May be I am an aberration, but I actually seek out coffee shops for good coffee. A nice espresso, cappuccino and on occasion black drip or pour over. I will never be as comfortable at a coffee place as I am at home, so why bother. But yes, I definitely like a comfortable place to sit while I am drinking my brew. Don't really care for another conversation at the time -- My coffee an I are having one. Also, for anyone in Houston try out Catalina coffee on Washington. The coffee shop I judge all other shops by. Best espresso drinks ever. Also, in Seattle, the starbucks reserve (I think that was what they were called. Its been a few years.) had some really good beans and well made drinks, way way better than the usual starbucks swill.