KNOWLEDGE PERK
JUNE 13
With multiple locations in upstate South Carolina, Knowledge Perk gives you a host of options to get your caffeine fix. I checked out their Rock Hill location on a Thursday morning as part of a gathering of remote workers in need of a little human interaction. The group met at 9 am, meaning I was up and out earlier than usual to commute south from Charlotte.
This Rock Hill coffee shop occupies a large, high-ceilinged space - it could seat 50 comfortably - with a combination of couches, two-seaters, and high-top tables. The U-shaped cafe space is arranged around a central coffee bar area and an enclosed conference room/office; surprisingly, this arrangement is not visually awkward, instead it creates a more intimate feel in the echoing space. At the rear of the cafe, the roasting equipment is visible through a large glass wall, and the smell of coffee permeates the space (naturally). One exposed brick wall features the company's motto, "Friends Don't Let Friends Drink Bad Coffee," and the silver industrial chandeliers and cement floors complete the trendy look.
Soft rock filters through the speakers, and despite the echo of the high ceilings, the ambient-noise level is manageable with noise-cancelling earbuds. It might be a touch loud for meetings, but even as a write this, a gentleman seated 20 feet away is taking a business call via Bluetooth. The high top tables have conveniently-placed outlets, but most of the remote workers have settled at the smaller individual tables; it's clearly a regular spot for many.
My standard order is a vanilla latte; Knowlege Perk has a good one, but it's nothing special. Some of the other workers who have been here before rave about the Honey Badger (honey and cinnamon) and the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry iced latte. The pastry case is distressingly scant, but I have eaten breakfast for a change, so I pass on the recommended cinnamon roll.
Overall, it's a great space to meet friends or to work, especially if you are local to the Rock Hill area. It's also open on Sundays (with limited hours), which is a nice bonus for those looking for their after-church brunch or coffee. Next time I need to give the breakfast sandwiches a try.
The Relevant Details:
Knowledge Perk
130 W White St, Rock Hill, SC 29730
https://knowledgeperk.com
Open Mon-Sun