How is it nobody knows about this place? Oh, that's right, it's dead in the center of a difficult-to-access strip mall just before the ass-end of Oakland Park Blvd, the windows are tinted dark and it's so tiny you'd think it was an extension of one of the other local shops. But sometimes the most overlooked nooks and crannies can hold the most valuable treasure.
When you get into the parking lot of Undergrounds Coffeehaus you will immediately be presented with a dilemma: how to park. If it's a busy night there may only be parking at the beginning of the street, and as you mosey on down you will eventually be forced to pull a U-turn and go right back to where you started and find a spot again. Then you'll need to either park on the south side of the lot or cough up change to the meter gods, or suffer their tickety wrath.
You may find what appear to be bums hanging around outside on a bench - well, they may actually be bums or they may just be regulars stepped outside to smoke or converse. But a nod's as good as a wink and in you go - into the inside of someone's cramped apartment stuffed full of wondrous goodies, art, toys, food and friends. (Heh, if only my apartment was this hip!) Lining the walls are a treasure trove of books, games, musical instruments, electronic amusements and artistic trinkets and paintings. Stacked at the door and the bar are fliers for local artists, bands, community events, zines and businesses. Comfy chairs and end tables form the hills and book shelves the mountain ranges of this cozy landscape. The power outlets are plentiful and the wifi is free.
And the people! Hipsters, punks, bikers, yuppies, hippies, art students, businesspersons, kids, grandparents, fetish models (with clothing on of course).... They're all here. I think i've even seen a Republican in there. This is truly a melting pot, and nobody cares who you are as long as you're friendly and have some mulah to spend.
This shop could easily be added to a list of no-money fun, but you'll probably spend at least a couple bucks before you leave - there's just too much great stuff to buy! Their theme nights can be downright addictive, from their Go nights to Jaws movie marathons to the Zombie Pajama Parties to Stitch 'N Bitch (a monthly female-centric craft-fest) you can't not find something fun to do here. Art shows are a common sight and most of the art and trinkets hanging up are for sale. Hell if you're bored just grab a book or a game or strike up a conversation. Did I mention NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT THIS PLACE?!
Oh, they also sell coffee and tea here too. From standard black to peanut butter cup latte's and earl grey to custom mixes of loose leafs, they've got your caffeine (or decaf) fix on lock. They also have various snacks such as cake, pie, gourmet tater tots, pop tarts and granola-y bars. The prices are cheap enough for any college kid to have lunch & dinner here with enough left over for a taxi.
Granted, i'm really biased because i'm a regular and by now have met most of the other regulars and staff. But if you're looking for any kind of independent fun place in Broward, this is one of the only ones left. read more