12 Retro Coffee Shops from the ’70s That Closed Down
These beloved ’70s coffee spots once brewed community and culture, but they’ve long since shuttered their doors.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The ’70s saw a rise in coffee shops that doubled as hangouts. Many served more than just java. While their doors are now closed, their memories live on in the stories of regulars. Here are 12 iconic cafés that disappeared.
1. The Hungry Mind Café (San Francisco, CA)
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Known for poetry readings and strong espresso, this café catered to local intellectuals and artists. It was a haven for counterculture thinkers during a transformative decade.
2. The Copper Kettle (Madison, WI)
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A student favorite near the university, it blended politics, caffeine, and cinnamon rolls. The mismatched furniture and anti-war posters made it a character all its own.
3. Bean Scene (Seattle, WA)
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Decades before Starbucks took over, Bean Scene offered micro-roasted coffee with vinyl spinning in the background. It was gritty, dimly lit, and effortlessly cool.
4. Café Babylon (Austin, TX)
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Part art gallery, part espresso bar, this funky joint was a magnet for musicians and night owls. Its colorful murals and experimental jazz nights drew eclectic crowds.
5. The Roasted Beanery (Detroit, MI)
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Known for its bohemian vibe and robust Turkish coffee, this café was a hotspot during the city’s artistic resurgence. The owners doubled as spoken word hosts and local activists.
6. Cloud Nine Coffee House (Boulder, CO)
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Tucked beneath a record store, Cloud Nine served herbal teas and espresso with a side of incense. It was a sanctuary for free spirits, with beanbag chairs and hand-painted walls.
7. The Java Joint (New York City, NY)
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A tiny spot wedged in Greenwich Village, it was a haven for beat poets and backpackers. The espresso was strong, and the hours were late.
8. Mocha Moon Café (Los Angeles, CA)
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This psychedelic-themed shop leaned into mood lighting, beanbag seating, and cosmic decor. Known for its chilled mocha floats and sitar soundtrack, it captured the tail-end of the ’60s vibe.
9. The Brew Barrel (Boston, MA)
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Located near several colleges, this coffee house brewed deep-roasted blends and hosted acoustic nights. Its walls were filled with graffiti from patrons past.
10. Cuppa Joe’s (Chicago, IL)
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Equal parts greasy spoon and café, Cuppa Joe’s had diner mugs, no-nonsense staff, and the best morning crowds. Students, taxi drivers, and insomniacs all shared booths.
11. Cosmic Grind (Portland, OR)
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Long before the third-wave coffee boom, this shop was serving hand-poured brews in tie-dye mugs. They sold crystals at the counter and hosted tarot nights.
12. The Bean Barrel (Philadelphia, PA)
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A cozy nook with fireplace seating and shelf-lined books, it served heavy cream lattes and thick toast. The regulars were loyal, and the seats were always full.