I do ride to our local coffee shops.

When I go, I take Lulu, my runaround baby blue Schwinn Suburban, to which I keep my U-Lock always locked on the rear rack. Whenever I need it, panniers or not, the lock is there.

I'll lock to pretty much anything that looks respectful and trustworthy. Signs, benches, whatever.

Nothing like cruising up to a coffee shop on a super-cute "vintage" bike.