At Fabled Brew, “there is a story in every cup.” Every item, every chair, table, even the choices of drinks and food has a story and was specifically chosen for this cozy coffee shop.

My reasoning for coming back to this shop is even a story. I usually meet a close friend of mine for coffee every week or every other week. We’re trouble together because we will talk, lose track of time and next thing you know, it’s three hours later.

Two weeks ago I met my coffee buddy, Kari, at a new place on Highway 181 in Fairhope. I was excited to try a new coffee place, and I’d heard nothing but good things about this place.

We both pulled into The Orchard strip mall across from Sweet Seconds and walked in. We were greeted by the scent of fresh coffee grounds and blenders making smoothies. With tons of room to sit, both tables and couches and arm chairs were filled with chattering of book discussions and clicks and taps of laptops.

Kari and I ordered the New World Cup, chocolate with vanilla, hazelnut and a touch of cayenne. This classic blend with a twist was the best cup of coffee I’ve had. It wasn’t too spicy, but there was a bit of a kick. Delicious.

Needless to say, we were there for some time … a long time. Like 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. And we also tasted these unusual things on the menu for lunch: Oublies. We couldn’t pronounce these things, but it didn’t matter. We ordered the Conecuh Oublie, a waffled dough filled with Conecuh sausage and mozzarella cheese. Fabled Brew has a special, secret machine they use to get their fillings into the dough. Other fillings are pepperoni, ham and cheese and numerous other selections. There are even sweet variations like strawberries, peaches and blueberries and cream, served with chocolate sauce for dipping. We also got the New World Cup — this time, frozen — with our snack.

I’m often intimidated in coffee shops, as I know what I want but how do I convey that to the stranger behind the counter? I don’t know what it is, but I wasn’t afraid of being judged in this shop for asking what Chai tea was (gasp!) The personalities of the friendly owners, Jennifer Lindsay and Darryl Gonzales, are enough to make even the amateur coffee drinker come out and ask about their coffee or how to make it.

This small shop is one of my favorite places to go to take a break, spend a day with a close friend brainstorming or networking or stop through their drive thru for a quick Scotsman — one of my new favorites (a spicy, chocolate chai). You heard me, a drive thru.

Restaurant profile:

Restaurant: Fabled Brew

Address: 21180B State Highway 181, Fairhope

Phone: 251-928-2566

Website: FabledBrew.com

Cost: $

Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday: 7:30 – 5 p.m.