7 Research-Backed Reasons to Meet for Coffee

No one is denying that lunch meetings have value. They do. And virtual meetings are an important and convenient part of modern work. But there's something about a coffee meeting that just works better. The science shows it. Whether you're meeting someone new or reconnecting with an old contact, here are seven data-driven reasons why grabbing coffee might be the right call.

1. Coffee Shops Make People Comfortable

There's nothing like the rhythm of a coffee shop. The clink of mugs. The low hum of conversation. The seating set up for connection. It all helps people relax and open up. You're not navigating menus, waiting for a server, or browsing the internet in a side window. You're just talking.

This relaxed environment can lead to better conversations. A 2023 study published in Buildings found that informal settings like coffee shops enhance communication and collaboration, making them effective spaces for meetings and discussions.

2. Creative Energy Is Enhanced

There's also credible science behind why cafés make you feel more creative. The Journal of Consumer Research found that a little background noise, like the hum of a coffee shop, can boost your ability to think big. That low buzz helps you stop over-focusing and start seeing new angles.

It's the perfect setting for a brainstorming meeting or collaborative problem-solving. Looking out the window, seeing others work, and being in a calm, ambient space all help ideas surface. Research shows that well-designed café environments increase focus and support deeper engagement. Coffee shops don't just fuel creativity. They're built for it.

3. Low Cost Reduces Friction

Inviting someone to the trendiest new lunch spot might seem casual, but it can carry hidden pressure. Even professionals who appear well-established may be managing tight budgets due to personal circumstances like medical bills, family responsibilities, or life transitions. And research backs it up. In 2025, Bankrate found that 39 percent of Americans said they planned to cut back on dining out compared to the previous year.

A coffee invite keeps things simple. It lowers the cost barrier, removes awkwardness, and makes the meeting feel more accessible, especially when you’re not sure what someone's financial situation might be.

4. Coffee Meetings Align with Peak Productivity Times

Mid-morning, around 10 a.m., is a prime time for meetings. A study by YouCanBookMe, analyzing over 170,000 bookings, found this to be a popular slot for scheduling. Additionally, experts suggest that scheduling meetings before lunch can capitalize on higher energy levels and focus.

Coffee meetings naturally fit this window, aligning with when people are most alert and productive. This timing enhances the likelihood of a successful and engaging meeting.

5. Easier to Schedule than a Meal

Trying to grab a lunch or dinner meeting at a restaurant can be a gamble. Although research is limited in this area, an older study by FSR Magazine found that 93 percent of restaurants experience wait times at some point during the day and those waits are trending longer over time. Even just 10 or 15 minutes waiting cuts into your schedule and adds a bit of stress nobody needs.

Coffee shops usually stay open all day with plenty of seating, so you're not battling for a table or worried about the place being packed. Less hassle, more flow, and no unexpected delays. That is the kind of meeting everyone can appreciate.

6. Face-to-Face Still Matters

Virtual meetings can get the job done, but they don't always create connection. Body language is limited. Eye contact is off. Something gets lost.

In-person conversations, even short ones, often go further. A 2023 study at Yale found that brain activity and engagement are significantly higher in face-to-face meetings compared to virtual ones.

7. CAFFEINE! The Social Superpower

If the previous reasons weren't enough, coffee meetings come with a built-in secret weapon: caffeine. Not just a wake-up call, caffeine can boost your mood and even ease social jitters. That means you're sharper, more engaged, and ready to roll with the conversation. No wonder coffee is the unofficial fuel for getting people talking and collaborating like pros. And yes, research backs this up too!

The findings are in!

Coffee meetings don't replace other types. They complement them. But they're often the best first step. Low effort. Low pressure. High impact.

So, the next time you're sending a calendar invite, consider this instead:

Want to grab coffee?

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