Backyard Beans

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Backyard Beans Coffee Company
Location visited: Lansdale, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

While I hold firmly to the opinion that turnpikes ruin road trips, I have come to embrace their necessity. Sure, tolls effectively suck the fun and loose change out of life, making a carefree drive into a financial balancing act, but having driven much of the United States I have come to terms that toll roads are a fair compromise until flying cars become a reality.  

Thus finding myself heading to the lovely town of Lansdale one afternoon on the PA Turnpike (one of my least favorite roads), I took the opportunity to capitalize on a long overdue visit to Backyard Beans' flagship cafe. After pulling into the downtown, I easily found their cafe on Main Street in what looks like an old bank. Inside, the cafe has a pleasing, airy openness complimented by the central bar and superb lighting. 

As for coffee, I ordered an espresso of their El Salvador Buenos Aires and a pourover of Ethiopia Konga. The espresso, pulled short with light brown crema, smacked of chocolate pretzel, cream, apple and a touch of smokiness, proving sweet and a little toasty. The pourover made for a bright, sweet fireworks display of lemonade, milk, chocolate, wheat ale, vanilla and asian pear.

As I strode to my car to reinvigorated and ready to hop back on the turnpike, I am happy to have an oasis such as Backyard Beans northwest of Philly. If you're nearby or passing through, definitely take a detour to Lansdale for some great coffee. 

These wonderful folks made this visit possible in part. Make sure to check them out!