"Merrimint" in a cup

So after I got off work today the snowy weather made me want to drink something warm.  So I decided to try out another local coffee shop.  I had driven by Saxby's a few times and one of my friends recommended it so I decided I would bring a friend and make it an adventure.

I LOVED IT!! My friend ordered a pecan pie flavored Chai tea and she let me try some.  It was yummmmmy!! I had a "Merrimint" (hot chocolate with peppermint and white chocolate).  It was sweet and delicious...almost a desert in itself. 

I really liked the way the place was decorated too. The coffee shop was in a shopping center but you would think it was a stand alone when you walk in. The walls were painted warm colors and there were multiple people in there with laptops and books. There were multiple seating areas though so it didn't seem overcrowded like some coffee shops do. There was music playing over the intercom but it wasn't too loud or distracting. It was such a clean and peaceful place.

I foudn out that Saxby's Coffee is actually a franchise based out of Denver, Colorado with locations mostly in the western and mid western United States.

(www.saxbyscoffee.com/)

I think what really convinced me I loved the place was when I saw this sign:

                                   

This saying, "Try something new, you might just like it.  Smile and start your day fresh." This could be my slogan!

Do you know of any coffee shops in the Dayton area I should try out? It is that time of year where a cozy environment and hot drink always sound good! I'm making my list so I check them all out.

Boston Stoker isn't in Boston

                          

Boston Stoker (http://www.bostonstoker.com/), with 10 locations in the Dayton area, has been around since 1973. Their menu includes coffee (roasted right here in Dayton!), baked goods, smoothies and even cigar and tobacco goods at a few locations.  You can also buy their coffee beans wholesale in various stores in the area.

I've only been to the Centerville and Dayton Airport locations. But both are filled with local art and warm decor.  The Centerville location includes a cigar room and stage for local bands.  They also have a board painted with chalk paint so guests can leave messages. 

I've ordered a few hot drinks and smoothies and love that when ordering hot drinks you get to choose between a to-go cup or a large Boston Stoker mug. All the drinks tasted great and service was quick.  The employees seemed friendly and knowledgable about the menu items.

Ever Hear of Chider?

Nothing is better than something hot and tasty on a cold, windy day! I'm not the biggest coffee drinker but was looking for something hot while visiting a friend in Cincinnati. She brought me to Coffee Emporium. (http://www.coffee-emporium.com/) We went to the East Hyde Park location (one of five in the area). 

I knew the place was going to be good when the coffee shop was housed in a old lime green two story house with artistic landscaping and signage. The shop isn't very big. When you first enter the room is full of unique flavors of loose leaf tea leaves from floor to ceiling along one section of the wall. Along another wall are containers full of unique coffee bean flavors. Right above the fresh baked goods, was a dry erase board with the day's specials. Since I was overwhelmed with all the choices of hot drinks I looked at the board for some help!

The board listed a drink I had never heard of before: "Chider": a mix between Chai Tea and Apple Cider. I like both of those drinks so I thought "I'll give it a try." Am I glad I did, too!! It was super hot and oh so yummy.

After picking up our drinks we headed upstairs to a "study room" filled with tables and chairs. Although not very comfy you could tell alot of students come to study and it was pretty quiet while we were there. Local art filled the walls to give it a very warm feel.

Next time I'm in the Cincinnati area, I'm planning on going back either to that location or another one in the area to see what other new delicacies I can experience!

Do you know of any local Dayton coffee shops, I must try out?