Thursday is National Coffee Break day, commemorating coffee’s iconic place in U.S. history and our culture.

For some people it's a way to wake up or caffeinate themselves, but for many people like me it's an experience – preferably enjoyed in the company of family or friends. The coffee break dates back to the 1880's and has been bringing people together for centuries, according to The National Coffee Association Web site.

There are six location participating in the Detroit are with two locations in Northville: Solid Grounds Coffee House, where for coffee day small cups of coffee are $1 and small cappuccinos and lattes are $2 and include organic brews, and the Tuscan Cafe where small coffee will be $1 and cappuccinos and lattes will be $1 off.

Who serves up the best coffee in Northville?

The City of Northville has several places to hang out for coffee or a hot beverage. Each of the businesses have personalities as varied as their menus and specialty drinks. We're asking YOU to tell us your favorite.

I visited three of the locally owned coffee houses in Northville this past week and was delighted by what each of them has to offer.

1. I found Solid Grounds to be unique and ambitious and quite community oriented. The owner Teresa Berent was working the cash register on a Sunday afternoon and was happy to fill me in on all they have going on there, which is a lot. In addition to a large coffee menu they have organic loose teas, some to boost your immune system or soothe your throat. They serve lunch and even sell Mexican food specialty items. There are paintings from local artists hanging on the walls and you can even buy a small piece of art from the “Art-O-Mat” for five dollars.
2. The Next Chapter Bookstore and Bistro is more than just a coffee house. They sell books as the name implies and it was also the location for a recent movie being shot in the area, Scream Four. Owner Dan Comaianni says they take pride in the coffee they serve and did a lot of research on what brand to offer before opening. I enjoyed a delicious latte and discussed with a barista the art of swirling the foam into a design. He also gave me a taste of the granola he had just made, leaving me with a friendly feeling I get from many of the places I visit in Northville. They too offer baked goods, soups, salads and sandwiches. 
3. It was 1995 when Tuscan Cafe opened in Northville as a coffee house, but it has grown to be much more. Co-owner William Hundley says that is due to customer demand. The cafe sells products from Zingerman's in Ann Arbor and soups, salads and sandwiches. There was also a big box of donuts on the counter, which are brought in from a local bakery daily. Hundley says they pay attention to every aspect of their espresso drinks and use Oberweis Dairy products which contain no steroids or hormones. He also proudly explained that their cups and lids are biodegradable and eco-friendly. The sign on the door reads “where friends gather."