It had been at least two years since we last visited the Daily Grind. We assembled there this morning at 8 AM. Jay joined us this morning and brought their new bulldog puppy, Ruby. 

This is a great place, located right on 29-North, with easy access and plenty of parking, a good thing since we arrived in three cars.

The Daily Grind toughed it out and stayed open during the covid thing, supporting the community with coffee pickup and supported by the community Go Fund Me when a power outage destroyed their entire ice cream inventory.

This is a great locally owned place that knows coffee and makes their own pastries. There is plenty of indoor seating and two sidewalk tables out front

John: I had the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Latte, and it was amazing, not my normal fare, but I'd have it again. It's a great seasonal drink that reminds me of their peppermint cappuccino that I go get every Christmas season. Get a medium. Gigantic!

Kelly: I got the Pumpkin Spice Latte, and it was delectable! Not too sweet, the right amount of pumpkin spice flavor, and definitely presents as more natural than artificial. Plus—the medium size is generous, so you get more bang for your buck.

We also tried their spinach and feta pastry. Get That.  Thank us later.

We suggest sitting inside, unless you love bright morning sun and the sound of highway noises.

Grade: A

First Free is a relatively new place. It is locally owned and sourced, conveniently located in Hollymead Town Center, and easily accessible from Highway 29, with plenty of parking. This place is big, with plenty of communal space for groups, table seating for working, and smaller areas for the solo patrons. Outdoor seating consists of two tables with two chairs each.

It is a very conservative place frequented by prayer and study groups, veterans, young moms, professionals, and fitness types in workout gear. Patrons readily bring in their children.

The staff is young, polite, skilled, and welcome you the moment you hit the door. They offer free wifi.

The coffee is great. Our faves: Creame Cubano, Cappuccino, and Mocha. Their foam art is on point.

Their pastries are delivered each morning from Albemarle Baking Company.

Grade: A

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