Coffee has a rich and dark history that is unlike any other, which gives it even more meaning as you sip it in your cup every morning. If you are a lover of the local coffee house and café, then it is important that you know how this establishment came to be and why it is so significant for coffee lovers worldwide. Coffee actually was discovered and birthed in Ethiopia in the early ninth century, but it took till the 17th century to migrate to Europe. The legend behind the story is that a goat herder in Ethiopia saw that his flock was eating certain berries and becoming energized, so he brewed those same berries for the delicious Java drink that we so love today.

Coffee houses became popular in Europe around the 18th century, though the King completely opposed them and tried to ban coffee completely. The  history of the coffee house goes back even farther to one early coffee house opening in Turkey in 1662, which was a multi-functioning café that sold coffee, tea, chocolate, and even tobacco. This became a staple in the Turkish culture, and was passed on to Europe around that same time period. As the 18th century rolled around, there were said to be up to 600 coffee houses in London. The people began to use these establishments to discuss business, read, and enjoy each other's company. Sound familiar? It seems that hardly anything has changed in our approach to the social atmosphere of coffee houses over the centuries. Where better can you enjoy a delightful chat with a friend, as well as a delicious brew of coffee?

Some of the coffee house's deeper roots come from the Middle East, where coffee houses began popping up around the 1500s, and people could come to drink the new beverage that was becoming so popular. The significance of the coffee house was huge because the only place that people had previously for social interaction was that of a pub, especially in Europe. At those times, coffee houses were strictly for men, while women were still required to spend time at home and drink their coffee there.

Coffee began to grow even more popular when the public begin to see how the brew benefited their health, helped them to concentrate, and allowed them a drink to socialize over. Now you can see that the coffee houses and cafés that we enjoy today have brought coffee to a commercial science where you can order any variety of drink within minutes. It is interesting to think back to the origins of the coffee house, where people discussed politics, and many influential decisions were made that potentially molded the form of our country today. Coffee is not only a delicious brew that we can enjoy every morning, but it has brought us a venue where we can discuss, interact, and talk with each other. The truth is that coffee houses have not changed much over the years because they are still the place that we love to go to relax and sip a cup of Joe!