You, Me, and Caffeine: Week One

Review of Mad Hatter's Cafe and Bake Shop

Welcome to the first instalment of the series You, Me, and Caffeine! This week, I went to Mad Hatter's Cafe and Bake Shop located on the corner of Main St. and Broad St.

I chose this as the first coffee shop of the series because it is somewhere I have always driven past but never have been too. I have always heard good reviews from people that it is a nice place to get morning brunch and has a wonderful bakery inside. Now, I am all about brunch and bakeries, so I figured it was the best place to start my journey for the best coffee shop in Durham.

Coffee and Chocolate Croissant - Samantha Maksud

First Impression

First initial impression of the shop was how packed the parking lot was. I was able to find a spot right in front of the door, which was a plus, but the shop shares parking space with all the other business in the lot that include Whole Foods, a nail salon, Sushi restaurant, and other small shops. The outside of the building has a rustic modern feel with white bricks, black and white accents features like the signage, and minimal landscaping. Walking into the building, you are immediately greeted with the sights and smells of the bakery as the counter is located directly to your right. You can't help but notice all of the fresh baked goods that are in the glass case. Walking further into the building will lead you to a large seating area tables and chairs filled with people inside. The theme seen on the outside of the building is seen in the sitting area as well as the table and chairs are modern wood finishes with small hardware details. There is also an outdoor seating area as well if you choose not to sit inside but be warned, it is covered with event style tent, so not really good for rainy days.

The Atmosphere

My first impression of the atmosphere of the shop is Busy. I don't know if it was because of the time of morning I went or the day but it was busy from the back of house all the way to the sitting area. Sure, there are plenty of tables but good luck finding a seat.

The sitting area is filled with people of all ages. The most significant group of people I saw there were college students. Which isn't a surprise as part of Duke University's campus is located right across the street. So if you're looking for a quiet place for morning coffee, I'd suggest somewhere else. If noise doesn't bother you, or you like lively atmospheres, then this is the place for you! I myself prefer quieter places as I get easily distracted in busy environment, but if you are like my partner, he thrives in them.

I did find a sense of normalcy in this aspect of the shop. The people at the tables were either enjoying morning brunch with family or friends or small cohorts of students working on assignments with their computers and tablets. Yet, for a moment, I forgot that we're still in a pandemic and political unrest. It felt like 2019 again. I enjoyed watching the people behind the counter making orders, and seeing friends talking about the latest gossip or news. It just felt normal.

Overall: I would give it a 3 out 5 people.

The Price

The prices of coffee here are average compared to your chain coffee stores. I ordered a Large Mocha, priced at $4.50, and a chocolate croissant. I'm unsure of the exact price of the croissant as I forgot to get a receipt (I know, amateur move) but my total came out to $8.87. I think this is fairly reasonable compared to other chain stores I have been too.

Now, if your looking to get more than just a coffee, there is an assortment of meal items that are available for breakfast and lunch. Then, of course, there is the bakery. I wish I had more time and money because I would dedicate an entire blog series to just review every baked good that came out of the bakery. Looking at the glass case will instantly light up your eyes as it is filled with cakes, cookies, macaroons, fresh baked bread, muffins, and so much more. I have the full menu linked here.

Over all, I give it $$ out of $$$$.

The coffee and a singular pastry is not expensive. That I would only give it a $ being anywhere from $5 - $15, but if you get more than coffee be prepared to spend anything between $10- $30 dollars. So I have averaged it out to $$. The bakery has its own sets of prices for its cakes, cupcakes, and wedding cakes, but I won't get into that.

The Coffee

Now for the main review: The coffee. In my original instalment of You, Me, and Caffeine I said that a coffee shop is only as good as its coffee. For me, the mark of a good coffee shop is in the Mocha. A simple yet complicated drink that is a staple in almost every cafe.

In the photo above, we see that mocha. Initial presentation of it is that it lacks the foam and latte design that most baristas would do. This isn't a major factor of the coffee itself as different places have different methods of preparation. I myself just happen to prefer an abundance of foam and enjoy the design. The taste of the espresso itself wasn't anything out of the ordinary. It seemed to be a medium roast, of which coffee bean, I am not sure. The chocolate taste was lacking throughout. It fell to the bottom of the cup and wasn't really present till the end of the drink. Sure, that's typical of this drink, but the chocolate wasn't present enough throughout the entire drinking process. My prefered mocha is rich in chocolate with a perfect balance of espresso. In this cup, I didn't find that balance. It was more espresso and milk than a perfect balance of all three.

I have to say, I was slightly disappointed in this mocha, as the shop and the croissant, led me to have high expectations that the coffee would be just as good as the rest. Overall, I would give it 2 out of 5 cups.

The Final Score

Just to preface again, I am no coffee connoisseur. I am just a simple person that enjoys a good cup of coffee in a shop every once in awhile. I think a coffee shop should have a welcoming atmosphere, reasonable prices, and most of all good coffee.

Mad Hatter's Café and Bake Shop had an welcoming, normal, atmosphere that you would expect to find in a good coffee shop. Sure the place was busy, but that should be a testimony to how loved it is the Durham community. The Mocha was underwhelming but to each their own. I would still order it again as it is a decent drink at a reasonable price. The crown jewel of this place is definitely the bakery. One look at the assortment of good will have you leaving with a box full of treats.

Overall, I give it 3 out of 5 stars. I definitely will be back to have more of the treats and encourage everyone to stop by!

Like and Comment below! Fill free to share your experience or recommend other places in durham I should try!