Bailey's offers great food, coffee ? but loud crowd - Huntingtonian

The $2 muffin at Bailey's. (Photo by Jessi Emmert)

When I heard about Bailey?s Coffee, my first thought was, ?Does this town really need another coffee shop??

I have a tested and tried routine when it comes to Huntington coffee shops. If I want to study, I go to Caf? of Hope, unless it?s karaoke night, then I avoid it like the plague. If I want to feel like a hipster, I go to 4 Cups. And if I want to discuss or overhear salacious gossip, I go to Coffee D?Vine. It?s just that simple.

I wasn?t sure where Bailey?s was going to fit into this picture when I pulled up to the cute brick building ? a restored train station ? nestled near The Rusty Dog and the railroad tracks. I fell in love with the d?cor the moment I walked into the shop. Small square tables covered with garnet-colored tablecloths were set up in a seating room to the left of a small counter and the sweet sounds of Jack Johnson played softly from the speakers. It was around dinner time on a Tuesday, and the dining room was about half full.

An employee was talking with a few customers, obviously regulars. He stood up and walked behind the counter, asking what I?d like. I scanned the menu behind the counter, which had fairly standard coffee shop prices. A plain cup of coffee was $1.50 for a small, $1.75 for a large. The specialty drinks ranged from $3.35 to $5. Food items were limited to donuts and muffins, and ranged from $1.25 to $2.

I asked for a caramel latte, but he apologetically informed me that their froth machine was broken. I wondered why a brand new shop?s equipment was already malfunctioning. He offered to make me an au lait instead, an alternative with no foam. I was disappointed, but appreciated his apology. I also ordered a big apple cinnamon muffin. My total came to a reasonable $5.34. He asked me to sit down while he got my order ready.

Sooner than expected, the server broughtmy muffin and caf? au lait to my table. My muffin was great, albeit a little too hot ? I burned my tongue. I decided to let it cool off for a moment and turned, a bit more skeptically, to my au lait. I fully admit I am a bit of a coffee snob, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. It was smooth and bold, but not too bold. The caramel flavor was present but not overpowering, and it was piping hot but not scalding. Overall, it was one of the best coffee drinks I?ve had in Huntington.

Perhaps the most amusing part of my Bailey?s experience was listening to regular customers chat?loudly. I was entertained, but I probably won?t head to Bailey?s during finals week because of the rather loud conversation and close proximity to other customers. The dining room is adorable, but had it been full, it definitely would have been cramped. Overall though, my coffee was delicious and the muffin was good.

I may just add Bailey?s to my coffee shop routine if I want to drink the best cup of coffee in Huntington and listen to a rowdy round of local debate.

Bailey?s is located at 11 West State Street. They are open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Source: http://www.huntingtonian.com/?p=14724

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