Nona & Pops: A Family Coffee Shop in Columbia's Five Points
What Nona & Pops is and where to find it
Nona & Pops is a family-owned coffee shop in Columbia that centers its menu around espresso drinks, pastries, and the kind of hospitality that comes from three generations running the same business. The shop sits at 2015 Greene Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable stretch of independent shops and restaurants where locals spend Saturday mornings and weekday afternoons.
The space itself reflects that family history—wood-toned walls, a counter where the baristas know regulars by name, and a small seating area that fills up quickly on weekend mornings. The name comes from the owners' grandparents, and that generational tie shapes how the place operates: unhurried, attentive, and built around repeat customers rather than tourist traffic.
Key Takeaways
- Nona & Pops serves espresso-based drinks, coffee, tea, and pastries in a family-run setting on Greene Street in Five Points.
- The shop is small and fills up during peak hours, so arriving early or during off-peak times gives you more breathing room.
- The baristas are trained to make drinks to order, so you can ask for modifications or recommendations based on what you like.
- The neighborhood around Greene Street has other shops and restaurants within walking distance, making it easy to combine a coffee visit with browsing or lunch.
The drink menu and what to order
Nona & Pops builds its menu around espresso—the concentrated coffee that forms the base of lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and flat whites. If you're new to espresso drinks, the difference between them comes down to the ratio of espresso to steamed milk and foam. A latte has more milk and less foam; a cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam; a flat white splits the difference with velvety microfoam throughout.
The shop also serves drip coffee for people who want straightforward black coffee, and tea options for those who skip caffeine or prefer it. Pastries rotate but typically include croissants, muffins, and other baked goods that pair with morning coffee or an afternoon break. The baristas can tell you what's fresh that day and what pairs well with different drinks.
When to visit and what to expect
Weekend mornings—roughly 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.—draw the biggest crowds. If you want a quieter experience, weekday afternoons after 2 p.m. or early mornings before 7:30 a.m. tend to be slower. The shop is small, so during peak times you may wait in line and find limited seating.
The baristas work at a deliberate pace because they're making drinks to order rather than batch-brewing. This means your drink takes a few minutes, but it also means you're getting something made specifically for you. If you're in a rush, ordering ahead by phone can sometimes speed things up, though it's worth calling to ask if they take advance orders.
Five Points and what's nearby
Greene Street in Five Points is one of Columbia's oldest neighborhoods, with a mix of independent coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, and vintage shops. After grabbing coffee at Nona & Pops, you can walk to lunch spots, browse used books, or pick up groceries at the neighborhood market. The area has sidewalks and is designed for walking, so it's easy to spend an hour or two in the neighborhood without getting back in your car.
Five Points also hosts events throughout the year—farmers markets, street festivals, and seasonal celebrations—that draw people to Greene Street. If you're visiting during one of these events, Nona & Pops becomes a natural stop for coffee before or after exploring the neighborhood.
Parking and access
Street parking is available on Greene Street and nearby residential blocks, though it can fill up during peak times. There is also a small parking lot behind some of the shops on the block. The shop itself is accessible from the street, and the interior is compact but navigable.
If you're coming from other parts of Columbia, Five Points is roughly 10 minutes from downtown and easy to reach by car or bike. The neighborhood is also served by local transit if you prefer not to drive.
What makes it different from chain coffee shops
Nona & Pops operates on a different model than national chains. The owners are present, the baristas stay for years rather than months, and the menu doesn't change with corporate seasons. This means the shop reflects the neighborhood and the people who run it, not a template applied across hundreds of locations.
The trade-off is that hours may vary, the menu is smaller, and you won't find the same consistency you'd get from a chain. But for people who value knowing the people behind their coffee and supporting local business, that's the point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they have WiFi?
Most independent coffee shops in Five Points have WiFi, but it's worth calling ahead to confirm Nona & Pops' current setup. The shop is small, so it's designed more for quick visits than for working for hours, but many customers do spend time there with laptops during slower periods.
Can I bring kids?
Yes. The shop is family-friendly and welcomes children. The space is small, so it works better for families with younger kids during quieter times rather than peak weekend mornings when the crowd is dense.
What payment methods do they take?
Most independent coffee shops in Columbia take both cash and card, including mobile payments like Apple Pay and Venmo. Call ahead if you want to confirm their current payment options.
Do they have dairy-free or alternative milk options?
Many coffee shops now stock oat milk, almond milk, and other alternatives. It's worth asking when you order, as options can vary. If you have specific dietary needs, mentioning them when you order gives the barista a chance to let you know what's available.
Is there seating for groups?
The shop is small, so large groups may not fit comfortably, especially during busy times. A group of four or five can usually find space during slower hours. For bigger gatherings, you might consider grabbing coffee and taking it elsewhere in the neighborhood.