Hutch has coffee!

By Amy

Friday, 30 May 2008

  Hutchinsonians, rejoice. We now have two new, inviting, hip, unique coffee shops to visit. Brooks on Main is the “older” of the two. They have been open for about 6 weeks. This family-run coffee shop/restaurant is located at 123 N. Main, next to Armstrong’s Antiques. The building is owned by Lloyd Armstrong, and the back bar is a beautiful art deco piece – walnut, I think, circa 1920s, please correct me if I’m wrong. It’s a cozy space with a hip atmosphere. The folks who run the place still seem to be getting used to the restaurant venture, but service and food are generally okay. The baked goods really are superb. They make them there in the restaurant – my favorites are their cinnamon rolls. The coffee is so-so. It’s better than Starbucks, but not the best I’ve had. Of course, I’m a bit of a coffee snob. It’s defiantly drinkable, and conveniently located between my house and my office, so I stop there often. They also offer several real-fruit smoothies. These are a great way to start the day, and at least give the appearance of being healthy. They offer a variety of quiches, soups, and salads. They offer a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes – a rarity in Hutch. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating with counter service. It’s a great place to hang out and people watch. The block of S. Main between A & B is becoming quite a bustling little area. They are open late, until 10 p.m. M-Sat. They also offer live music from time to time, especially on the weekends. The staff is very laid back and friendly. Roaster 2 Cup Eurocafe is Hutch’s newest coffee spot. They just opened this week. I have been quietly stalking the owner, Bruce Hamm, ever since his Special Use Permit was approved by the City Council in January. In my early conversations with him, it was obvious that he had a love…no, an obsession, with coffee. Bruce has tastefully redecorated the interior of a spot in the northernmost strip mall on the east side of N. Main (not the one just north of the fairgrounds, but the one north of that). He serves French press, espresso, and espresso based drinks, as well as some pastries. He roasts his own coffee there at the shop. This afternoon I had my first coffee there, a drink called “The Havana”. This is a variation of the traditional Cuban coffee (café cubano), which is a shot of espresso with lots of raw sugar – very sweet. Bruce adds a touch of cream and a dash of cocoa powder. It was a very pleasant beverage. The coffee had a strong but smooth flavor that wasn’t overpowered by the cream and sugar. I have high hopes for both of these places. I think Brooks will become the go-to, light lunch, evening hangout place downtown. I can see Roaster 2 Cup (Possibly to be renamed “Bruce’s” – more on that later) becoming a resting place for the truly coffee-obsessed. Best of luck to the ladies at Brook’s on Main and Bruce at Roaster 2 Cup!

Users' Comments (17)

Posted by patsyterrell 05-31-2008 00:10, , Registered   I had lunch at Brooks today. The food is good - light and fresh. Then I had coffee after work at Bruce's place. I like them both. My request at both places is... please... turn the music down so we can talk to our friends. I'm thrilled to have both of these places operational. I also enjoy Metropolitan Coffee. I'm not much of a coffee person, but I sure enjoy the experience.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by codytalks 05-31-2008 05:36, , Guest   This is a great community blog. This is what this section is for. Use it to inform the rest of us about stuff. Give us an honest opinion. Thank you very much farley's. I will try both of these spots based on your writings here.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Bobulele 05-31-2008 08:18, , Registered   I think it great that we have such choices in Hutchinson for coffee. I am not one to hang out in bars so much and I am anxious that one or two of them will become the music scene stop. I know 3 of em, Metro, Brooks and Hastings have live music. I wonder what the consensus is on Music at coffee shops.     Patsy says she needs the music down to talk to her friends.    Sometimes the metro especially has music at night. They have an acoustic Jam on Mondays. But I got the vibe from the customers that they are not there for that. Most of them are there for the wifi. So I stopped going. Contrary to popular belief I don't intentionally annoy people all the time.    I guess selfishly I hope one of the shops gets accepted as "the" music coffee shop.    I enjoys the atmosphere at all the coffee shops. Let me throw this up the flag pole and see if anyone ignores it...    Allie's - Established dining and morning coffee drinkers. Older (my age and up) clientèle and downtown office dwellers.    Metropolitan - All age groups that are addicted to wifi and books and conversation. Music is embraced when it is headlining.    Brooks on Main - Organic food and organic clientèle. Music seems to be near the center of the purpose of this shop along with baked goods. Accepting of music almost always.     Hastings - Dedicated to meeting with friends and reading books. Music allowed and is sometimes the focal point.    Starbucks - I like the coffee. I never stay though.    Roaster 2 Cup. Oddly enough the closest one to me and I've never been. I think I'll go right now!    All just opinions, and greatly informed ones at that. Please feel free to enlighten me.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by farleys_fruit_snacks 05-31-2008 11:31, , Registered   I love Allie's scones. They're crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. The owner, Sandy, is always friendly. They get you in and out quick if you stop by in the mornings. Small drip coffee + scone =$2.56 - price can't be beat!    I think of Allie's more as a breakfast/lunch spot than a "coffee shop". The food there is always good and filling. They make a different soup every day and offer a wide variety of sandwiches. My favorites are the Ruben and the Veggie Crunch.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Pam Lyle 05-31-2008 11:53, , Guest   This is so exciting - I love coffee shops and you guys are great for informing us on the new one and the great ones! Thanks for taking the time - we live mid town so will try the new ones! Who says Hutch doesn't have anything to do!!??   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Bobulele 05-31-2008 14:51, , Registered   Oh speaking of Midtown! I forgot Yarn. They have excellent coffee and espresso drinks. Or at least they used to. Sadly I haven't been in for one in awhile.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by farleys_fruit_snacks 05-31-2008 15:18, , Registered   Midtown? Yarn? What are these places of which you speak?   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by patsyterrell 05-31-2008 15:20, , Registered   Yarn is the shop around the corner from Absolutely Flowers at 14th and Main. I try to stay out of there because they have far too many tempting bits of yarn I like to pet!   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Skyler 06-03-2008 00:44, , Guest   ok people all these places sound great but...you're forgeting one of the most coolest coffee shops ever! It's a christian coffee shop. it's called...COMMON GROUND! it's the coolest coffee shop ever! they have music every weekend i'm pretty sure. music is like the reason people go to common ground and not to mention the great coffee they serve! i'm in a band called "the allied enemies" and we played there awhile back! it was a blast! common ground is by far my favorite coffee shop in hutch! go check it out!   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Bobulele 06-03-2008 12:37, , Registered   Oh shoot I forgot about Common Ground, great place to play music and visit. Great Coffee too!   » Reply to this comment...

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