Identity Coffee Co. - Taunton

Last Tuesday was what I think of as “a good day in March.” One of those days where the birds are chirping a little louder and there’s proof in the air that Spring is soon to come and the cold will bite no more. With no classes on Tuesday, I had slept in and was already through my first cup of coffee at home. The entire day stretched before me and it felt like the perfect time to make my way to Identity Coffee, located in the Taunton Green (49 Main Street, Taunton). 

Upon entry, I was greeted by a lofty and expansive room, with plenty of comfy seating, places to work, and even a small chess table with pieces available. It was clear to me that this coffee shop wanted people to be comfortable, stay awhile, and enjoy the space (more on this later). So, I did just that. My girlfriend and I sat and worked quietly for about two hours from 2-4pm. During my time there, I counted a total of eight customers. A group of three chit chatting on one of the sofas and four college-aged individuals working quietly on laptops. One businessman in a suit and tie grabbed a coffee to-go.

                                                                                                                       

 

Although I will typically try flavored lattes when I visit coffee shops, in the true fashion of our class, I opted for a hot black coffee. My girlfriend ordered a green tea based strawberry refresher which I am not usually a fan of but found tasty. The friendly, laid back barista informed me that the coffee is sourced locally! She said they get it from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Furthermore, anytime someone buys a coffee bag to take home, 15% of the sale is donated to a human trafficking organization. Being sourced locally, the coffee had the personality of a New Englander - to the point and no special frills, but with a promise to get the job done and grow on you if you take the time to sit with it. I ultimately found it delicious and think I will stick to black coffee when I return.

                                                                                                

        

                                                                                                                                                                               

             

                                          

            

Aside from offering coffee, this shop also appears to serve as a community center. There are instruments where after some investigation I found out that a jazz band comes and performs on Friday nights and people coming in can purchase ice cream flights. Back rooms offer quiet spaces to gather and work or simply enjoy the company of others. There is a second floor balcony with a pool table and foosball table that are free to use. There was even a community project area in which people could write thank you notes to social workers. This place uses coffee to bring people together and provide a positive gathering space - a far cry from the average Dunkin Donuts which serves its purpose of quick and easy. The closest Dunkin is a 4 minute drive away with others not much further.

For a place called Identity, this coffee shop knows exactly what it is and where it wants to go.

- Thal Nogueira