More than brews to compare at coffee date locales

The worst is not behind you. Yes, you’ve finally secured that phone number or Facebook friend… The worst is not behind you. Yes, you’ve finally secured that phone number or Facebook friend request you’ve been pining over, but the most terrifying part is yet to come: a first date.

Or if you’re not quite prepared for that leap into actual dating: a classic coffee date.

The coffee date’s open timeframe is ideal: If everything goes woefully and awfully awry you can escape the awkwardness as soon as you chug down your drink. Alternatively, if it goes well, you can linger for hours. It’s usually inexpensive — depending on how excessively complex a concoction you order — so the conflict over who should pay for who can be sidestepped fairly easily.

The only real difficulty: What will your choice of coffee vendor say about you?

Let’s have a look, limiting ourselves to the Oakland area for simplicity’s sake and to avoid the hassle of a car trip or bus ride.

A note: it’s not my intention to compare or review the quality of the coffee offered by these various purveyors — in perfect honesty, I’m more of a tea kind of girl — but rather  the location, ambience and subsequent implications of each spot for a successful coffee date.

Common Grounds in the Cathedral basement boasts that subway-station ambience and is certainly convenient for a quick meet up between classes.

What it says: It lacks privacy, sure, but what better way of declaring to your date that you want to be seen publically with them? You’re practically rubbing how awesome you think they are in the collective face of the entire student body.

The Kiva Han at Forbes and Meyran is in the process of being converted into a Razzy Fresh, a fine institution about which I’ve gone on at some length in the past and which could potentially serve as a lovely date meet-up spot itself — like the ice cream parlor of the new millennium.

The more I’m thinking about this the more I’m liking it, but we’re talking about coffee here. I’m willing to concede that the delights of frozen yogurt are not for everyone. Luckily the Kiva Han on Craig Street is still alive and well, featuring a bevy of signature beverages, a breakfast and lunch menu if you’re craving something more substantial and an unrivaled indie/hipster atmosphere. Employ whichever adjective you like — I have no interest in being controversial — but you know what I’m talking about. It’s the Urban Outfitters of coffee shops.

What it says: I’m unique!

Caribou might be the perfect middle ground: It’s a chain but not nearly as institutionalized and ubiquitous as Starbucks, and it’s faintly rustically themed without being excessive.

What it says: I didn’t want you to think I was boring by picking Starbucks.

When you think Panera, do you think “bread” or “lunch” … or convenient coffee date locale? Yes, it’s known for its food and is a prime date contender for when you’re emotionally invested enough to meet up for real meals, but their brewed beverages are worth consideration as well.

What it says: I’m practical and slightly unconventional. Also I might be meeting someone for lunch later.

The image you might have had of Dunkin’ Donuts up until a few months ago probably didn’t lend itself to romance any more than a McDonald’s might, but the new location on Forbes has changed that. Snuggle up on the leather couches next to the fireplace on a chilly day (read: virtually any day in Pittsburgh).

What it says: I have a sweet tooth and appreciate school-spirit-themed décor.

Then, of course, there’s Starbucks, the proverbial sure thing of coffee dates. It’s staid but safe; it’s boring but reliable. You might even know what you want to order before you walk in. It will be comfortably crowded, but you’ll probably be able to find a table or a couple of chairs.

What it says: It’s a coffee date. Relax.