Rao's Coffee (Amherst, MA)

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.  

(****4 Stars) Coffee/ cafe- Breakfast/ Lunch

Rao's
17 Kellogg Ave
Amherst, MA 01002

(413) 253-9441

High Horse (Amherst, MA)

 

 

 High Horse restaurant and bar sits at what used to be the ABC Brew company which moved last fall to open up space for this new and exciting establishment. The restaurant/ bar sits on the main street of the college town of Amherst, MA. It has a small outdoor seating and the general theme is dark rogue and earthen. I ventured over one Saturday afternoon and decided to try the house salad with a side of chicken ($5 for the salad with an additional $2 to add the chicken.) I was pleasantly surprised to find it full of colorful life. I decided to try out the bar as well, I was out sitting on the patio with a light breeze. I went with ordering a mojito. It was way too strong for me but the waiter brought by a cup of limes that help to dilute it down to the point of partaking.

Jon came over after a class and decided to explore the house burger with sweet potato fries.The server (great service!!!) brought by an addition side of fresh greens & fixings, as the burger was brought to the table completely naked (only the meat and the bun), there was no dressing, cheese, or fixings of any kind. The bun reminded us of a croissant yet it had a hardier consistency which complimented the freshness of the rest . The sweet potatoes were okay, but they needed to be cooked about 1-2 minutes longer to give them a hardier crisp.   

Great Beer selection....definitely concentrated around the college atmosphere

(4 Stars ****)- Organic Farm Fresh and Bar foods- Full Bar- dine in/ Take-out

High Horse

24 N Pleasant St
Amherst, MA 01002

(413) 230-3034

Hours:

Mon-Thu 4 pm - 1 am

Fri-Sun 1 pm - 1 am