Dining Profile – Coffeeweed Cottage

Now Serving Cozy Coffee Shop Vibes

Coffee, Books & More

In a sleep-deprived society where coffee shops seem to be popping up continuously everywhere, Denise McClure has opened one that is a stand out for being one step ahead of others in its unique approach. After six years of researching java joints across the country, she’s combined her great passions for chicory coffee, plants, books and home décor in the creation of CoffeeWood Cottage.

During a long career in the kitchen and bath industry, overseeing 28 showrooms, the Cecilia native traveled to 17 states and visited many coffee shops. “They always fascinated me,” she says. “I love chicory coffee, New Orleans and café au lait, so I was looking to start a shop that was truly authentic and different.”

Opened only since May, in downtown Lafayette, Coffeeweed Cottage is a surprising 3,000 square-foot space with a minimalist, yet cozy atmosphere offering much more than a caffeine fix. In designing the space, McClure went for a huga vibe (the Danish way of designing for a cozy, warm feel.) Candles, low hanging lights and a plethora of plants combined with homey, rustic furniture, all make you want to stay, sip, shop, work, get lost in conversation with friends – and more.

“When they step inside for the first time, customers have commented that, ‘it doesn’t look like something you’d see in Lafayette,’” says McClure who named her coffee shop after a nickname given to chicory, a primary blend of her coffees.

Coffeeweed offers four blends of coffee beans: Milano espresso, java preanger, Columbian and, McClure’s favorite, chicory. From those, come about 100 different flavor options, including a few unexpected ones like lavender rose, white chocolate lavender, along with several spins on fall flavors. If you’re not one to venture out much, the house favorite is café au lait made with rich heavy cream and chicory originating from France. “And the chai latte has also been a huge hit,” McClure remembers to add. “And, customers will often say, ‘Make us what you want.’”

McClure has created an attractive space defined not only by décor and high-quality coffees, but an experienced barista keenly attuned to knowing the customers and their preferences. Her son, Andrew Domingues, who is also the manager, obviously knows what a good bean is supposed to taste like. “He takes his time and is very intentional. Our regular customers know that as soon as they walk in, their brew is going to be made,” notes McClure.

If you’re more of a tea person, Coffeeweed offers a delicious selection including customer favorites like crimson berry fruit and lemon ginger, both decaffeinated and a quality black tea. “Our teas are so good that some customers buy our ground loose tea blends, in 12 or 16-ounce bags, to take home,” says McClure.

For a refreshing drink in the afternoon, try one of their beautifully-crafted, shockingly convincing mocktails that pack so much flavor you won’t miss the alcohol. Be sure to try the apple crisp and, during the holidays, two other boozeless versions featuring peppermint and cranberry.

For a randomly unexpected, but certainly memorable, experience Coffeeweed offers a plant potting room in back. “During the pandemic I realized that I wanted to add plants to the shop, but not just sell them – to teach customers about them,” explains McClure who, back in the day, worked stents at a

nursery and a landscaping company. “We identify what kind of plant person the customer is, what area of the home the plant will be placed, and help them pick something based on that – including a lot of pet-friendly options.” With McClure’s guidance, customers pot their own plant using a soil packed with nutrients and specifically blended for what they’ve chosen. They leave with an instruction sheet along with a 30-day guarantee. If the plant starts looking bad, they can bring it in, and McClure will help bring it back to life. Prices range from $30 to $45 based on the plant, container and include a $5 potting fee.

The concept has already expanded to plant parties held on weekdays or Saturdays at 5 p.m., lasting about two hours. The room is private to the rest of the coffee shop and houses a huge table that can accommodate elbow room for 12 people.

On October 14, the shop is partnering with Intentional Candles for a special opportunity to make a candle and, while it’s curing, pot a plant. Check Coffeeweed Cottage’s Facebook for details.

If sippin’ and chillin’ are more your speed, mosey on to the book area where you’ll find a collection of some 500 books, from biographies to cookbooks and inspirational guides to plants books. “When we go to market, we work with a rep who finds different, cool books,” says McClure who also proudly showcases the works of local authors.

Home décor is a passion of this businesswoman, and it’s an area of the coffee shop where her showroom experience and knack for purveying eclectic things at a good price point really shines. “I want to offer things you don’t normally see in big boxes – good quality that isn’t pricey,” she maintains. Her one-of-a-kind furniture pieces are rustic, mid-century, earthy and affordable. There are candles with intoxicating scents or spiraled designs with two wicks, as well as local items like manglier tea (for fighting infections) turmeric salve and a book on the healing traditions of our culture. The shop is the only retailer in the state to carry the AtWild line of women’s pit crew jumpsuits, created for motorcycle or regular wear. Because McClure enjoys making people laugh, you’ll find quirky little signs and kitchen towels throughout with funny messages that relate to everyone.

Expect more coming up in the fall at Coffeeweed, when live music will be added to the ambiance. An enclosed porch, on the backside, will be completed just in time for a holiday kickoff on November 17, that will include pop-up vendors.

On her way to making Coffeeweed Cottage a downtown Lafayette staple and community gathering place, McClure says, “We’re stepping out and becoming more diverse than other coffee shops have been in the past. I started this without fear. Throughout my life I’ve always done it afraid, and it’s paid off.”

3 Must-Haves Dishes

Apple Crisp Mocktail

Sparkling apple cider shaken with blackberry syrup and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garnished with lemon slice, dehydrated apple chip and fresh blackberry. Tip: Try it dirty with a shot of cold brew.

Pumpkin Pie Creme

Spiced cold brew steamed with milk and pumpkin pie syrup (served hot) topped with whip cream, brown sugar and garnished with fall spices and anise. It’s the perfect cozy drink for the fall.

Cranberry Orange Muffin

Moist and delectable with sweet and tart flavors of cranberry and orange. Pair this muffin with hot or cold beverages for the ideal tea-time snack.

When You Go:

410 Poydras St., Lafayette, LA/ 337-607-1410

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 7a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.