passenger coffee
7 WEST KING STREET LANCASTER PA 17602
In the beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch countryside, sits a coffee enterprise that is so intentional, so mindful and executes at such a high level that it shakes the coffee senses….Passenger is that place and we are encouraging people to find their way to this gem!
Coffee:
I have been to Passenger twice in the past six months. The first time I visited I went standard red eye with their Keystone drip and the Stowaway Espresso. Both being in the floral category, they blended beautifully and came across as advertised with a stone fruit/honey and the cocoa/sugary (dare I say velvety) espresso complementing the drink. On the second visit, my guide/barista offered that the Stowaway espresso would probably not work as well with the Holiday and recommended an Americano with the Stowaway. Truly a pro move as this was probably the best Americano I have ever had. If I had more time on the second visit (this was a holiday womple with some family), I think I would have engaged in the bountiful pour over menu. One of our other guests commented on the great texture of their latte as well.
Barista:
Maybe it was coincidence, but my summer and winter visits were with the same barista. Kind, helpful and willing to engage per above in my coffee journey. They take their craft seriously yet are also friendly. One of my newer questions is asking a barista if they can’t have their coffee at their shop, where would they go? The second barista was quick with the recommendation of Hudson Botanical which serves Proud Mary..next time I am in the neighborhood this will be a must visit. On my first visit, I also walked to their roastery, and found the same friendliness and “womple wing man” attitude from a delightful barista. The “menu” is well laid out and descriptive replete with an abundance of tea offerings.
Vibe:
This is serious business here. The natural light component coupled with their open air ordering/barista and great seating arrangements tell us that Passenger is serious about not only the coffee, but the experience at the Flagship store. The roastery shop is a little more laid back (and smaller). There is comfortable seating to work, gather with a small group and linger in the coffee goodness that is being laid out. Not a ton of seated tables and the second floor loft was closed both times I was here. Great volume in the room that was not too noisy and the plant aesthetic brings warmth along with the great built in wood counters and seating.
Make You Better
The only thing I can think of is the display of their apparel, which seems to get short shrift over by the wall near the baristas. It’s not a great spot, but if this is the only thing one can come up with…..let’s face it I am being petty. Maybe a couple more food items to fill the sweet and savory, but the biscuit was quite good.
A company that is serious about their ethical and quality growing standards, delivers an amazing product with great research (check out their coffee table book on the counter) but does not seem to take itself too seriously…I’ll be sitting on the Passenger Side enjoying your coffee experience with you any day.
Matholomew