During my first day in Chattanooga, I did some shopping in the North Shore area where I found Mean Mug Coffeehouse. My schedule didn’t allow time to fully experience the coffee shop. But I did stop by the Mean Mug which is in a retail area bordered by the Tennessee River and established neighborhoods.

Coffee for the two Chattanooga Mean Mug shops is roasted in-house at the North Shore location. There was a nice selection of single-origin beans at the service counter. I chose a bag from Colombia and was offered a complimentary drip coffee as a bonus. They served an Ethiopia dispensed from a large urn. I wasn’t impressed by the cup to go. However, the beans were quite good when I brewed them the next morning.

In fairness to the business, I was in a hurry and didn’t give them an opportunity to serve me a fresh cup of their finest fare. While in the shop, I couldn’t help notice the baked goods displayed at the counter. They looked delicious, especially the cinnamon rolls. However, I was on my way to swim in the river, so I left with coffee in hand and pastries in my head.

I was fortunate enough to pass near the Mean Mug South location as I left town a couple days later. In need of a coffee for the road, I stopped in for a pour over which did not disappoint. The cinnamon rolls were too tempting this time, so I bought some to take home.

Both Mean Mug locations were busy, comfortably nestled in neighborhoods that appeared to be resurging. The buildings were quite different yet both interiors had a feel of businesses that had been repurposed. Based on a rather small sample experience, I have added Mean Mug to my list of places worthy of a return visit. The vibe was welcoming, the coffee was good, and the baked goods were delicious. There is much more I would like to experience.