What was once known as Willow Springs’s underground hideout for college kids in need of a coffee break has now become one of the most popular high school hangouts. If you’re looking for good coffee, live music or a place to live out your angst, come to Ashbary Coffee House which is open from 9-1 a.m. seven days a week. 

Upon walking up to the coffee house, I was instantly drawn to the shop because of its’ calming aura. It has a deck with casual tables right before you walk up to the main entrance door that is covered in vintage stickers, giving you a peek at the aesthetic that lies within the coffee house. As I walked in, I was pleasantly confused by the interior design that included random felt couches and other living room furniture, and I instantly realized that this place was so much more than just a coffee house.

At the counter, among even more vintage stickers there was a middle-aged man dressed in relaxed attire waiting to take my order. All of the coffee was between $4 and $6–extremely affordable for high schoolers working minimum wage jobs. I chose to get coffee, but even that was a big decision as they had so many different options. 

Ashbary Coffee House provides drinks like coffee shakes, regular iced coffee, hot coffee–any way you like it; they have it. I liked the idea of a french vanilla coffee shake, so I placed my order and I got to watch the barista combine coffee and ice cream making a dream pair.

My mouth was watering in anticipation. As a coffee enthusiast, I was insanely excited to try this drink. Once I retrieved my drink, I paid $5 and took a seat in one of the many comfortable couches, trying to submerge myself into the full Ashbary vibe. My drink came in a clear plastic cup, so I could see the delicious contents of the thick creamy drink.

My first sip was absolutely life-changing, for this was the best form of coffee I had ever tasted. I had to stop myself from completely downing the entire drink in a matter of seconds. Every time I took a sip, I instantly fell more and more in love with not only the creamy consistency but the combination of the sweet taste of the ice cream and a hint of bitterness from the coffee. It was creamy and reminded me of Christmas because of the sweet vanilla flavoring.  

I could finally understand the publicity Ashbary had been getting from my peers, for it wasn’t only a beautiful place, but a place with beautiful creativity. Though I don’t particularly enjoy seeing individuals from my school walk in and out as I try to enjoy my coffee and indulge in its glory. I will admit that I will be returning to Ashbary frequently because of the quality of the coffee and a “home away from home” feeling it provides for its customers.