The Coffee Co. In Lancaster, PA
The Coffe Co. cafe is located at 1639 Lititz Pike, in the Lancaster Shopping Center.
Directly across the parking lot is A.C. Moore, to one side is Michael's, and on the other side is Giant (the main supermarket in the area) as well as a large Christian book store, and many other shops (its directly between a gift/card shop, and a candy store). It's also the only non-Starbucks coffee shop that I'm aware of within 2 miles of driving.
Directly across the parking lot is A.C. Moore, to one side is Michael's, and on the other side is Giant (the main supermarket in the area) as well as a large Christian book store, and many other shops (its directly between a gift/card shop, and a candy store). It's also the only non-Starbucks coffee shop that I'm aware of within 2 miles of driving.
Interior/Decor
The interior of The Coffee Co. is warm and cozy. There's a steady whir of coffee machines as many people actually do come for the coffee, probably aware that there are certified and trained baristas on site. The decor is pleasing, and lighting is plentiful but not overly bright. Few of the tables and chairs are exact matches, but are in similar color tones to unify the look. The space is narrow, with the counter and serving area taking up nearly half the width in the front half of the seating area, and a walled off section for the kitchen blocking much of the back half. Seating
In the front half of the seating area, there is only enough room for four seat tables and a narrow path to walk between the tables and the counter. In the back half, there is enough room for tables along either wall with a path through the middle, so long as the tables are not directly across from each other. I believe that I picked the only two seat table in the back half of the room, and was quite comfortable as most people prefer to sit near the front to catch the window light. There is also limited seating outside, but it seems to be mostly used by smokers, as smoking is not permitted indoors. The Menu
The Coffee Co. has table service as well as counter service. Just walk in, take a seat, and the wait staff will be at your table with a menu for your perusal.You walk into this place and see only coffees listed everywhere and an abbreviated soup menu along with some pastries on display and you think that's all there is. I honestly thought they'd done away with the spanikopita and sandwiches until I was handed the menu. There are vegetarian choices, large varieties of gourmet type sandwiches (complete with sauces), and simple foods like grilled cheese sandwiches and BLTs. Soups, sandwiches, and desserts, all things that can be eaten quickly or ordered for take out, but solid enough that The Coffee Co. could nearly be considered a restaurant rather than a cafe.
Everything is made on site, fresh, and fully customizable (with the exception of the soups, which can not be customized).
The Lattes
I always order a caramel latte when I'm trying a new coffee place. The caramel gives me something to cling to if the coffee is bad, but isn't too heavy to keep me from actually tasting the coffee. So, that's what I ordered here.The latte was rich and creamy, with a considerable amount of whipped cream and caramel drizzled on top. I believe that the whipped cream was fresh made as the texture was relatively thick and it did not melt as fast as most commercial whipped creams do. The coffee flavor was full, but there was a slightly burnt taste to the coffee. I believe this is because of the particular roast they use, and the strength of the coffee made me think that they gave my latte an extra shot of espresso. This, I believe, is how they regularly make their coffee drinks as I'd noticed it on my previous trips to The Coffee Co.
Best Coffee Maker Ever
We received one of these as a wedding gift, and use it all the time! So much better than pot brewed coffee. We use locally roasted coffee and grind it up in a cheap coffee grinder. I rarely go out for coffee any more since I can make my own coffee much cheaper, and better at home! The to-go cups are perfect for lugging along to work, too.
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The Food
First I ordered a cup of chicken corn soup. I'm telling you, it's to die for. Absolutely delicious!Then, I ordered a turkey sandwich. Two slices of lightly toasted rye bread with 1/2"-1" of freshly sliced turkey lunch meat, a slathering of mayonnaise (just the right amount), a layer of tomato and (I'm sorry Travis) bright green romaine lettuce. It was served with a large handful of potato chips, which were crispy and firm, and not over salted. They tasted like Dieffenbach's or possibly Martin's (both local), but it's difficult to be certain. There were a few slices of bread and butter pickles as a sort of garnish, but as I don't like any pickles other than dill, I only ate one slice just to be certain what kind of pickle it was. The flavor was very fresh. The rye bread and turkey meat were both of good quality, and there wasn't even a hint of wilt in the lettuce. The tomato was fresh, but did taste as though it may be a hot house tomato despite its bright color.
Live Music
While it does not occur every night, several times a week The Coffee Co. plays host to live performers. Tonight was one of such nights, and there was an enjoyable acoustic couple. Unlike many such venues, the music was not overmuch a distraction. Yes, the sound traveled quite well through the building, but it was not obnoxiously loud. Overall Impression
In all, The Coffee Co. is an ideal place to sit and think, or to have a quiet chat. The food is excellent, the coffee quite good, and the atmosphere pleasant. I can't comment on its affordability as that will depend on your expectations on spending, but I can say that for my latte, sandwich, and soup, the trip ran me just over $12 including taxes, but not including tip.
Table Decoration At The Coffee Co.
Links
- The Coffee Co's Official Website
- Want to see the full menu? Read about the company? Call ahead? It's all right here on their website.
Buy Coffee Products Online
Black & Decker DCM18S Brew 'n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug
Amazon Price: $23.43 (as of 12/31/2009) 
Krups Fast Touch Coffee Grinders
Amazon Price: (as of 12/31/2009)
Coffee Masters Perfect Potful Chocolate Raspberry, 12 Packet Box
Amazon Price: $11.77 (as of 12/31/2009)
Buy Here, Feed A Family
Did you know that 25% of any proceeds from this lens goes to Food For Everyone, a charity that teaches families how to grow more food in less space using less water. This benefits the recipients in healthful foods and economically. Not only do they provide enough food for themselves, but often have an abundance left over that can be given away or sold!
If you're interested in books on organic gardening by the organization, you can purchase them here.
If you're interested in books on organic gardening by the organization, you can purchase them here.
What Blogs Are Saying About Cafes
Reviews from Yelp
See What The Locals Have To Say About Lancaster PA
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Food in 17601
- Central Market (Lancaster)
- "Bring a cooler and buy your dinner! I bought Hungarian salami,Nurenberger brats,humus ,falafel, excellent local goat cheeses,local celery, first rate maple..." more
- La Cocina Mexicana (Lancaster)
- "Great Mexican food. Always fresh and tasty. High quality meats. I get the enchilladas verdes and the guacamole and fresh homemade chips. The fish tacos..." more
- Iron Hill Brewery (Lancaster)
- "Iron Hill is located in a new set of retail/office buildings adjacent to Franklin and Marshall college (it actually shares a parking lot with their field..." more
- Carmen & David's Creamery (Lancaster)
- "Hand made ice cream is difficult to find. In a world over-populated with air-injected, over-priced gourmet ice creams, Carmen & Davids make the real thing..." more
- Chestnut Hill Cafe (Lancaster)
- "This place is so Lancaster-esk. I love its quaintness & charm. Many of the items are fair-trade & organic. I ordered the fresh mozarella panini with a..." more
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Want to know more about Lancaster, PA? I sometimes participate in My Town Monday.
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Have you ever been to The Coffee Co. in Lancaster? Have a favorite Cafe in your town? Tell us about it!
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- Pastiche Pastiche Sep 26, 2009 @ 9:52 am
- I need to travel south from Reading are to Lancaster more often - The Coffee Company sounds like my type of cafe and hey, it's located near my favorite craft shops, too!
by WordVixen
Aspiring writer, marketer, and web publisher, who is also a Disney addict.
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