Yo Java Bowl Café - Kent Island, Maryland

A Coffee Maven Review 
(Heavy on Geographic Context)

About four years ago, my brother and sister-in-law moved across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Kent Island -- the 32-square-mile stepping stone from the Annapolis area to the Eastern Shore. I am happy for them -- and also grateful that my spouse and I have been able to enjoy visits to this special corner of Maryland. The Island (as it is known regionally) is home to nice restaurants of many kinds, two new vineyards (one founded by a high-school friend of my brother's) and lovely walking/biking trails. 

On three occasions (so far), we have taken advantage of their location in order to be among the 16,000 runners and walkers in the Veterans Day weekend 10k race/walk. Yes, that is a Novembrrrr event that partially closes a major highway so that people be 300 feet above the Bay. We have, naturally, looked for -- and found -- coffee shops as well. This being a place where a lot of people get stuck in traffic, the big coffee chains are well represented all along the US-50 corridor.  But we have also found a very nice independent shop (see my Ground Works post) and more recently, a café belonging to a small regional chain of just a few spots. I

Click to explore Kent Island

It's unusual name first caught our attention: Yo Java Bowl. The Coffee Maven cannot take any credit for this discovery -- my spouse noticed it as we were departing from a double date with said broher and SIL at Adam's Grill. (Aside: I recommend this for the same reason my brother did -- a nicely varied menu. The Caesar salad with crab cake is as great as it sounds.)

Talking About Coffee

A Coffee Maven Literary Interlude

Having enjoyed Matt Haig's Midnight Library, which we had read together, librarian Pam has been reading his How to Stop Time, which she describes as light science fiction. A few days ago, she said she needed to read the following passage to me. She was, of course, correct.

The setting: the protagonist is 400 years old and is being interviewed for a job as a high-school history teacher. 

'I understand you've done a lot of great things here,' I say, trying to get the conversation back on track.

'I try. We all try. It's sometimes a losing battle, though. That's my only concern about your application. Your references are amazing. And I've had them all checked ...'

I feel relieved. Not that she has checked for references, but that there had been someone who had picked up the phone, or emailed back. 

'... but this isn't a rural comprehensive in Suffolk. This is London. This is Tower Hamlets.'

'Kids are kids.'

'And they're great kids. But this is a different area. They don't have the same privileges. My concern is that you've lived a rather sheltered life.'

'You might be surprised.'

'And many students here struggle hard enough with the present, let alone with history. They just care about the world around them. Getting them engaged is the key. How would you make history come alive?'

There is no easier question in the world. 'History isn't something you need to bring to life. History already is alive. We are history. History isn't politicians or kings and queens. History is everyone. it is everything. It's that coffee. You could explain much of the whole history of capitalism and empire and slavery just by talking about coffee. The amount of blood and misery that has taken place for us to sit here and sip coffee out of paper cups is incredible.'

'You've put me right off my drink.'

And he is, of course, correct.

Twist Bakery Cafe - Burlington, MA

Aidan Cash speaking, 

During Patriot's Day Weekend on a beautiful Monday afternoon when me, my younger brother and my father had some extra time we decided to stop at the Twist Bakery and Cafe which is located in Burlington, MA. This shop has been around for 6 years but the whole company since 2011. The workers here were nice! It's a very positive environment in a mid sized shopping plaza. I told the workers that I was doing my little inspection for the assignment and introduced myself to her, told her that I was a college student. It's in a pretty cool part of the town. Twist only has two locations; one in Millis and one in Burlington. The place is located right across from the Wegman's and near the Okipoké Poké bowl restaurant. This location is actually not that far from the mall. It's a 3 minute drive and a 16-17 minute walk.

I really liked the place and would gladly come back here again if I could. I am just a huge fan of the location and the shopping center itself. The place is open longer on Fridays and Saturdays but everyday they open up at 7AM. On Sundays to Thursdays they close at 4PM, or 16:00 but on Friday and Saturday they close at 7PM, or 19:00. The shop has a very modern look inside and the seats are comfortable. Lots of people eat inside the place.

This is a general idea of the menu:

As according to these pictures they have a pretty big variety of options on the menu such as breakfasts lunches dinners sweets and many drinks such as coffee, tea, matcha, etc. The coffees are customizable so you have a little bit more options to choose from.

This was the food we ordered there:

I really liked that cake and it was indulgent and the coffee wasn't bad. The matcha wasn't as good as hoped for when my brother tried it he didn't particularly like it. If you come here you can choose anything you'd want they have a wide variety of food and the staff here is good.

It was not very easy to notice the coffee roots but I was able to spot some coffee beans at the machines that the workers would use for brewing coffees.

This is a map of the cafe nearest to the biggest coffee chain

In my opinion, I find that the coffee and food at Twist Bakery & Cafe is actually better than Dunkin Donuts.

Rise & Shine Coffee House - Wakefield, MA

Rise & Shine Coffee House

    On Sunday March 30, on a rather gloomy Sunday afternoon, I had the pleasure of visiting Rise & Shine Coffee House in Wakefield, MA.  The sky wore a soft blanket of gray, as if urging the world to slow down and sip something warm and refreshing. Located in the center of a prideful suburb of Boston, Rise & Shine is a small yet charming coffee shop with a warm ambience, friendly staff, and a menu that caters to all. The shop is open every day of the week until 2 P.M.,with hours just slightly varying on the weekends. They open at 7 A.M. Monday through Friday but get a little bit of extra rest on Saturday and Sunday mornings opening at 8 A.M.

   

Rise & Shine proudly serve coffee from Atomic Coffee Roasters, a second-generation family company. The company is run by a pair of brothers, Spencer and Logan who pride themselves on ensuring the quality of their coffee is higher than the standard. "We pay a premium to support coffee farmers and ensure the highest quality green beans."- Spencer and Logan (Atomic Coffee Roasters)

 During my visit, I ordered just a black coffee, the only way I drink coffee nowadays. I have been told that this is a sign that I'm all grown up. I'm not completely sure about that. Anyways, I really did enjoy the coffee although it took, what felt like, 30 minutes to cool! It was a relatively dark yet smooth beverage. I would recommend trying out their other items on the menu like specialty drinks, smoothies, and food since I was not able to. 

Location relative to nearest Dunkin' locations.

    

Blackbird Cafe, Burlington Ma

Blackbird Cafe, Burlington Ma 

Asha Namatovu

      

Established in 2010 
"My first impression of the café was how small it was—very tiny. It was also pretty quiet,  that might be because I visited on a Tuesday around 11 a.m."
They also have 3 other locations 
Acton, MA 01720
Groton, MA 01450
Bedford, MA 01730

Blackbird house blend is balanced,richly sweet, and kicks of acidity. Blackbird espresso has a sweet fruity depth and a rich chocolatey finish. Blackbird bold,deep chocolate with ripe fruit.The majority of their roasts are from South America; there was no specific country, just a region.

"I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but since I enjoy tea, I decided to try their hibiscus iced tea. It had a nice floral aroma and a vibrant color, but the flavor was a bit underwhelming—definitely not the best I’ve had.”  4.5 out of 10.“Truly, the location I went to disappointed me, customer service was not good at all (even though it was not busy in there) I wish I could have got more information;They are very involved on their Facebook and Instagram.I did notice that the location I went to does not post If I went to their other location, I think I would have a better experience.”

    

It about a 6 minute drive from the nearest dunkin

Lucky Finn Cafe Hanover, MA

Lucky Finn Cafe Hanover, MA

By: Paige DeCoste

 

The Lucky Finn Cafe opened first in October 2014 in Scituate by Bill Noonan. There are two other locations that I know of, one being the one in Hanover, MA and the other being also in Scituate, MA. I've been going here for a few years now and I really enjoy it!

Minot Acai bowl with honey on the side and added chocolate chips

Classic avocado toast with an added cracked egg

Large iced Irish cream latte with two pumps of simple syrup

Chocolate Croissant 

I honestly thought most of the food was a solid 8/10, the coffee I had was a 10/10 and the chocolate croissant was definitely a 10/10! However, I have had their other coffees before and there okay I really only like a select few coffees there, I enjoy the food a lot more there!


My Experience there:

My experience at the Lucky Finn Cafe in Hanover was great! I have gone here for a few years now I know there is another location in Scituate MA. However I enjoy the Hanover location better. The atmosphere there is really great and welcoming! There are kids, students, people doing work, couples, older couples, anyone you can think of honestly. I believe I’ve had coffee better places I think the reason their so popular is because one the atmosphere, then they have food and I haven’t been their in a while, they didn’t have avocado toast before so it seems like add to their menu quite often! Overall I would definitely go again, I really enjoy the chocolate croissants there even though I barely get one because they always sell out before I get there!

Also I couldn't get exactly what coffee they use but what I found on their website is that they buy their coffee from farms and many of these farms have a amazing heritage crossing multi-generations, all women run collaboratives, and they support important local initiatives for example which I think is very cool!

As you can see from this picture, the closest Dunkin' Donuts is a 4 minute walk from Lucky Finn Cafe.

Additional Information:

Their hours are Monday through Friday 7am-5pm and Saturday through Sundays it's 7am-4:30pm

The address of Lucky Finn Cafe: At Merchants Row, 2053 Washington St, Hanover, MA 02339

Their Website: https://www.luckyfinncoffee.com/aboutus.asp

The Boundless Bean - Bridgewater, MA

Sometimes, you walk into a place expecting a good cup of coffee and end up finding something a whole lot deeper. That’s exactly what happened when I visited The Boundless Bean in Bridgewater, MA. Tucked into 10 Summer Street, this cozy little café caught my attention not just for the aroma of fresh coffee, but for the purpose it stands behind, and let me tell you, it's something special. What sets The Boundless Bean apart is the heart behind it. I learned that it was started by the Hogan's, a couple who wanted to create a café that did more than just serve lattes. A portion of the staff on each shift are individuals with differing abilities, and the energy in the shop reflects that mission. While the closest major chain coffee shop is just a few minutes down the street, The Boundless Bean is just one of those places where you immediately feel welcome. There’s no rush, no stress. Just good vibes, friendly faces, and the quiet buzz of people enjoying their day.

I ordered a small cinnamon roll iced latte, and it was honestly one of the best I’ve had in a long time. It totaled $7.11 including a tip, and while slightly pricey, I highly recommend it. It had a smooth, rich flavor without any bitterness. The coffee is roasted by Snowy Owl, which I hadn’t heard of before, but now I want to try their coffee as I discovered they have a shop themselves located in Brewster, MA.

If you’re ever near Bridgewater, do yourself a favor and stop by The Boundless Bean. Whether you’re a caffeine addict, a brunch lover, or just someone who appreciates businesses that are doing things right, this little café is absolutely worth your time.

When you go, take a moment to slow down, look around, and really take it all in. You’ll walk out with more than a great cup of coffee; you’ll walk out with a full heart.

Restoration Coffee- Kate Guilday

 Restoration Coffee!

Restoration Coffee has four locations: Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Whitman, and Hanson! It is conveniently located near BSU, about a five- to ten-minute walk from the DMF. Restoration Coffee was founded in 2017, originally starting with a location in Whitman, and moving to Bridgewater shortly after. 

I am not a big fan of coffee, and I have never been one, but when I got to school, my roommate coincidentally became a coffee and matcha fanatic. She was told about the cafe at the beginning of our freshman year. It has since become one of our absolute favorite spots outside of campus, and slowly we introduced the rest of our friends and even became friends with one of the baristas. 

Restoration Coffee in Bridgewater is in an excellent location, like I mentioned right by Bridgewater State, and they are open every single day. The inside of the cafe has modern but cozy vibes, perfect for studying for college students or for working on the computer. It is quiet, but it also has an environment that encourages conversation. The baristas know the regulars, and everyone in there always has a friendly face. They ensure their customers that their cafe is a safe space with pride flags and welcoming messages. 

The coffee itself was hard to find the roots of; however, their website ensures that it is fair trade coming from Ethiopia, Colombia, and more. 

My typical Resto order is a small mocha latte with vanilla cold foam (a reminder that I don't typically love the taste of coffee) and a buffalo chicken panini. If you get a chance, the sandwich has become a friend group favorite. :)

Circus Cooperative Cafe - Cambridge, MA

     Nicholas Pellicano, Circus Cooperative Cafe, Cambridge, MA

    During my spring break I was out getting a tattoo with my mom and we made a stop to get a coffee before our tattoos started. We decided to take a trip down to the Circus Cooperative Cafe in Cambridge, MA. This shop has been here for about two years and is located about ten minutes from Harvard's Campus. Inside is a cozy environment with some of the nicest people on this planet. This shop is open from 8AM-3PM Monday-Sunday, which makes it possible to get to no matter what day of the week you have off.  The menu consists of a lot of different types of coffees, including a ton of seasonal drinks which catch many peoples attention. The coffee here is very affordable ranging anywhere from four to six dollars. The food is where things tend to get a little bit pricy though, but being in Boston you have to expect that type of thing. What keeps people coming back  is the friendly environment, seasonal drinks, and the designs they draw into the top of your coffee to add their own sort of touch. 

Mister Q cafe

 Mister Q Cafe is a cafe in Charlestown, MA, that opened in early 2020. Although it is only a short walk from my house, this was my first time visiting the cafe. There has been a heavy rotation of businesses on Main Street since I moved there in 2011, so I was interested in what made this cafe stick around through COVID-19 times. Mister Q cafe is less than a 5-minute walk from Dunkin, less than a 10-minute walk from Starbucks, and down the street from a bakery that also serves coffee. Mister Q cafe serves a variety of drinks and food.

When I walked in, there was a line just about out the door because Mister Q is a relatively small

establishment. Most of the interior was taken up by counterspace and a pastry display case. There were

a couple of seats by the window taken up by customers, and outdoor seating that was too cold to use on

the day I went. The cafe was filled with people of all ages, and its menu reflected that, with items like

juice and milk boxes for kids displayed in a refrigerator case. Along with the many customers, the cafe

also seemed to be overwhelmed with DoorDash orders. Since I am not a fan of coffee, I went to the

cafe with someone who does like coffee quite a bit. I ordered an iced chai, and they ordered a small

coffee. That small hot coffee was ready immediately, and the barista poured it as we paid. The total

was just over $7 before tip, and we tipped $1. A minute or two later, my iced chai was ready. It was

just too busy to sit inside, so we took the coffee to go. I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, even in

the few minutes I was inside. 

I am sad to report that my iced chai was not very good and tasted watery. I asked my coffee connoisseur

to give me a breakdown of how their small hot brewed coffee tasted, and they reported that it smelled l

ike generic restaurant coffee. It was dark in color, and you could not see through it. There was not a lot of

flavor, and no discernible notes. It tasted old, as if it had been brewed a while ago. Overall, it was bitter,

stale, and oily. 

The coffee shop was too busy to ask a barista about their coffee when I went, so I called Mister Q cafe

the next day. When I called, I was immediately asked to hold, and I could hear the worker taking an order.

When I introduced myself and asked what he could tell me about their coffee, he just said La Colombe

coffee. I did some research on La Colimbe coffee and found out they partake in informed trade. That means they

work with importers who connect them to producers, ensuring they can trace their coffee for maximum

quality. The importers help make sure producers are paid accurately. La Colombe gets their coffee beans

from all across the coffee belt and has many flavor blends available. 

I think what keeps people coming back to Mister Q cafe is their variety and sense of community.

They have a sandwich on their menu called the “Townie Stacker Sandwich,” which is a reference to the

nickname for residents of Charlestown. They have food and drink items for every age on their menu

and often have specialties. They have also hosted Mayor Wu and the Horace Mann School for the

Deaf & Hard of Hearing. 

- Lily Brigham

Snowy Owl Cafe

 
Alexis Rendon

I visited Snowy Owl Cafe in Sandwich on March 31st at 11 A.M. The cafe was super busy, every table had a group of people at it. Some looked like friends getting together while other tables had people working on their computers. I had to wait in a line which grew longer as time went on. It seemed like people came in, got their usual order, and went back to whatever they were doing. I got a large vanilla latte and a peice of Banana Bread which came to a total of $9 with a tip. I was really surprised by how my first sip was. I'm used to Dunkin' lattes, so a proper cafe espresso was really delicious.

I think what makes Snowy Owl so successful is multiple factors; the bright atmosphere, nice workers, great location in town, personality of the building, and the large drink and food menu. The Sandwich location opened in 2021, meaning its relatively new, even though there are two other locations on the Cape. The building itself has so much personality and color as seen in the pictures above. All of the coffee bean roasting and baking of the pastries/food is done at the Sandwich location. And at all of the locations, they offer 7 different brewing methods.

The closest Dunkin is only a 3- minute drive, on the same road as Snowy Owl. I would like to add how just in Sandwich, there are four Dunkin's. Three of them are within a 2-3 minute drive from each other. I think the fact that there are so many chain coffee places, makes people appreciate a local coffee shop more, allowing Snowy Owl to be more successful.