Henry's Coffee Bistro

“Worth the drive.”

--have you tried their enormous cookies?! They're huge. Peanut butter and chocolate chip with big chips. Only $1.50. Totally worth it. Mission: caffeine and a pastry. What to do when Calvin Fletcher's is closed, Taste is a chaotic morning mess, and Rene's has run out of all three types of my favorite croissants (almond, chocolate, and orange, in that order)? Answer: head straight to Henry's for an Americano and a homemade muffin. Henry's large Americano: $2.50 for four shots with competent real barista service. Starbucks grande Americano: $2.55 for three shots with inferior beans and a side of indifferent youth or grumpy part-time housewife or confused senior. You do the math. Their regular coffee is also good. Don't doubt it just because they pour it from a thermos. This is coming from a picky French press lady. But if you try it and think it's not fresh enough, they'll happily make a fresh brew. The muffins deserve a huge shout-out. There's nothing commercial or artificial about these baseball-sized muffins; they have a bed-and-breakfast quality, subtly sweet and greasy in a good way, with soft, cakey interiors and awesome crusty edges. Cranberries and blueberries are big, plump, and tart. It's such a perfect, honest, soul-satisfying package that you'll want to stop in every morning. Midday food: the California sandwich and chipotle turkey panini are so good that the super cool, heavily tattooed and pierced sandwich maker, who has admirable control over his nerves, can't help exclaiming to himself as he removes the melty masterpiece from the press, 'DAMN, this is an awesome fine sandwich!' I haven't tried their dessert panini yet, but with options like Nutella and banana or peanut butter and marshmallow, I dare say it could be better than a crepe. Someone please indulge and confirm. Jon A, I nominate you. Take one for the team. Also consider their cool bar counter seating at the original East Street location, great indoor and outdoor tables for group meetings or individual study, and cute little bathrooms. There's a friendly mix of regular patrons, and strangers are always happy to share tables if they're scarce, especially if you need an outlet. Their website used to suck and be totally useless, but now you can find the entire menu and additional info there. The Facebook blog has great daily updates on menu specials and other news. The only reason they don't get five stars is that they aren't open 24 hours. Ha! P.S. Skip the cinnamon rolls; they're pretty much the weakest thing on the menu.

A visitor · Over a year ago

“My favorite coffee shop!”

The coffees and teas are good, and the homemade desserts are delicious. The new weekend brunch is very tasty with several options to choose from. It's right next door to Out Word Bound bookstore, and there's patio seating outside where you can sip your coffee and watch the boys go by.

A guest · Over a year ago

“Great coffie & Tea stop!”

If you're heading to Starbucks, definitely keep going and go straight to Henry's! It's in the same spot where Vic's used to be. The coffee is better, costs less, and the food portions are generous for the price. They have a fairly broad menu, but they'll make salads to order. The paninis are tasty, and there are homemade soups in winter and fruit smoothies in summer. Can't forget to mention the staff, who are always great and friendly, no matter how early in the morning. As for atmosphere, it's how I'd want my living room to be: open, very comfortable yet modern. Relaxing sums it up best (I've seen more than a few people resting their eyes while their order was prepped!). Cream walls, oversized comfy chairs, plenty of seating (with tables set with cloth tablecloths and organically styled centerpieces—how's that for attention to detail!). Other pluses: free Wi-Fi (plenty of laptop users) and a range of people with varied backgrounds and ages—gay, straight, young and old.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago