A Social Call:

From it's antiquated beginnings, coffee enjoyment has been a social activity;  And we find this pastime alive and well in today's modern world.
 
Te first coffee houses were possibly in the ancient city of Mecca. For many years that government tried to shut down the coffee houses, or qahveh khaneh, but these efforts inevitably failed; The popularity of coffee among the Arabic people was too deeply rooted.

Outgoing Arabs:

As a meeting place for friends and business associates; as an island of refuge against a teeming city, if only for a few hours; the coffee houses of Constantinople and Damascus became the prototypes for such establishments throughout Europe. Large, roomy, relaxing; The populace would meet to catch up on local news, gossip and play board and card games. It is said the game of "Bridge" was invented in Constantinople.

Enterprising Italians:

Italy  was the first European country to embrace coffee. Curious about the new beverage infiltrating the country, Pope Clement VIII asked that it be brought to him so that he could personally evaluate it. An enthusiastic recruit, Pope Clement VIII gave coffee his blessing; and soon coffee houses were opening throughout Italy. England didn't follow suit until nearly a century later.

Boisterous Brits:

In 1637, the coffee house opened in England. Coffee was a favorite among students, and popular coffee houses were often called "penny  universities" replacing taverns in popularity. English coffee houses were strictly gathering places for men. Business as well as casual small talk was the order of the day. Lloyd's of London, the now famous Insurance Co. started at Edward Lloyd's Coffee house.

In 1674, wives, daughters and girlfriends got tired of being left out and "The Women’s Petition against Coffee" was drafted and sent to King Charles II. In 1675 King Charles II tried to shut down coffee houses, but like many governments before him, the popularity of the brew was too pervasive, and he was unsuccessful.

Eventually, perhaps due in part to the import of tea from India; and because tea was considered a drink to be enjoyed by women as well as men; coffee lost it's place in English favor to tea.

Although it's favor declined in England, coffee houses remained popular throughout the rest Europe.

Festive French:

Famous and infamous coffee houses thrived in  France. The Parisian coffee house, Cafe Procope opened in 1689, was host to many famous Parisians, among them Voltaire, Napoleon Bonaparte and Rousseau. The Royal Drummer was said to have been a favorite of Marie Antoinette.

Many historically important coffee houses still do business to this day in France and Italy. The Florian in Venice opened in 1720; and you can still stop in and order a strong black espresso. In Vienna, coffee houses bustle with life in the mornings; and there is possibly nothing sweeter than sipping a steaming Latte at a Viennese sidewalk cafe.

Amiable Americans:

In 1660 the Dutch introduced coffee to the American colonists; and coffee houses became popular meeting places to discuss radical activities. The Green Dragon in Boston stood for 135 years and is said to have been the birthplace of the Revolution.

The boycott of tea, culminating in the Boston tea party in 1773, established coffee as America's traditional favorite. Today coffee is enjoying another renaissance. Coffee houses are flourishing  in neighborhoods throughout the country. Whether you prefer to relax in one of the popular national chains, or you are lucky enough to have a little family owned coffee shop in your neighborhood; the reasons for going remain much the same as they have been for centuries. The delicious aroma entices you in; and the comfortable atmosphere tempts you to linger.