• “Huh?” from the newer baristas.  I’m not sure if French presses aren’t very well covered in training or if they just hit it so infrequently and/or it’s in such an awkward place on the cash register that it’s difficult to find.
• “Good choice!” Again, I’m assuming that it’s a lesser made beverage and a change of pace is nice.

The allure of a French Press to me is that for about three and a half bucks you can enjoy a cup of coffee whose oils haven’t been filtered out.  It’s fresh, it’s hot, and it’s whatever blend you want it to be (not just whatever blend they happened to brew today).

It’s a time out in the day where you can simultaneously relax and focus.

You can chat with a friend, strategize with a co-worker, or sip while you read a good book.

For all the talk about “$5 coffee” and Starbucks’ drinks just being milkshakes, I still find that my favorite beverages are either around $2 (iced coffee or espresso con panna) or about $3.50.  In this economy, it’s nice to find something that will increase your quality of life at that price.