I took a drive down Lakeside to get to Crooked Tree Coffeehouse on Sunday September 6. This homey coffee shop takes less than fifteen minutes to get to and is in a developing part of Uptown. There is a parking lot strictly for it, right outside the building, which is a wooden house surrounded by a multi-colored picket fence. During weekdays, parking will be scarce.

Though the options are limited since Crooked Tree is strictly a coffee shop and bakery, the employees were happy to help find a beverage that suited my personal taste in coffee. The board did not indicate that there were any syrups to put in the coffees, but there are, and the vanilla flavor is highly recommended. despite this recommendation, I ordered a caramel latte. It was served in a blue ceramic cup, which made me happy, and its overall presentation was flawless. The latte did not have a strong coffee flavor, but was very sweet. since I happen to have a sweet tooth, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This coffee shop opened in 2008, and has a steady business. the main group of people present were business people, working on their laptops or reading the newspaper. There were a few students, but not many. It is a great place to go and study since it is quiet and open until 11pm on weekdays, and there are snacks and plenty of caffeine to keep one energized. Crooked Tree is also an inviting place that is perfect to go with friends on the weekend to relax and talk. The decor is comforting, since the little house is filled with mismatched couches, tables, and chairs that are broken in, yet inviting to sit at. Because it is a house, there are a few separate rooms, connected by arches, but no doors, so theres plenty of corners to sit in. I felt accepted there, and the place is described to be pretentious, but not too pretentious. one employee claimed that Crooked Tree has some of the best coffee in the area as well as an inviting and hospitable environment.