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SoutheastTexasWeddings.com

By Melissa Tilley

Just walking past The Barking Dog, the newest business in downtown Beaumont, many people might hesitate to venture inside. But when the aroma of freshly brewed coffee hits their senses, most will choose to enter at their own risk.

That’s why it is important to note the entire name: The Barking Dog Coffee Lounge. Located at 493 Pearl Street, between Crockett and Bowie Streets, this new Beaumont establishment has a warm charm and lots to offer. The loft-like space with an urban feel specializes in fair trade and organic coffee blends and a welcoming place to relax or socialize. And contrary to first impression, it is a quiet and quaint place that is more than your average coffee shop.

The husband and wife team of Joey and Tanya Crawford believe that The Barking Dog offers something that downtown Beaumont needed.

“People will really enjoy this locally owned, non-franchise coffee lounge,” Joey Crawford said. “The downtown area is continuing to grow, and we really like being a part of that.”

In addition to offering coffee, teas, pastries, and light lunch items such as sandwiches and salads, the owners plan on making the establishment a contemporary entertainment venue with live music, open-mic nights, poetry readings, movie nights and much more. They have already incorporated eclectic art and furniture into their décor and hope to feature artwork by local artists on their walls as well. The lounge also has a loft upstairs, which will seat 15 to 20 people for meetings or private events.

So, now to the question that everyone is asking: Where did the name come from? Joey Crawford said that since they had the idea for opening a coffee lounge, they had thrown around more than 50 ideas for names, but none of them stuck.

“There was actually a dog in our neighborhood that would bark all night,” Crawford said. “And then in the morning I would be desperate for some really good coffee. So, we thought The Barking Dog sounded fun and interesting.”

The Barking Dog Coffee Lounge is open Monday – Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday – Friday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Saturday: noon to 11 p.m.

They plan to hold a grand opening event, but are still working on the details. For more information, call (409) 835-BARK.

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