At Home At David’s

After my first internet search I wasn’t sure I wanted to write about David’s Delicatessen and Coffee. Deli’s and coffee shops didn’t seem to go together in my mind. But boy was I wrong.

I’ve visited David’s twice now, once with my mom and once with my friend Alyssa. Both times I was pleasantly surprised by the homey atmosphere where we could sit, work, and try new coffee. Join me on a little tour through this cute, small-town shop.

Atmosphere

Imagine you are walking into an old house, a 100-year-old house to be exact. When you walk into the large front room you are immediately hit with vintage charm. The original 1910 architecture can be clearing found in the cove molding, intricate tin ceiling detail, wood floors, and brick structural columns.

This large front space features light purple walls that blend perfectly with the neutral tones they surround. A large wood built in looks like it could be the bookshelves to a library or sitting area. Bright portrait paintings fill up all of the extra wall space and add unique and intriguing pops of color.

While the seating is basic and lacks charm, there is plenty of it. Even with the crowd of locals working and filtering through, you shouldn’t have to worry about finding a place to sit.

As you move from the front of the house further back, the shop transitions into a more private study or dining room (there is also a drastic temperature change between the warm front and chilled back). Wood and leather benches contrast the white wainscoting and dark blue walls. The fireplace and surrounding built ins add to the homey feel.

The front room has more of a café atmosphere, but I could work for hours in the quieter back area.

Posters and flyers complete the home atmosphere featuring local events all summer long (farmer’s markets, live music, a pig roast…you name it, it’s probably happening somewhere near this popular southwest Michigan town).

Drinks & Prices

Before I describe each of the drinks my coffee shop companions and I have tried, I’ll get some of the basics about David’s coffee out of the way.

• Serve Intelligentsia Coffee

• Feature full espresso bar with hot and cold, a few syrup flavors, and milk alternatives

• Haven’t caught on to the cold brew trend quite yet

• Low to average prices for coffee ($2 small drip to $5 large mocha)

• Food is very reasonably priced (under $10)

Now on to the specific drinks! I tried something new: an iced hazelnut latte. It was sweet and flavorful…hazelnut is a nice compliment to coffee, and it was a good pick me up on a Monday morning. Alyssa had the same drink hot on my second visit, and she reported that there was a “good amount of foam for a latte, but the coffee wasn’t very strong.”

I also tried a cappuccino (it’s been awhile since I first had one, and l like coffee more now than I did then). It wasn’t very strong, but I enjoyed it. It become even better once I mixed all the foam in.

My mom’s iced latte macchiato was nice and strong in her opinion, so I guess the strength of David’s coffee is average and really depends on your preference.

As far as food goes, David’s has some unique options. Their massive cinnamon rolls are made fresh everyday (I need to come back and try one when I’m not doing no sugar because they look amazing). The other main food focus is the sandwiches. Their signature is Rueben, and any sandwich can be served on a bed of greens for a gluten-free or lighter option.

David’s serves sufficiently as the only coffee shop in New Buffalo. And as one extra little tidbit, the space turns into The False Front after 6pm for anyone over 21. So, no matter what time of day or what type of drink you’re in the mood for, this is a great little spot to check out.