Could you tell me which preposition is correct in this sentence: "I met her at/in a coffee shop."

Thank you.
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If in reply to the question "How did you meet her?", then "I met her in a coffee shop" is probably correct because of the 'a' - which means not any particular coffee shop. The same would apply to "I met her in a bar". But, you would say "I met her at a party".

But, say you were arranging to meet someone in a coffee shop that you both know, then you might say "I'll meet you at the coffee shop". Note that "I'll meet you in the coffee shop" is also ok in this context.
Oh, that's too complicated Emotion: sad, but I will try to remember that. Thank you.

Cheers, Magda
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As recently discussed in another thread, 'at a coffee shop' can mean either inside or outside. 'In a coffee shop' is definitely inside.

Ah, I see Emotion: smile .

Thank you, Clive.

Cheers, Magda
oops. Sorry! Emotion: embarrassed
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It is just that my English is not very good. Your explaining is excellent as always.

Best wishes,
I agree with Clive. When we talk about public places and establishments such as bank, coffee shop, theater, park, bus stop, train station, airport and hospital etc., [at] is the safest preposition to use.

A- “How did you meet Mary?”

B- “I met her at a coffee shop”

Of course [in] works just as well in this case. Nonetheless, I prefer [at] myself.
The referential (the system of reference) is everything here.

Looking from outside. Talking over the phone:
"OK, I am at the hotel, you are in the market. Let's meet at the coffee shop."

Looking from inside (of the coffee shop):
"Oh, daahlingEmotion: smile, I didn't know you were here. What a coincidence tomeet in this coffee shop!"
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