Java the Hut

October 29, 2007, was a dark day in our fair town. Downtown’s most recognizable coffee shop, the Willow House, closed its longstanding locale on McDowell for good.

We could say economic factors (two Starbucks within a one-mile radius) spelled doom for the indie hang, but anyone who downed a house Mexicali while perusing the $1 records and artist-made tchotchkes knows that the building’s landlords, who allowed the space to fall into shambles and jacked up the rent 700 bones, ultimately contributed to its demise.

Good news is that the mom-and-pop spirit continues over at the their new location. Bad news is that a new nemesis is threatening to put Willow under for good by suing for the biz’s naming rights. Just more reason to support the space, and here’s a perfect opportunity: Come listen or read during the venue’s Poetry Night.

Thursdays, 8 p.m., 2007