The Neutral Ground's History

The Neutral Ground Coffeehouse has been circling about New Orleans since the 70's. In 1974, it was named the Penny Post, but three years later a fire brought the Maple Street location to an end. The owner then offered the place to regulars and suggested they run the business together. So, they took the business and found a new place for it on Daneel Street, where a bar used to reside. The Penny Post was run by its members, who paid a fee to keep the coffee house on its feet, and who were also encouraged to volunteer. That is, until financial problems ensued and it had to close in the 90's. Despite this, some members got it operating under a new name: The Neutral Ground. It was nearly identical to the Penny Post in its atmosphere and services. However, with more financial problems came another closure, until Phil started it back up again. This is the history the Neutral Ground's website tells us.

One regular at the Neutral Ground, Matt, has told us that the building used to be home to a grocery store in the 50's or 60's. Jake has mentioned that there used to be a wraparound bar, but the building was cut in half to accommodate apartments next door. Sarah says that the small hideaway in the corner of the coffee shop, the "Zen Den," used to be a DJ booth. What the place used to be is in question, but the Neutral Ground has been in its present place since the 90's, and has survived.

A picture of The Neutral Ground as it was in December 2012.

The Neutral Ground survived because it's a second home for many people, including myself. Several of my friends have known each other and hung out there since they were children. Until recently it was worked completely by volunteers for only tips. Now, one of the owners works the coffee shop most days -- but some of us still volunteer in the middle of the week. I believe this place will always exist in some form as long as there is a community willing to keep it alive.