Bend, OR

Thump Coffee is one of those tragically hip coffee shops where I suddenly feel the need to don thick-rimmed glasses and have intellectual discussions about mung beans or the Icelandic Post-Rock movement. Everything, from the brick walls, the tattooed, bandana-wearing baristas, the strictly fair trade coffee, and the semi-permanent art installation on which customers can decorate a small wooden plank with their wishes for the world, whispers hipster haven. Happily, even a non or pseudo-hipster like myself can enjoy the artistically alluring atmosphere, quality coffee and free wi-fi connection.

Thump Coffee is located off of Bond Street on 25 NW Minnesota Avenue, in the beating heart of downtown Bend. After circling the block a few times, I grabbed a 2-hour parallel spot on NW Minnesota, just a few steps from my destination. I was surprised to find the coffee shop buzzing with activity, even early on a Tuesday afternoon. I stared at the chalk board menu for a bit, deciding between Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate and a classic Café Latte. I went with the latter and was quite happy with my big colorful mug of perfectly milky coffee, complete with leaf pattern in the foam.

My 16-ounce latte set me back $3.25 and some change for the tip jar. In addition to crafted coffees, teas and smoothies, Thump Coffee has a case of tempting baked goods, plus panini and salads for lunch.

I realized after ordering and settling into one of the tall tables lining the brick wall that I needed an internet card (small business card providing user name and password) to access the wi-fi, but the barista at the counter was very helpful, whipping out the card from a small stack. Just don’t forget to read the fine print and return the card after logging in. The internet connection was strong, and “Thumpnet” is available daily from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm.

From my perch I spent two happy hours surfing the internet with uninterrupted connection, hearing snippets of conversations, including two indie musicians interviewing one another and businessmen hashing out the housing crisis, and looking at this month’s art exhibits. A propped-up sign on my table informed me that this month’s art features photography by travel photographer Shelby Leigh and artsy birdhouses crafted by a Tumalo furniture designer. I also spent quite a bit of time looking at the ceiling, reading the hanging customer-decorated planks for the art installation called simply “Wishes.” Customer wishes included everything from a cure for diabetes and world peace, to a date with Johnny Depp and a Ron Paul presidency. One of the baristas must have thought I had wished for another cup of coffee, because he brought me a free vanilla latte that “needed a home.”

Free coffee and free wi-fi in an artsy atmosphere makes for a well-spent afternoon. I reached my car a few minutes before my 2-hour spot expired and headed home, well caffeinated, wi-fi- satiated and perhaps a little hipper, if only in my mind.

Thump Coffee Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 6:00am - 5:30pm
Sat. 7:00am - 5:30pm
Sun. 7:00am - 4:30pm

Check out the Thump Coffee website or head to 25 NW Minnesota Ave to see it for yourself.