Dead Poet’s Espresso Ltd — Restaurant in Moline

Down by the John Deere Pavilion, there's a number of cafes, bars, and eateries of sorts along River Drive and 4th/5th Avenues. I've visited this part of Moline soooo many times for Bierstube, Bent River, Rebellion, or Bad Boyz Pizza, but never visited early enough to try Dead Poet's Espresso. Well, after a hearty breakfast this morning and a newfound and robust desire to get out and try new cafes, I resolved that today was the day to get over there and get a hot beverage.

The space clearly has a carefully cultivated appearance. The dead poets theming is obvious on the surface - portraits of various long deceased authors of verse line the walls and the menu of specialty drinks bear many of their names. Beyond this, however, the furnishings and other architectural features provide additional depth to the experience. All of the walls in the space are simple brick and mortar which appear to be original to the space prior to it being a coffee house. The ceiling area has other distinct aesthetics, including stained and finished 2x4s throughout, HVAC ductwork painted a muted green color, and a mix of accent lighting from drop fixtures and somewhat ornate ceiling fans. The whole of it comes together to give the feeling that the coffee house might actually come out of mid-19th century Moline. It's a neat feeling - everything looks old, but clearly isn't and is, in fact, well kept up and clean.

I opted for a green tea (a Lavender Jasmine this time) and a brown sugar cinnamon scone. Both were quite tasty - in fact, the Jasmine Green Tea was the best I've had anywhere in a while. No joke, I would come back here just for this over and over again. I talked to one of the baristas and was informed the tea is from Tea Source, which, from a cursory internet search, is fairly modestly priced. I'm eager to look a little more.

This visit was made further unique by a gentleman playing a grand piano in the corner. All simple arrangements and light singing to songs like "What a Wonderful World", "Autumn Leaves", and " Stand by Me". It was a great accompaniment to the vibe of the place - not too loud, just slightly covered the conversation at the other tables, and it wasn't pop or country. I'd only hope other places get the memo - light live music is always going to be a great addition to your space.

Bottom line - I wish I lived closer to here because I'd be here all the time. You should definitely check this place out if you haven't yet, it's a great place to stop in, relax, have some good conversation, etc. Thanks...

Pros: Visited in the afternoon on a Thursday. Cute shop. Love that they have a baby grand piano inside. Really just generally an attractive interior look. The theme of famous deceased poets is fun too. Apparently they roast their own beans, though I didn't sample. I had a standard latte, which was good. Cons: the gentleman working the counter was semi-helpful. I tried asking what drink would be recommended, if they have any special or unique drinks, or customer favorites. Sounds like not really. He didn't have a lot to say or recommend. I also wanted a small (something around 8-12 oz), but they literally don't offer any coffee drinks (other than an espresso shot) in smalls. So I had to get a medium (16 oz) latte. In retrospect, I should've just asked him to charge me the full amount but just fill the cup half full. I didn't need that much latte. Would I recommend? I THINK so? Idk, it's a cute place, and if you're not picky, I could see it being a nice stop. I'd even consider returning myself. But just make sure you don't...

I won't be back. Stopped in on a rainy Saturday morning and the place was dead. Just myself and two other patrons plus the staff (who was sitting with them when I arrived). That should have been my first clue.

The coffee was sub-par for their proud statements that they "roast their own beans." It was very sweet even when ordered half sweet and I could not taste the coffee that was supposedly in the cup only the dairy and syrup. That should have been my second clue.

Sat down at a table and immediately thought, "Why is it sticky?" (Please see attached picture.) Third clue.

Upon attempting to enjoy my book I was consistently interrupted by the constant stream of profanity out of the other two loud patrons while conversing with each other and telling their tales. I cannot hear vey well and my ears are not sensitive and I swear a lot.....A LOT....but the constant stream was even too much for me. There were more f-bombs and curse words than Ozzy Osborn when he was mad/upset.

And at that I was done and absolutely will not...