"We're an adult playhouse," said Aileen Liptak, owner of Undergrounds Coffeehaus, which reopened at 3020 N. Federal Highway this past Wednesday. I was relieved to have been there in person to hear her assessment or I'd think "sex shop" rather than what what it is, something much more charming: a quirky hangout that's a tribute to youth. The coffeehouse encourages leisurely pursuits such as movies, books, games, drawing, chatting, and, of course, snacking.
Toward the front of the shop,
a couple watched a ninja movie. At a back desk, a guy sketched. Books aligned the walls. "We're a bona fide used-book store now," said Liptak. A pair shared a cigarette on the balcony.
As a guy made my latte, another rigged a projector screen at the front. "As much as we like this TV, we want something bigger so we can have showings and events," said Liptak, whose black T-shirt portrayed a hearse following a pair of Pac-Man ghosts. She wore her hair back. She was tired. "We've been moving for weeks now," she said. Liptak has big plans for a bigger space, one that started as an 800-square-foot nook that's now 3,000 square feet in a second-floor walk-up.
Undergrounds Coffeehaus remains the shrine to snacks that it has always been. It's the Baskin Robbins of tater tots, with 34 flavors and counting: garlic, wine, and parsley, and garam masala reign among the many choices. Other indulgences include flavored pretzels, Pop Tarts, flavored popcorn, and cereal. "We'll definitely take care of your sweet tooth," she said, citing cinnamon buns, cookies, and cakes among her offerings.
The biggest change aside from more spacious digs is free parking. "We used to have to compete with the valet and restaurants in our other location," she said. "Now it's the best place in the whole wide world," chimed in a movie watcher.
Undergrounds Coffeehaus' grand reopening is October 1. Through the remainder of the month, the shop will open at 4 p.m. After the reopening, the shop will adhere to hours listed below.
Undergrounds Coffeehaus
3020 N. Federal Highway 5A
954-568-4202
Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday 4 to 11:30 p.m.
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