Museum of Antique Coffee Mills — Restaurant in Clifton Forge

Overpriced Warm Coffee

Ordered a small Classic coffee with no room for cream. The small ceramic serving cup was 3/4 full. I asked about refills. Was told NO refills!?! I sat down to drink it and it was lukewarm and not even close to hot.

I went to the counter to ask if they could steam it or replace it since it was warm. The barista looked like she didn't understand as if mystified by my request. She said she could put it in the microwave!!! The other barista came over and offered a fresh cup saying she didn't understand how it could not be hot.

I politely said that for the fact it was warm and at the price of $3.90 for a small cup it was comparatively much more expensive compared to a small excellent drip coffee in the neighboring town of Covington at the much nicer and more friendly Kanawha Café which charged $1.98 and had free refills and a European vibe. I also said that Starbucks for a small cup charged only $2.89 on average for a great coffee with free refills with a gold Starbucks card.

The Barista said the owner only bought the best coffee beans. I thought to myself, what and Starbucks doesn't or Kanawha doesn't (which it does)???

The owner was there the whole time at her 'office' desk that is right in the middle of the cafe area which I thought was a bit of an abstractly unusual location. The owner heard me but never entered the conversation or stepped up in response to a customer's legitimate complaint. As a business owner that is poor practice.

Afterwards I spoke with a friend who lives there and said she paid $7 for a pour-over which was mediocre or average at best. My friend has not gone back since. She didn't like the "energy" there nor did I.

Why this coffee shop in a small distressed scrappy town has a 4.2 rating out of 60 reviews is somehow suspect after my...

Are you a true coffee freak? Better yet do you buy whole bean? If so do you grind by hand? If you answered yes to the above three you are a coffee freak and you must stop in here. I'm going to ruffle some feathers here but if you are drinking ground coffee you are drinking stale coffee to some degree even if it is freshly roasted. Buy an adjustable hand grinder (you don't have to buy an expensive one) find a local roaster. Buy whole beans and brew at home with a French Press, a pour over, an aeropress etc. You will soon learn you can make coffee as good as any coffee shop. Plus you will save so much money. The correct grind for the method of brewing used is the key.(Hand grinding is the only way to dial the grind in perfect). Even the humidity and temperature can change the grind needed from day to day. Electric grinders are better than buying preground but they are so quick you really can't control it. Whole bean (correctly grounded to brewing method used) plus good, filtered water at the correct temperature. Yes it's really a science.

Ok enough with the lecture. Stop in here and see this collection of coffee grinders. Oh so cool! From a retired art teachers personal collection the barista said this was just a fraction of his collection.

Their London fog...

The service is fantastic here! I was looking for a nice study spot for school and their free access to wifi, ability to plug-in chargers, and their coffee and treats all come together to create a wonderful atmosphere. I'm looking forward to their extended hours as I will certainly be back.

If I get bored of studying or need a brief break, I can wander around the shop and look at the different coffee grinders and learn the history behind various coffees. The staff is super friendly and always up for a conversation or ready to answer questions.

They don't just serve coffee and sweet treats, either. They have a nice food menu that I'm sure is great for brunches and lunches. They also offer beer, wine, and flavored sodas for those not big on coffee. If you have younger kids, they can get delicious gelato, baked goods, or sodas and teas. They also have sugar-free and gluten-free options.

Finally, the most unique aspect about this local coffee cafe is the awesome collection of coffee artifacts and decor.

Overall, this is a place with friendly service, great prices, a wonderful atmosphere, and a nice little book for relaxing or...