In Oxford, locals had begun calling coffee houses “penny universities” because for the cost of a cup of coffee, you could gain access to intellectual discussions and, critically, sober debate.

While India Coffee House is owned by the Coffee Board, there is an equally well known Indian Coffee House which is a workers cooperative owned by the Indian Coffee Workers' Cooperative Society Ltd.

A cafe is typically known for its extensive food menu and a relaxed, sit-down environment. It caters to a wide range of tastes, often serving various dishes, pastries, or light meals. On the other hand, a coffee shop's primary focus is coffee, offering many brewing methods, espresso beverages, and a selection of teas.

America's first coffeehouse was established in 1676, in Boston. The Tontine Coffee House on Wall Street in New York is the origin of the New York Stock Exchange. It is the building with the flag on it in this 1797 oil-on-linen painting by Francis Guy (1760–1820).