"4 Starters"

Well I checked out another local coffee shop last night and it was a "forgettable" experience.  When I say that I mean it wasn't great but it wasn't horrible either (because sometimes those experiences make the best unforgettable stories! :-))

We went to "4 Starters Coffee Cafe."  It has changed names and owners in the last year and seems like it is still struggling to find its identity.  The decor seemed thrown together and crowded: moose heads, grizzly bear decor, a clock that changed neon colors, and a hodge podge of different seating including a backyard table and chair set.

                      

The menu included paninis, soup, ice cream, smoothies, baked goods, and oh yeah (almost like it was an after thought) coffee.  The coffee and hot drink selection was not very extensive.  I ordered a mint mocha latte and it was alright but once again "forgettable."  The place seemed less like a coffee shop and more like a thrown together cafe.
 
Location may be the hardest thing for this little local cafe to overcome.  The cafe is located on the end of shopping center that's away from the main road. You really have to be know it's there or be in the shopping center for something else to even see it.

The sign on the door said the cafe stayed open until 8pm during the week (which seems pretty early considering how close it is to a college campus) but the one employee that was working started vacuming and moving things around us at 7:30.  She seemed to be pushing us out the door so we left around 7:45.

One positive thing about the place was that because of it's location there were maybe only 3 other people in there. So maybe if you're wanting to hide out, to study or read in peace it's a good spot.

"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.