Beans-n-Cream’s Historical Coffee Corner

Sometimes an extravagant or exciting coffee shop adventure just isn’t possible. Since getting back from Spring Break on Sunday, it has been one of those weeks—a week where you never stop running but still seem to be swamped in homework and midterm projects.

But, being busy doesn’t have to meet being stranded on campus. Even though Cedarville is in the middle of corner fields, we will always have a very local coffee shop choice: Beans-n-Cream or Telemetry.

Any Cedarville student could probably describe the differences between Beans and Telemetry—and tell you why they think one is better than the other (don’t worry, I’ll write a comparison with Telemetry eventually so stay tuned). Today Luke and I decided to run down to Beans for some quick coffee, snack, and a little homework.

Atmosphere

One of the most obvious features of Beans-n-Cream is the beautiful 1920s architecture inside and out. The building was originally the Cedarville Exchange Bank, but has served as the coffee shop’s home for the past 10 years—Cedarville has lots of interesting history to learn about.

Large windows offer lots of natural lighting as well as a panoramic view of Cedarville’s “busiest” street corner. Beans is warm and homey—both in the colors and atmosphere. Everyone is friendly, and the home town feel is very evident.

The faint background music is mostly covered by chatting visitors. Square wooden tables provide plenty of space to connect with people, and the separate (and quieter) area upstairs is great for studying.

Even though I have been to Beans-n-Cream numerous times over the past three years, I noticed a lot of new details today that likely go unnoticed: the giant sun with a face on the stairs, the original marble walls under the windows, and glass top tables with old Cedarville artifacts displayed.

A small craft corner sells the handiwork of various local artists, and corkboards at the entrance hold advertisements for both town and university events. There’s also a bin for clothing donations to support Bridges of Hope, a Christ-based organization serving people in need in near-by Xenia.

Despite the inviting atmosphere, Beans-n-Cream has more of a café than coffee shop vibe. It can come across as cluttered or random rather than creating a distinct environment. Part of this comes from the very local nature of the space. Yes, there are lots of students, but Beans tailors it’s brand to the town as a whole, not just millennials.

Drinks & Prices

Luke and I’s drink tasting roles were reversed today. He ordered a frozen mocha that had cool chocolate swirls on the side of the cup. It was gone in less than 15 minutes, so I’d say that makes it a good option.

I had a literal flavored iced coffee—like really, no cream and no sugar. Okay, yes, the flavor was salted caramel, but you really couldn’t taste it. It’s progress. The coffee is smooth and refreshing, and I liked it more the longer I drank it.

Beans-n-Cream has an extensive menu and plenty of flavors (all on decorated chalkboards of course). The coffee prices are typical, but the food is a little more on the expensive side for a coffee shop. I can say from past experience though that they have excellent breakfasts to start off a long day of Saturday studying

Also, in case you were unaware, you can get root beer in vintage looking glass bottles (I love little details like that).

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SO, here is my summary of Beans for future comparisons:

Pros: lots of seating, good coffee and food, comfortable environment Cons: tendency to be loud, not very aesthetically appealing, no distinct vibe

And here’s your typical Cedarville question for the week: Which is better? Beans or Telemetry?