Iron Works Coffee

Iron Works Coffee is the lobby level coffee shop at Hotel Abacus (formerly Graduate Athens) at 295 East Dougherty Street in downtown Athens, GA. The shop is housed inside The Foundry, a historic building constructed in 1850 by the Athens Steam Company. This is the same foundry where blacksmiths crafted some of Athens' most iconic landmarks, including the UGA Arch and the Double Barreled Cannon. Today the building holds the hotel's front desk, a music venue, a restaurant, and Iron Works Coffee, which serves espresso drinks and home baked goods during morning hours from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily. The setting alone makes Iron Works worth a visit. Exposed brick, industrial architecture, and the weight of 170 plus years of Athens history surround you while you sip your latte. For downtown Athens workers, the early opening time makes it a reliable first stop before the workday. For hotel guests, it is a convenient in lobby option. With 29 reviews at 4.4 stars, regulars appreciate the quality of the espresso program and the baked goods. The limited hours mean this is strictly a morning spot, so do not plan an afternoon coffee run here. For Athens coffee lovers who appreciate drinking their espresso in a building where people once forged the city's most famous monuments, Iron Works delivers on atmosphere and caffeine alike.