The Exquisite Corpse Coffee House: Fuel for Body and Spirit.

The Exquisite Corpse Coffee House in Port Huron, Michigan, fuels body and spirit. There are a variety of caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks and some tasty light food choices to get your body fuelled. The atmosphere here is what fuels your spirit.

What’s in a Name?

Before we elaborate on that, it’s hard to get your mind around the name if you don’t know the story. What a fantastic story it is. I am sure some of you are already aware of the French 1920s parlor game created by artists of the time, but this was new to us. To play the game, the first artist would draw a head at the top of a sheet of paper and then fold it over. The second artist would do the same for the body, and the third would do the same for the legs. Unfold the paper, and you have a unique drawing of an “exquisite corpse” or beautiful body.

The barista informed us that it’s a similar process to bring to life a beautiful cup of coffee. From the source or grower, to the buyer and roaster, to the barista who prepares it, there is a process to bringing you a delicious and beautiful cup of coffee.

Entering The Exquisite Corpse Coffee House

You can enter The Exquisite Corpse Coffee House from Military Street or Water Street. The entrance from Water Street takes you right to the counter for ordering. If you come in from Military Street, head to the back of the shop to order.

Upon entering from either door, you will notice a different feel in this space. The walls are painted to give an old European unfinished or unkempt look but in an artsy, fashionable sort of way. It almost feels like you are heading into an intimate space where everyone is a friend, and the talk flows freely.

Feuling your Spirit

Games and books are scattered throughout the shop. A built-in shelf holds several more at the order pick-up station. Artwork hangs on the walls with price tags visible for you to purchase. That’s our kind of souvenir! Local handmade goods make great memory holders for storytelling or gifts for others.

One of our favorite things in The Exquisite Corpse Coffee House was the lighted podium stand with a large open dictionary. Words are important. They carry weight. It was uplifting to see the dictionary given prominence and signifying the essential place words and their meaning have in our daily lives.

Seating

The furniture is comfy with many different types of options. Bar seating at the front window is used for watching the city street as cars and people go by. The cozy, overstuffed couch and chair face each other for relaxed visiting. Tables for two or three line the walls and suggest more intimate conversations. Finally, there is a large, sturdy table in the back, almost surrounded by windows that face Water Street for larger groups and meetings or some game playing. A couple of chess sets donned some tables; one used clear glass salt and pepper shakers of varying sizes and shapes as the pieces.

Fueling your Body

We were there late in the afternoon, shortly before they closed, so the display case of treats was a little slim. There was a beautiful selection of loose teas, at least some of which were local to the area. And the menu had some intriguing sandwich combinations. We will have to come back for lunch someday and try them out.

We ordered a couple of drinks. He got one of their house-roasted medium bold coffees, which was delicious. I ordered a lavender latte, and it was the prettiest latte I’ve ever had. I almost wanted to admire it and not ruin the design by drinking it. It was a nice, strong latte, and the lavender was just a hint and not overwhelming.

Visit The Exquisite Corpse Coffee House

Overall, the vibe of The Exquisite Corpse Coffee House pulls you in and invites you to sit for a while, perhaps longer than you had intended. The atmosphere is both gentle and provocative at the same time. Give it a try and fuel your body and spirit here. Sit and soak up the peace while drinking an excellent coffee or tea and maybe a little something for lunch.

For more information, check out their website. Be sure to add the Exquisite Corpse to your Port Huron daytrip itinerary.