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!
Hey Bill. Thank you for giving me another reason to visit Landsdale.
ReplyDeleteI am in Pennsylvania right now and thought to drop by and check out their famous kugel fountain (I am a water fanatic and it's my goal to visit every place that has one of this little wonders).
But I also adore coffee and I'm sure it'll be my pleasure to visit Backyard Beans Cafe.
Thank again, Bill!