A drive down Park Avenue at 7:36 a.m. on a Tuesday proves quite desolate, until you spot the beloved blue awning of Park Avenue Coffee. The sounds of milk steaming, coffee beans grinding, friendly chatter and a ringing coffee register fill the shop. Tucked neatly in the wall along Lafayette Square, Park Avenue Coffee serves the people seven days a week.
People of all ages and professions stroll in for their coffee fix. Doctors in scrubs, men in ties, students with backpacks and ladies with a purpose can all be found in Park Avenue at some point during the day. The coffee shop’s slogan sets the theme: “good people, good coffee, good gooey butter cake.” Simple, yet effective.
With an extensive menu of espresso, Frappuccino, coffee, tea and smoothies, Park Avenue aims to please, and they succeed. A suggestion would be to treat yourself to a Park Avenue Mocha: espresso, white chocolate with steamed milk and whipped cream. A simple coffee or vanilla latte will satisfy any coffee craving as well. An assortment of tempting sweet treats, including bagels, muffins, Rice Krispies Treats and the famous gooey butter cake is also available daily.
The walls are painted blue and brown; funky lights hang from the ceiling; comfy chairs and marble top tables are spread around to add to the minimalistic yet modern style. A large window showcases the Lafayette Square neighborhood and ensures prime people-watching time. Park Avenue cannot be labeled as an intimidating hipster establishment. A well-lit space and soft music add to the comforting atmosphere. It is a classic coffee shop with Wi-Fi, appropriate for a group outing, business meeting or finals study session.
The baristas treat customers with hospitality, whether they are a first timer or a regular. If you go enough times, they may even remember your order, as there are quite a few frequent flyers to the Lafayette Square shop. Conversations often start at the register, a simple “hello” or an exchange of life stories is acceptable. They take care to ensure each order is made to the customer’s satisfaction.
Fair prices, quality taste and a welcoming atmosphere add to the Park Avenue charm. Merchandise, such as mugs, coffee beans and T-shirts, is available for purchase. Park Avenue coffee has three locations: Lafayette Square, Downtown and The Hill.
Hours vary throughout the week. At the Lafayette Square location, the shop is open Mon.-Thurs. 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sun. 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.