A teenager’s first cup of coffee can be a sort of rite of passage: a sophisticated flavor and a source of energy to survive the early mornings of high school. Now, companies like Starbucks have evolved to create both an atmosphere and a menu tailored to teens, making them both a social hotspot and an easy way to get a daily dose of sugar and caffeine.
Still, though the menus of Starbucks and Dunkin’ may appeal to teens’ tastes, the high prices don’t exactly agree with their wallets.
If teens are willing to pay upwards of $7 for a cup of coffee at a fast-food franchise, why don’t they switch up their morning routine and head over to a local café, where prices are not only potentially lower, but customers can be sure that their cash is going to support the community?
The Old Mill Cafe in Old Ellicott City is a perfect example of a local business that is sure to satisfy both its customers’ taste buds and desire to give back. Even as a small business, Old Mill has over 50 different drinks on the menu, as well as an impressive variety of breakfast foods, including sandwiches, breakfast toasts, quiches, crepes, muffins, croissants, and scones.
Their size does not stop them from donating to a long list of local non-profits, schools, and art programs, such as the Baltimore Hunger Project, HopeWorks (Howard County’s Domestic Violence Center), Toys for Tots (which delivers Christmas gifts to children), and Old Ellicott City Pride Day.
Established in 2018, the café is open on every weekday (except for Wednesday) between 7 am and 3 pm, and between 8 am and 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Prices for drinks range from $2 to $5.75, and all items on the menu are $11.00 or below.
The perfect timing of a visit from my grandparents allowed me to enjoy a big family brunch on a cool Saturday morning. Across the Patapsco River, the Old Mill Café is separated from the immediate crowds of the town’s weekend farmer’s market, and the reserved parking for customers made for no delay in appeasing our ravenous stomachs.
Stepping into the café, I was hit with all the welcome sounds and smells of a classic, small-town coffeehouse. The warm fumes of dark roast and fall spices filled my nostrils. Flameless candles dangled from the ceiling; small kids skirted between tables; couples, friends, and families alike gathered; and all quickly grabbed a spot in the throng behind the counter.
The line was long, but it moved quickly. The café was busy, but not overly loud and crowded. And the indoor seating was limited — so we were sure to snag several chairs the moment we arrived.
In the short time it takes for our food to be ready, I observed the displays that cover every wall. Stacked on floor-to-ceiling shelves was the work of local artists, including watercolor prints, photography, ornaments, and greeting cards. A back wall hosted a borrow-a-book-lend-a-book library, and others sold various mugs, bulk coffee, and syrups.
It took some deep concentration to make our orders from what felt like a limitless array of treats. Luckily, the cheerful baristas didn’t seem to mind our lack of decisiveness.
While my family and I would have loved to try a bit of everything, we made ourselves content with an order of several coffees, Hummus Feta Toast, a couple Always Sunny Sammies, a Strawberry Spring Crepe, Chicken Salad Sandwich, and several baked goods.
It was especially difficult to decide what drink to get (there were too many good options) — but thanks to my mom’s generosity, I was able to sample both my mocha and her chai latte. Both were pleasantly sweet, extremely creamy, and put me in mind of an autumn morning in a pumpkin patch. For those Starbucks addicts or those who crave fall flavors, the Pumpkin Spice Latte special might catch your eye, and readers can take my word that these coffees would at least never be accused of skimping on spice.
The coffee combined with the baked goods — Almond Croissant, Strawberry Lemon Scone, and Pumpkin Pastie — may just have been the highlight of the experience. Each treat had a rich, distinct flavor with the satisfying warmth of being freshly baked.
The Pumpkin Pastie was like Thanksgiving come early. The hand pie was filled with the flavors of a classic pumpkin pie (but better) and a satisfying puréed texture that easily melts in your mouth.
The Strawberry Lemon Scone was baked to perfection; crumbly, delicate, moist, and well-balanced with two very strong, sweet, tangy flavors.
The Almond Croissant was an all-around favorite. It had a very robust almond taste — but not overpoweringly so (coming from a critic of excessive almond extract). It is delivered covered with toasted halved almonds, a spiced paste, and a sprinkling of powdered sugar for good measure.
The rest of our order was just as flavorful. The Always Sunny Sammie, with egg, Havarti, tomato, and spinach on a toasted English muffin with pesto, was pronounced to have shockingly fresh ingredients. The Hummus Feta Toast, with whole wheat bread, feta, parsley, and tomato, was both filling and light.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, the Strawberry Spring Crepe — fresh strawberries, Nutella, and whipped cream — is a great choice. The serving size was plentiful, and the ratio of flavors was spot on.
The Chicken Salad hosted a variety of ingredients: sourdough, chicken breast, pecans, cranberries, honey, and spinach. My grandfather was pleasantly surprised at its unique taste, praising the ingenuity of such an unexpected flavor combination long after we had left.
On our way out, I caught sight of a back courtyard and popped my head in. Immediately, I wished we had discovered it earlier; surrounded by walls of classic brick and crawling vines, it had several more small circular tables and multiple picnic tables for anyone who wants a quieter and secluded space. String lights and portable heaters made it available for different times of day and types of weather.
The Old Mill Café has all the benefits of your go-to Starbucks. Coffee can be grabbed quickly and on the go, and their extensive menu is sure to satisfy a variety of taste buds. It’s a great spot to meet friends, get some work done, and motivate you to get out of bed in the morning.
The Old Mill Café offers something more than fast-food chains can. Not only does it have a delicious bakery with fresh, natural ingredients, it has a heart ingrained in the community, committed to keeping everything from local artistry to local spirit, alive.
