Afterword Tavern & Shelves, the East Crossroads gem known for blending books with boozy charm, is adding a new chapter to its story with coffee service. Beginning tomorrow, the popular bar will start welcoming guests earlier in the day, offering coffee all day alongside its full cocktail menu. This marks a notable expansion for the venue, which has traditionally opened its doors at 4 p.m.
General Manager Kate Hall shared the motivation behind the new schedule, explaining, “People love being here, so we’re just giving them more hours to do that.” Now, guests can curl up in a cozy booth with a book and a latte starting as early as 10 a.m. on weekdays and even earlier on the weekend. The updated hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Fridays, and noon to midnight on Saturdays.
Serving Stories and Espresso
The updated menu includes a full lineup of classic Coffee Service offerings, lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and Americanos, along with Afterword’s beloved cocktail creations. Whether it’s an espresso to kickstart the day or a Negroni to wind it down, the bar’s goal is to provide a seamless experience from morning through night.
According to Hall, the move was a natural next step after the tavern met internal business targets earlier this year. She noted that the surrounding area has few Coffee Service options, making the new offering not only convenient but also a welcome addition to the East Crossroads community.
Afterword has long been known for its literary-themed drinks and inviting atmosphere, catering to solo readers, book clubs, and anyone seeking an escape. “People buy books not just at night,” Hall pointed out. “It makes sense that you can come buy one at noon without it needing to be tied to a cocktail.”
What’s Brewing Next?
While Afterword isn’t positioning itself as a competitor to established local Coffee Service spots like Messenger or Café Corazón, the team sees potential in creating unique offerings using its existing cocktail ingredients. Hall emphasized, “We’re not putting our entire program behind our coffee. But we have this beautiful space and people who want to be in it more.”
Looking ahead, Afterword is in early discussions with Bloom Baking Co. to potentially bring in pastries for a more complete coffeehouse experience. There’s also buzz around introducing seasonal Coffee Service specials, one fan-favorite, the espresso tonic, might even make a return.
With its expanded hours and welcoming atmosphere, Afterword Tavern & Shelves continues to evolve into a multi-sensory retreat where books, beverages, and now caffeine seamlessly coexist. Whether you’re there for the literature or the libations, the experience just got a little more accessible and a lot more caffeinated.
