Yes, similar situation. I pay for the coffee to say hi to a neighbour I otherwise don't see often. On the other hand, lots of people love the coffee there so it's a matter of taste, I guess. I like your photo. I see a bird's head in the surface bubbles. :)
I am allergic to coffee but I love tea and have the same situation with that sometimes. I find that at some trendy places you are paying for the décor rather than the quality of the tea.