Back in the day of high school and learner’s permits, a group of us from Gig Harbor used to drive across the then one Narrows Bridge to get our after school coffee fix at Temple of the Bean across from Wright Park. It wasn’t so much about the coffee as it was about going to “the city” and socializing with characters our parents would have deemed inappropriate companions. It felt a little risky, slightly thrilling, and was always fun.

Besides the risky part, I experienced the same mini-thrill upon seeing that Satellite Coffee opened above Supernova Hair and Tattoo in the Bean’s former home. The space is still tiny; now with free Wi-Fi. You make friends fast when they’re just about sitting or standing on top of you, just like the old days.

The guys behind Satellite Coffee — Ron Heathman (Supersuckers’ guitarist), Pat Brown (new project Goat Throne) and their one employee, Kevin Dolliff (amazing barista from the old days), are all about making a seriously good cup of get-up and go or an exquisite hot cocoa with real whip cream (OK, they like music, too).  They’ve made the commitment to use only direct trade beans — those coming straight from coffee farmers — and feature silky, French-pressed coffees from Portland’s Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

Go show your support, just please don’t all go at once. I’d like there to be a seat left open for me.

[Satellite Coffee, Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., 817 Division Ave., Tacoma, www.myspace.com/satellitecoffeeco]