If you were to take a quick look, Sacred Grounds Coffee House might blend into the blur of plazas that decorate both sides of Busch Boulevard. But, just past Busch Gardens, lies the infamous coffee shop. Come in on a Monday evening, just after the clock strikes eight, and this seemingly normal caffeine joint turns into a creative and captivating community for artists of a variety of mediums. Oh, the coffee is good too.
Sacred Grounds is notorious for its ability to bring people together, but Monday nights at the cozy spot are something different. Aside from the underground, swanky, basement, That's So 70s Show vibe with its mix-matched couches and local artist colorful artworks, which rotate monthly, framing the walls, there is a sense of togetherness amongst the odds and ends in this spot.
And though a Monday can seem groggy, slow, and nothing short of intolerable, somehow Sacred Grounds creates an atmosphere where everyone is just... happy. There is a warm welcome with every body that passes through the door, that is quite literally open. And as the tables begin to fill, and the drink orders load up, there is an uncanny sense that this place is something Tampa has been missing, or rather... has always had (Sacred Grounds has been around since 1996 when owner Karen Lowman opened the doors), but never knew about. It is time Tampa knows about the magic of Monday's at Sacred Grounds.
This is no ordinary open mic. The lineup varies from the classic Keyboard Cathy, whose jams are fun, friendly and ultimately catchy, to the quirky standup comics who graze the stage, and of course, the powerful musicians who slam the notion that bigger is better. With a feeling of everything being quiet local, it is hard to ignore the fact that this cozy stage has graced the presence of local artists like Dropin Pickup.
But that is the beauty with Sacred Grounds: its humbleness. The staff provide a smile and a laugh, ready to offer up food or drink suggestions from the massive menu. The customers are lively, welcoming. And ultimately, the vibe is somewhat casual, cozy and most importantly... comfortable. And it doesn't just come from the mood of the shop, or the various flavors they pump their coffee with: it comes from the community Sacred Grounds creates.
That is what makes Monday Open Mics at the coffee shop so original, yet classic all at once. There is a reason each week, the tables fill up, the coffee orders keep coming in and the community builds and builds. From eight in the evening to midnight, voices and melodies echo through the open front door (welcoming is understatement) and there is an element of creative energy that runs through the walls.
On our visit, the Open Mic hosts Carlos Hernandez and Becca Childs, both comics themselves, shared that Sacred Grounds is a safe space, where no matter what your medium (jokes, notes or whatever), you will find people like you. The idea of support goes hand-in-hand with why Sacred Grounds has such a loyal following. There's energy, passion and lots of special syrups for the coffee of your choice, making this the perfect kick off for your week.
"Come here, find your voice," Childs smiled.
With events happening each day of the week, all of which can be found on their Facebook, and a fundraising charity concert coming up March 19th, there is always a reason to visit the coffee shop, just as so many regulars do. It really does seem to be what owner Lowman always says, according to her dedicated staff: "Coffee is just a medium... The real magic happens where the relationships form."
Oh, and did we mention there's free wifi?
Visit Sacred Grounds every Monday night and experience their community for yourself.
*photos courtesy of James Geiger.
