Hohl

Subject: Hohl
Location visited: Williamsburg, VA
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I have been to Williamsburg many times, but it hasn't been until the past couple of years that it seems great coffee is starting to get established. The latest spot to meet my acquaintance is a cafe in a former house called Hohl.

Not spending too much time trying to deduce the origin of the name, I sauntered up the front steps and entered into the first floor complete with a well-designed front bar and seating area. The second floor offers even more seating, all with a level of rich furnishings and heavy woods. 

As for coffee, they roast their own beans and had a healthy selection of good beans. I was offered a Colombian for espresso and a Myanmar single origin for drip. The espresso, pulled to a medium volume with brown crema, smacked of chocolate, caramel, pear, molasses, mozzarella, fig and a little pretzel, proving smooth and sweet. The drip coffee also made for a dynamic cup, with luscious notes of mango, brie, chocolate cream, fig leaf and flaky pie crust.

After sitting outside and enjoying the delicious infusions, I walked off to get my fill of colonial romanticism and sunshine. If you happen to be in the area of Williamsburg or Toana, stop by Hohl to fill the empty void in your belly.