www.montereycountynow.com NOVEMBER 5-11, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL There is something about a regular cup of coffee. In its warmth and simplicity is the power to gather, to share, to welcome and to bond. Perhaps these same qualities exist in a flavored latte or other careful barista-crafted cup, but TJ Ellis, owner of Six Over Coffee & Company in Monterey, cites an intangible in the appeal of traditional joe. “Drip coffee—you sit and enjoy it more,” he says. Over the past several decades, coffee trends have favored the crafted drinks, coffee as art and as terroir. As recently as a year ago, reports showed orders of drip coffee continuing its slide, falling 3 percent compared to 2024. The current year has seen a dramatic turn, however, at least according to the consumer studies firm Drive Research. Thus far in 2026, almost a quarter of Americans prefer black coffee, up from 18 percent. Drive’s survey suggests that economic concerns are driving this shift— which may be the case with grocery purchases, where the data has Folgers, once a distant third in the big brand market, currently outselling Starbucks and Dunkin’. But Ellis believes the impulse at coffee shops is more elementary. After all, he points out that at many places barista coffees are just a dollar more than a traditional cup. “We do quite a bit of drip,” he says. “I feel like people are getting back to simpler things in life.” It does not mean that coffee shop habitants are giving up specialty beans. The origins, the roasts and flavor profiles remain important. Still, a ready pour of drip coffee is a simpler thing. Know Joe After years of flavored lattes and decorated foam, regular drip coffee makes a rebound. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BAD BEAT JOKER JACKPOT PAYS UP TO $45,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play Carmel Tasting Room San Carlos & 7th • 831.626.WINE (9463) Estate Winery & Tasting Room 1972 Hobson Ave, Greenfield SCHEIDVINEYARDS.COM Enjoyfriends. sips. Pouring daily from 12pm OCEAN AVE 7TH AVE 8TH AVE MISSION ST Carmel Plaza Sunset Community & Cultural Center SAN CARLOS ST DOLORES ST
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