Restaurant Review: Antidote
All kinds of people enjoy a trip to a coffee shop. Some of us are regulars that desire a new atmosphere while we respond to their emails or work on the latest project. Others stop by only for a brief moment to pick up their orders amidst their bustling schedules. There are more still that swear that the moment they pick up their coffee in the morning is when the day actually begins. And finally there are those of us who cherish our occasional trip to pick up a sweet treat. Regardless of the reason for your visit, it’s important to find the shop that makes your drink of choice just how you like it, in a space that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. Let’s see if the local Heights favorite, Antidote, becomes your top cafe of 2024.
Experience & Ambience
This local coffee shop, located on Studewood, sells both drinks and light bites to eat. Above the main counter where you place your order hangs a colorful menu of beverages to choose from. The back walls are adorned with many bags of coffee beans, tea kettles, and espresso machines. The counter itself is normally piled high with jars of large cookies, fresh fruit, and packaged treats from the local Sinfull Bakery, giving the storefront a chaotic look. Their space may be small, but they have used it to the fullest, packing in as many options as possible. After ordering and making your way into the main room, you will notice several comfy couches, and a few small tables, likely filled by people working at their laptops next to their morning lattes. The floor to ceiling windows provide plenty of natural light to the space, where you can glance at the rather odd artwork and photography around the room. It can often be a quiet place to get some work done, although the occasional group of old friends in impassioned conversation will still wander in from time to time. Since there is only one interior seating space, it can become overcrowded during the busier parts of the day. Outdoor seating is also offered, although the metal furniture outside is not nearly as comfortable. It is important to note that certain customers smoke outside, making the outdoor area unsuitable for some. While it has its flaws, Antidote is a rather unique coffee shop. They don’t do anything too big, but it has always been a comfortable place to get some work done or have a conversation.
Prices & Rating
Their prices are fairly standard with lattes and teas running for $5, drip coffee for $3, and snacks for around $5. The cost of adding additional flavorings to a drink is 50 cents, as is upgrading a drink to a large, which comes with a double shot of espresso instead of a single. Soy, almond, coconut, and oat milk are offered as alternatives to traditional cow’s milk, although these options do cost a dollar extra. Overall, the prices are similar to what you would find at any other cafe in the city, however the average Starbucks order would still set you back a few dollars more. This coffee shop is not without faults, the outdoor seating isn’t great for everyone, the main room will occasionally get overcrowded, and like most cafes some baristas make a better drink than others. While the location isn’t perfect, it is certainly well loved by both the owners and the community. Trips to this quirky little cafe have always been positive experiences overall, winning them my recommendation.
What To Order
Flavored Lattes
Perhaps the most popular option is a latte. The hot version is made with steamed milk and a shot of espresso, while the iced version uses unsteamed milk instead. There are a variety of syrups that are commonly added to lattes to give the drink a more unique flavor. One of the more unique flavorings offered is cajeta, which is a Mexican style caramel that pairs great with espresso!
This hot beverage is smaller in stature than the common latte, and is made with a shot of espresso and a small amount of foamed milk. In Italian macchiato means “stained” which refers to the appearance of the milk foam after the espresso is poured over it. This is different from the version sold at Starbucks that more closely resembles a latte than anything else.
Similar to a latte, this hot beverage included steamed milk and espresso. What sets it apart is the ratio of steamed to foamed milk that usually falls at about ⅓ espresso, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ milk foam.
This drink is not one for the faint of heart. Drip coffee with an added shot of espresso makes this the strongest drink on the menu. If black coffee is your favorite then this drink will be a suitable option for you, meanwhile lovers of sweet lattes might want to steer clear.
This non coffee variant of a classic latte is made with steamed milk and a chai tea concentrate, making for a delectably sweet, spiced drink. As with the traditional latte, the iced version uses cold milk instead of steamed. “Dirty Chai” is another popular variation of this drink that also includes a shot of espresso for those looking for a bit of extra caffeine.
If coffee doesn’t pique your interest, you might consider trying an Italian soda, which is a simple, but tasty treat made from a small amount of heavy cream and usually a fruit flavoring that is topped off with sparkling water. This combination makes for a lightly carbonated, cream soda that can be flavored to the customer’s preference.
If you’re looking for a snack, you might try one of the especially large cookies that are housed in equally large jars on the counter. They typically have a few rotating flavors ranging from oatmeal raisin to peanut butter or chocolate chip, but if you ask me, the molasses cookies are the top choice when they are available. If looking for vegan snack options, consider picking up one of the pre packaged treats from Sinfull Bakery or perhaps the vegan biscotti is an enticing option.
During the heat of the summer months, you might grab one of the various frozen desserts out of the freezer at the front of the store. They typically have a mix of popsicles, ice cream, and a few other frozen treats to choose from.
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