Dogventurers Beware: A Brief Visit to the Tybean Art & Coffee Bar
By Kitty L. | SHIROOKAMI - DOGS.UNITE | 04.15.2023
Stella and Kitty exploring the art fair. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
We venture a little southward to check out what's on the small island of Tybee, Georgia. Though this isn't our first visit here, it's definitely our most extended visit so far. Despite being surrounded by water that beckons the waterhound within each pooch, the activities of dogs on or near the beaches on Tybee Island are extremely limited due to turtle preservation. What is a dog to do???
These nice waters don't welcome dogs, except on the small island. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Kitty and Stella at the steps of Huc-A-Poos. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Fortunately, there's a chill, dog-friendly cluster of venues tucked away in the shrubbery of Tybee Island. Formally known as the Shoppes at the Oaks or the Shoppes at 1207, this small and well-shaded strip of land is dotted with some unique gift shops and eateries that you can only find on this island. Each store is run by a Tybee local, and it is one of the rare places with free parking! However, there is a strange, ominous aura about this place, and we are bound to investigate!
Tour-de-Art at Tybee. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
We just so happened to find this place during the annual Tour-de-Art, which takes place near Tybee's calmer, more exclusive North Beach. Away from the activities of the more popular southern end. Many local artists displayed woodwork, leather figurines, and custom prints.
Entering the Shoppes. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
The mainstays of this area are the small shops that were directly across the art galleries. You can get everything from shore-themed gifts, Southern hot sauce, body essentials, and jewelry. On this side of the street, however, the aura we sensed was quite weak.
Inferno, the local hot sauce emporium, lets you beat the Georgia heat with... heat. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
The Misty Marsh is the best place to get decorative boards. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
At Shell Art Etc. sells sea shells by the seashore. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
What about art-viewing after the Tour-de-Art? Near the end of the Shoppes, there is a more permanent art exhibit. I would not recommend bringing even the most well-behaved large dog in this store as many of the pieces in the store are fragile.
At the entrance of the Tybee Art Gallery. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
A view of the street from the Tybee Art Gallery. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Just across the street are some wild eateries. The most popular restaurant is Huc-A-Poos, a unique walk-in where large parties and dogs of all kinds are welcome. This place is sprawling with foodies and people on the island craving pizza. It is said there have been many a live performance past 11PM, the only bar on the island that does this. The night life is definitely thriving here, with performances typically wrapping up at 1:30AM. That being said, Huc-A-Poos is quite loud and boisterous, part of its appeal, meaning shy dogs may not fare well. Yet, despite the presence of so many dogs, the ominous aura grows stronger.
Outdoor seating at Huc-A-Poos. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Enter another four-legged patron. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Just adjacent to Huc-A-Poos is a small coffee and art shop called the Tybean Art & Coffee Bar. It's easy to miss, since it looks like part of the restaurant. However, it has quite a different atmosphere. It is at this point the aura has become a miasma - what could be inside?
View of the Tybean Art & Coffee Bar during Tour-de-Art. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
This is a great place to relax and beat the heat quickly. While Tybean serves a few bites, their specialties are both hot and cold coffee and tea. There are also smoothies, cider, and wine, and of course, water for the dogs. Surprisingly, you can get not just any ordinary green tea, but ceremonial-grade matcha. I would ever have expected it in such a laid-back place. Still, there's that heavy aura!
Stella takes a big gulp of water, but the aura is strong. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Stella comes to the slow realization... | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
At last, we come to the slow realization that we are in the heart of it all. The powerful aura emanates from a single box of Coffee mate. Mid-drink, Stella stops and stares.
Bean, the source of the aura. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Bean the cat.
The cat's out of the box! Bean is Tybean's mascot, the inspiration for the establishment, and spares no expense in showing who is boss! Well, I guess any cat would be intimidated seeing a pitch black shadow staring back at them... As soon as Stella's and Bean's eyes meet, the ancient rivalry between dogs and cats ensues. Dogventurers, beware! Luckily, Bean is actually quite comfortable in his box, giving us time to use the small boardwalk that leads to the lower level. Here, you and your dog can enjoy your beverage and keep the peace. Having solved the case of the Tybean Aura, we get to enjoy our order and, as is our custom, present a mini review.
Lower level and outdoor seating area of the Tybean Art & Coffee Bar. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Of course I ordered the ceremonial matcha honey whole milk latte. It's refreshing, smooth, and light. Especially with temperatures in the mid 80's, relatively cool weather for the locals, the iced option is appreciated. Although it doesn't quite taste ceremonial, the honey adds a nice touch and the tea is not overpowered by sweetness as most restaurants have it (I'm lookin' at you, Dunkin'). No bitter taste here, so don't be afraid to try this tea if you've never had matcha before. Too bad Stella was still fixated on Bean to enjoy a sip!
Ceremonial matcha from Tybean, as Stella fixates on Bean. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
All in all, it was a great time in this small area of the small island. I'm glad I could finally find a place to enjoy time with Stella, even if it wasn't by the water. Whether you are trying to beat the heat during the day, or you are up for some Tybee Island night life, you can't go wrong visiting the Shoppes here.
The Shoppes at night. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Huc-A-Poos at night. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Don't forget the photo booth below Huc-A-Poos. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI