Harrison Street Coffee Shop: The Crevasse Of Joe

"A hole in the wall" isn't the proper title for this humble house of mental repose. It rather defines the side street coffee house where people go to discuss personal matters over some hot comfort food or to partner there studies with a hot cup of joe. Much of the round-joinery woodwork creates a calm atmosphere and assists the very earthy warm and cool walls in situating a slight grin on your face. Soft, individual lighting subtly attempts to glow both the up and downstairs while sounds of delightful, upbeat music always reaches the ear whether you walk in from fair or nasty conditions outside. Almost every bare wall is befriended by work from local artists that will indefinitely add some powwow to any conversation.

Harrison Street's menu is primarily vegetarian and vegan, but that should never be looked down upon as their special is succeeded every couple of days by something new. They also serve quite a bit of tempeh and tofu meals that should tickle and amuse the palate.

10/14/09 I had tried the Cuban garbanzo soup and it didn't have quite the spiciness I was expecting for a Cuban dish, but it was satisfying to the stomach nonetheless and was a wonderful comfort food. It consisted of a vegetable broth filled with potatoes, celery, bell peppers and of course garbanzo beans and was spiced with garlic, cumin, fennel, saffron, and paprika. I would recommend the Chai Latte, which they do serve daily, because of the very fragrant scent that is left on the palate, masked by a creamy sweetness down to the last sip. I insist one to order it served hot because not only will the temperature make it a great cool/cold weather drink, but when combined with the shop's atmosphere, it leaves you feeling as if you have bit into a warm chocolate chip cookie for the first time.

11/2/09 On top of another encounter with my infatuation for Harrison Street's Chai Latte, I was browsing the daily menu and immediately had to try the curry pumpkin soup. I went ahead with a bold move and ordered a bowl and I found myself with a mix of flavors crammed onto a spoon. I had never had anything "pumpkin" outside of baking and pastries and now that this near-epiphany of food choice had occurred, I feel my sense of mixing sweet with spicy has merely doubled. I have had chutney, but it does not compare to this. It was quite delicious and had the thick-broth, velvety texture of a chowder except that it had no chunk to it. Despite the spice, it went down rather easy. Above all else, it was quite a creamy dish with a unique, hot kick.

The menu prices vary from $3.00-$7.00

Harrison St. Coffee Shop is located at 402 N. Harrison St. (little hanging sign out front, can't miss it) 804-359-8060