On my most recent visit, I was pleased to be able to sit inside. It felt almost normal, although the couple at the socially distanced table near me were wearing masks while working on their laptops. Sipping my golden milk latte (a blend of turmeric, ginger, black pepper and more delightful spices perfect for someone who has exceeded her caffeine quota for the day), I was reminded how much I miss hanging out in coffee shops and felt hopeful things will get better... eventually.

Not surprisingly, Picasso’s theme is “the art of coffee,” which is evident not only in the coffee itself but also in the local artwork on the walls and frequent open mic nights (in non-pandemic times). The Main Street location has an especially artsy feel. The shop is split in two, one side with the bar and register and the other with an interesting tiered seating area. The first level has a few small tables, then a raised platform is dominated by a large wooden table and a fireplace, and another step up leads to bar seating that looks out over the rest of the space. The middle tier features a quote from the store’s namesake: “art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

I always enjoy visiting Picasso's for the cozy atmosphere and friendly service, but their espresso is too dark for my taste. It's often bitter and doesn't have interesting notes or flavor, it just tastes dark. It’s better in a latte or a mocha to cut down on the bitterness, but I don’t recommend ordering a macchiato or double espresso. I also find that the quality of the espresso drinks varies depending on the barista. Sometimes the drinks are made with nice microfoam and latte art, but not consistently.

In pre-COVID times, I also enjoyed visiting Picasso’s for happy hours. A coffee shop is not a common choice for a cocktail, but I highly recommend an espresso martini or cold brew and bourbon. If you’re like me and like to stop somewhere and work late with a cappuccino or chai, it’s nice to mix things up with a coffee cocktail. They aren’t super strong, so you can still be productive.