Rao’s is the epitome of a college
start up coffee shop that has successfully branched out into a profitable
business. With its artisan pre-made sandwiches and baked goods lining the glass
counter top, wide-eyed young college student order over caffeinated coffee
drinks with an extra shot of espresso to wake them up for their 12pm class.
High wood ceilings and multiple door entries help delude the ever present
chatter of young adults and increase the open, yet homey atmosphere, that
transcends across the coffee shop into the outdoor patio. The robust, and
densely rich coffee and freshly baked goods aside; what is truly great about
this particular home roasted coffee shop is that it is tucked almost
immediately behind a Starbucks.
Starbucks with their corporate
drinks, streamlined service and overly sugary drinks is the modern, trendy,
hyped up version of the college town coffee shop. [Don’t get me wrong-
convenience is sometimes key when it comes to grabbing a cup of Joe, and I
definitely partake in the trend while reading in Barnes and Nobles.] The
fact that this particular coffee shop goes toe-to –toe with the barrista
beverage giant while situated behind it off the main street of a college town
is something truly to applaud. They have updated their cafe and made it a very modern environment that welcomes that passing by student to sit down and work on their laptops after a yoga session next door. Pastries and coffee or an earl grey tea with homemade granola, either way they are ready for people from all walks of life.
Rao’s house coffee: -(Colombian) it is acidic, rich, strong, and hints of chocolate flavoring depending on what brew you choose.
Orange/ cranberry walnut scone
sprinkled with brown sugar over the top- Crumbles while maintaining a
dense consistency. Its great!
Bike racks at the front and back help support this indie vibe that they so desperately are trying to promote. There are coin operated
parking and garage available behind and slightly in the front.
(413) 253-9441
