just came back from Melbourne, Australia, which has been rated as one of the best cities in the world to go for a coffee. So I decided to try the Two Story in Athens and was bitterly disappointed. The soy cappuccino was served in a small cup, the coffee was lukewarm and had absolutely no taste . This place needs to improve.
(1)Holly J.
I somehow never knew about this lovely coffee shop until very recently. It's quite literally a coffeehouse, with the building being a converted house and all. The house is a bit old, which makes for some very lovely original decor, architecture, and creaking sounds. You can imbibe inside on two floors or outside on a covered deck off the main floor. The beverage and food options were plentiful and palatable. My companion had a black coffee and I had a raspberry lemon type of tea. My memory fails me on what exactly we had, but they were so good! The barista who helped us was very friendly and helpful. I'm only giving 4 stars for the following reasons: *Parking is inadequate for the space. Yes, it's Athens and yes, it's 5 points, but the parking situation in back is pretty atrocious. *The back deck needs some reno. We originally sat on the back deck but had to move inside after a carpenter bee, who crawled through holes in the screen, was drilling into a beam above our heads, covering us with sawdust. *The interior was brutally cold. Patrons everywhere were winding scarfs around their faces (instead of loosely draped around necks for that prime hipster effect), and I saw two women return their plates of food and ask for to-go packages because they were so cold.
(4)Holly H.
We were visiting Athens and found this place. What a great atmosphere to chill out. The place was packed but quiet as all the students were busy studying for finals. The staff was friendly and really solid espresso drinks too!
(5)Jessica S.
Love this place. Fantastic coffee and lots of space to work. My favorite coffee spot in Athens!
(5)Caroline M.
Great study space! Quiet with lots of big tables. The lattes are delicious and I always appreciate that they have plenty of milk alternatives for their dairy-free customers.
(5)Allison V.
The staff is super helpful and friendly, and the shop has tons of room and a LOT of plugs which is perfect for getting homework done. I tried their coffee which was good but then I had their chai and OH MY LORDY it was incredible. They apparently use a homemade chai recipe and it is fantastic. Will definitely be going back (:
(5)Tian S.
The baristas are absolutely phenomenal, kind, and helpful. They have turned around horrible days just by being themselves. Aside from that, the coffee is really fantastic, and they really know what they're doing. :)
(5)Steve K.
My favorite coffeehouse in Athens. It's a bit pricey but the ambiance of the place is better than any other place around--it's not too loud, the tables aren't too small, etc. and their items are tasty without fail.
(5)Steven V.
The barista Melissa @2 story coffee house just explained to me all the ways in which 4 coffees sourced from various parts of the world could be prepared, the varying flavor combinations and roasts in a fashion that would rival one of Shakespeare's most memorable sonnets. She recited it to me with so much joy and appreciation for her craft that I felt I was slighting her with merely partaking in a single cup. Give her a raise.
(5)Addison G.
Great local coffee shop! The coffee is quality and it isn't overpriced. Love stopping by when I'm in town. I also picked up a Local Notion card when I was there and got 10% off. I think they have most local joints in Athens who give similar deals when you use their card as well.
(5)Jason M.
Two Story Coffeehouse is the best coffee in Athens -- nothing else really comes close. My first visit was during a pilgrimage to a Yo La Tengo show with a group of friends. One of these friends happened to be extremely inquisitive about coffee, so he engaged one of the baristas in conversation about coffee. Simply being a witness to this conversation showed me how much these guys put into their product. They told us basically everything about their various brew processes, and the level of passion these guys put into their coffee is analogous to what Sam Calagione or another craft brewery put into their beers. During the descriptions of their brew processes, the baristas lamented about the state of the coffee industry with big players like Starbucks -- and it honestly struck me much more strongly as passion than pretension. The product stands up to the process. If you're in Athens, there's no reason to go anywhere else for coffee.
(5)Newton F.
Great local place to chill. Great coffee. Favorite place tog et coffee in Athens.
(5)Tina E.
I love this place! My boyfriend and I stopped by for breakfast. They basically turned a house into a coffee shop. It definitely has the coziness of a house :) The top floor is meant to be a quiet area, but downstairs there's three different rooms to sit in and also an outdoor porch with tables and chairs. I ordered the Cubano Con Leche with cinnamon, and it was delicious! My boyfriend got a pumpkin spice latte. We got the 12 oz size, which looks small in a to-go cup, but in a regular cafe cup/mug it seemed like so much! I could barely finish it, actually. It seemed a bit pricey at about 4.50 or 4.65 (can't remember exactly what the price was), but for the peaceful atmosphere and the fantastic, high-quality coffee, it was worth it. I will definitely come back here again next time I'm in Athens. Plus, for people who bring their laptops, there's like a gajillion outlets.
(5)Christine K.
Two Story is a good place for some coffe and quiet. The things I have ordered were always pretty good, but it is a bit pricey. I love that they turned a house into a coffee shop. The downstairs is pretty spacious and feels cozy, but the upstairs feels very cluttered. This place is almost always packed with studying students...so the atmosphere tends to be really down and silent. They also have another location on the East Side.
(3)Reginald W.
Lovely place to get an excellent coffee. Carefully and artfully prepared espresso drinks. It would be nice if there were a few more pastries. Great place to sit and study or have a quiet conversation. A welcome oasis in the land of JJ's and Bulldogs.
(4)Kim P.
I wasn't always a fan of this place. I thought it was a bit too hipster for my tastes... but I have come to realize how wrong I was... This place has it all: -quiet study area: YES -outdoor seating: YES -free internet and tons of space to spread out: YES -social group chatting area: YES -great service and friendly staff: YES! -best tasting coffee in town: HALE YES!! the ONLY thing to consider when considering not going here is the hours it keeps. Opens late, closes early, and doesn't open at all on Sunday. During the day is the lowest coffee drinking hours, I believe. And they are open for all the low points and none of the high traffic times. Oh well, though. I plan accordingly. Like I said... best tasting coffee in town!
(5)Kristin B.
I have to agree with Ruth N., Two Story is indeed "as good as it gets." Spacious yet cozy, Two Story is beautifully decorated with a variety of spaces and styles to drink your great beverage or eat your locally made gelato (as a side note, what is up with these coffee places serving gelato? Am I the only one that doesn't quite get the combo?). You can try the enclosed porch, the open porch, the comfortably noisy downstairs with lots of tables, or the quiet zone upstairs for those of us who need a little silence to get work done. One nice touch is the office supplies they leave out on the landing for all to use, so don't worry about forgetting paper, pens, staplers, hole punchers, etc. My mocha was deliciously chocolately and obviously made with a high-quality espresso bean. It was also huge, so while it was a little more expensive than your average Starbucks "tall," the value was much better. I am so excited about the number of new independent coffee shops opening up in Athens!
(5)Gina Y.
From the outside, this beloved coffeehouse already invites with its quaint and cozy facade. On stepping inside, you are immersed into a nook filled with aromas of fresh brewed coffee and sounds of light chatter and soft, bright music. You look around and see couches and tables so naturally placed, it feels like home. The covered porch is illuminated with nostalgic christmas lights. You approach the counter and get a taste of the passion and enthusiasm of the baristas. The first sip of their unbeatably smooth mocha and the first bite of the tasty sweets, will never disappoint. Especially if you long for a coffee house taking coffee back to the basics while providing a feeling of comfort and peace that so many other places lack. Two Story Coffee will always be a favorite of mine.
(5)Ben R.
Great place to get work done and great blends of coffee flavors.
(5)Christine K.
A step up from the Jittery Joe's nearby, in my opinion, so between the two, I'd definitely pop in here. It's very spacious, but cozy/homely at the same time. Actually, as I was studying, I kept thinking how the place reminded me of someone's house -- thoughtful decor, lots of chairs and tables (indoor and outdoor sitting), soft lighting, relaxing music, friendly staff, and the humming of laptops/chatting friends/coffee brewing... It's a very comfortable and serene atmosphere. It's almost tempting to just sit there, not do anything, and never leave. I hear the cappuccino is excellent; I drank the cold latte, which was refreshing and they certainly give you A LOT. Prices are reasonable and there's a selection of pastries and gelato. I did not try any pastries, but they looked pretty yummy! Even better, today's Memorial Day, and they open until 10pm :)
(5)Greg W.
When two story coffee first opened I was its biggest fan and could be found there all the time. I loved the french press coffee, the atmosphere and the diverse yet affordable coffee. When you go to a coffee shop you are paying for the environment in addition to the coffee. You buy a cup of coffee so that you can spend an hour catching up with a friend or two hours studying for that test, but many times this past semester I got my coffee, sat down and then soon left. It seemed that in an attempt to cut costs, Two Story was either too warm or too cold. More than a few times, I went to two story, ordered my regular coffee and then sat down. You can't drink coffee when you are sweating. Since two story opened, there regular coffee(the on the fly coffee) has gone up in price(you can see where they put paper over the menu). I can understand paying $4 or $5 for something like a cappuccino or espresso that requires work, but I don't see how a small cofffee costs $2. I'm going to give two story another chance this spring and hopefully things will improve. Four star seems high for my above mentions, but I can't give it less till this trend continues.
(4)Dianne T.
Awesome place to study and hang out. In the east side two story they have a space for quiet studying in another room and then a space for conversations and hang outs in the main area. Nice!
(5)Jeff W.
Love this place more every time I go!
(5)Kailey R.
If you come for the food, coffee and other specialty drinks, you will not be disappointed. Everything I order is always delicious and a perfect temperature, and the service is top-notch. If you come here to study, I hope you're not easily distracted. Everyone uses this place to meet social groups. I've been at Two Story at least three times when a group from a religious organization has shown up, opened their computer and played music on the speakers, or grabbed the guitar off the wall and started playing. There is plenty of room in the renovated house, but it seems that there needs to be a designated quiet space. Additionally, the Wi-Fi is spotty. Use Earthfare if you're having a problem. The earlier you go in the day, the better chance you'll have of a place to sit and a quiet environment.
(3)Stephen M.
This Is a great local coffee shop. If you nerd a place to study or do some work I would suggest this place. There is tons of room to pop out your computer a study away.
(5)Chriss F.
This is my fav coffee place. Very homey and plenty of books. Great atmosphere and the drinks are great. They have a couple of drinks that no one else has. Ask for the Cubano. Service is fantasmic.
(5)Ruth N.
As an update, 2Story did a bit of renovation and now has an improved, covered back deck for added seating. They have also improved the Wi-Fi service. Yay for 2Story!
(5)Bethany K.
This place has a nice atmosphere and good study or chatting space. Once they even gave me a free cookie! The owners seem like really nice people. The only reason 4 stars and not 5 is that parking can be a real hassle.
(4)Dustin S.
as a native of athens, i'll admit that i've always enjoyed jittery joe's when i've come back to visit. i lived in seattle for a couple years so my coffee addiction is certified. now that i've moved back to athens, i've had a little more time to try some new spots. two story now tops my list for coffee. i'm a straight up coffee drinker (nothing fancy for me) and their brews are top notch and the folks there know what they're serving. the place itself is just plain cool too. the back porch is a great indoor/outdoor space. would be nice to have some more outlets on the front porch but i'll manage
(5)Willie M.
relaxing and cool on a hot summer day...and a very good Latte...good place to sit and get some work done on my laptop...
(4)Bryan B.
The hours are better now!
(4)