What's a Coffee Commentary?Subject: Stir It Up CoffeehouseLocation visited: Mullica Hill, NJ
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 1+ [see key]
*CLOSED as of 7.29.10*
About a summer or two ago, I ran into this small joint on the main street of Mullica Hill. With the word COFFEEHOUSE emblazoned across the front, it looked promising. My impression was only half right.The atmosphere was (and still is) amazingly decorated. A tasteful bohemian environment, Stir It Up offers a house's full bottom floor for the coffee bar and seating, ranging from large round tables to comfy living room couches. Local art (for sale) adorns the walls and they even have a beautiful back patio. But their beverages are their downfall. When I first came I had struck up a conversation with the owners, who were open beginners to the concept. They seemed eager to learn the business but it seems they've fallen behind on their studies. I've visited numerous times over the past year or two and each time it's the same sad drink. And it's not complicated stuff either; things like stale, luke-warm coffee, spoiled milk in a latte, and ignorance of their own products (if your baristas don't even know what an americano is, never mind how to make it, then they need a couple more days of supervision before working solo). For the sake of noting it, I think the brand of coffee is Kaffe Magnum Opus, the espresso I'm not sure (probably just a dark roast of the coffee), the tea is random, and I've never personally had the chai (though friends have and didn't care for it at all).They also have what seems to be a flourishing music scene, albeit a high school and below crowd (who also seem to largely make up the staff), but very consistent nonetheless. Overall, if you like cozy atmosphere and a poor cup of coffee, this place is for you. Otherwise, there are better places near by.
*Update 9/27/07
Stopped in the other day. Doesn't seem like much has changed. Sigh...
What's a Coffee Commentary?*CLOSED
Subject: Hausbrandt Location visited: 15th St, PhiladelphiaFree WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 3+ [see key]*CLOSED*This coffeehouse I had not caught wind of until recently, when they were dubbed City Best coffeehouse 2006 in Philly. I decided to give it a whirl even though I am always suspicious of AOL cityguide's "Best of" (in the same "best of" for the coffeehouses, they placed a faux coffeehouse in the top ten...) as well as other "best of" rankings due to the ambiguity of criteria.
Last week, two friends and I embarked to Center City to hang out, and as we were driving we decided to see if Hausbrandt was open. We caught them 5 minutes before closing and they were happy to serve us (fortunately).
Taking a look around, I noticed that they had no formal menu, which I guess means that they have a java-wise clientele. Taking a look at their own beans, imported from Italy (so not as fresh as local-roasted) I decided on an americano (mainly because they had no coffee left 2 minutes before closing). I have to say it was pretty good.
I looked at the tea as well, it was bagged (as apposed to free leaf) and called Kronen. Nothing fancy (I'm pretty sure it was a Hausbrandt product as well).
Overall, I can't say I was "wowed" by this chain from Italy. It was good, but best of? Maybe I missed something...
Update 2/24/08
In retrospect and after a bit more review, it seems like I didn't miss anything. The coffee comes off with an obvious mediocrity and the espresso impresses similarly (a bleh sharpness). I must say that my opinion of the operation has definitely deflated since my original writing of this post. Oh well.
Update 1/3/10
Though this update is long overdue (I keep forgetting to update this), Hausbrandt is no longer an active cafe, but it seems that they are still plugging along with their Academia Del Cafes.
What's a Coffee Commentary?Subject: The Last Drop (no website)Location visited: 13th and Pine St, PhiladelphiaFree WiFi ? : yes
Rating: 3+ [see key]A relic of my youth, this coffeehouse has been one of the few coffee spots in Philly that I've been to avidly. I was first introduced to the Last Drop about five years ago by a friend who's uncle has some employatic tie (which worked out since the first time we went there, my friend and I happened to meet up with his uncle, who got us both free drinks). The place was very eclectic and hasn't changed much since.
Today the place is constantly packed; seems the place draws a very young, artsy crowd (being right near the Art schools on Broad St, it's no real surprise). The environment is efficient, sometimes smoky (due to tobacco-dependent patrons), usually blaring with music, and has an "interesting" basement hangout, which five years ago looked a little demonic, but fortunately has improved in decor and happy tones over the years.
The coffee and espresso are La Colombe, with a very basic list of menu offerings. The tea, well I couldn't find out what kind they had since last time I asked, the barista didn't know (which is kinda sad). Overall, their coffee and espresso are consistent; nothing amazing, but pretty good. I don't know about the tea (and I'm reluctant from my last experience...), nor could I tell you bout the chai.
The selling point of this place is it's always open late, like 11pm or midnight. I've only actually sat to drink me coffee there once (it's always smoky and loud, so not my top place to sit) but it's a great place to chill if you like that kind of thing. They even have outside seating in warm weather. Personally, I usually grab my java to go.
Update 9/26/07:
The Drop has apparently not been a smoke-full environment for two years now; my mistake. Enjoy it smoke-free.
What's a Coffee Commentary?Subject: TeavanaLocation visited: King of Prussia Mall, PAFree WiFi ? : NO
Rating: 5+ [see key]This past Tuesday I went to the King of Prussia Mall with the girlfriend, who might I add is a queen of a woman, always coming with me on my coffee/tea explorations (this one was random, I promise). Anyway, we were window shopping at the mall when we stumble across this seemingly-odd store of Teavana, lured over to it by the free samples of tea at the storefront.Now further intrigued, we ventured in. It was a tea emporium, with all kinds of tea hardware (kettles, cups, tea sets, etc) with some very intriguing tea brewing contraptions as well. But most of note was the wall of loose tea behind the counter. They ONLY serve loose tea (which tends to be much fresher and more complex then bagged tea), a welcome feature not found in many malls, never mind many coffee/tea establishments.I'd say the only drawback was the price, with 2 oz. (or 25-30 cups worth) of some tea costing as much as $25. Needless to say, I sampled an expensive tea of Monkey Picked Oolong (which was pretty good) and brought home 2 oz of Lapsang Souchong (which my girlfriend and I affectionately call Campfire tea, though she doesn't like it).Overall, I don't get the chance to see many quality loose tea establishments but it was easy to recognize that these guys have something of greatness here. You can order from their website as well, so don't be put off if you're not near by a location.
photo credited to photos1.blogger.com
What's a Coffee Commentary?*Closed Subject: The PointLocation visited: Manhattan, NYFree WiFi ? : yesRating: 3+ [see key]*CLOSED*
This past Saturday, some friends and I embarked off to NYC (not "the city", which we South Jersey folk reserve for Philly). The travel/arrival part was quite a story all to itself, with the short version as: we drove up, got turned around, parked in Jersey City, took the light rail to the PATH train, and took that (quite haphazardly as the trains run funny on weekends) finally into Greenwich Village. Anyways, one of the first places we stopped I saw from a distance. It looked a little odd but as we got closer I noticed it was a knitting cafe. Just as I was about to turn away in disinterest I noticed they had an espresso machine. Always curious, I poked my head in to inspect. I asked the usual series of questions about what kind of coffee, what kind of espresso, etc (unfortunately I did not remember a single answer) and the gentleman behind the counter politely replied with good answers (had they been bad I woulda left :) ).So the coffee was pretty good. I tried the hot coffee but since it was a scorcher, I got an iced coffee with a shot of espresso. It truly hit the spot. Fairly priced as well. As I was pressed for time (I couldn't keep my fellow travelers waiting too long...) I didn't get to try anything else. I'd have to say it's a good spot. From what I could deduce, they genuinely care about their product and the whole knitting option is a great asset to the business. I'd be interested to hear from locals what they think.
What's a Coffee Commentary?
