The Bake Shop

Subject: The Bake Shop
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Growing up around Philadelphia, there were always bakeries people would rave about. And as I got into good coffee, I noticed that it was rare for a good bakery to also have a good coffee set-up. But every now and then, I found a gem that made great breads or confections alongside a solid cup of coffee.

Williamsburg produced such a specimen the last visit I was there with a William and Mary favorite called The Bake Shop. Steps from campus and the historic streets of colonial America, The Bake Shop exists in modern cafe with a metal roof and vast windows. Inside there is room for a long line (which it needed) and the front counter.

The coffee came from Thrree Ships of Virginia Beach that day, with the espresso consisting of their Ship Town blend and a Colombia single origin via drip. The espresso, pulled medium with brown crema, smacked of lemon meringue, cocoa powder, pecan, orange zest, powdered sugar and a little bib lettuce, proving toothsome and refreshing. The drip coffee made similar fireworks, with rich notes of caramel, chocolate nibs, strawberry, cashews, gooseberry jam and hibiscus tea.

After enduring the fast-moving but really long line (I picked a popular hour to visit), I made my way off to visit some friends and hear some cannon fire. If you happen to be in town and fancy great coffee with a quality baked good, look no further than The Bake Shop.