Independent MObile JOurnalism Showcasing the "mojo" of HOward COunty

Why's it so hard to find a good cup of coffee around here?

Is it possible to find a truly good cup of coffee in Howard County?
There are a handful of places, but my experience has been: not so much.
But maybe you know some hideaways! Listen and share.

Thanks!
Mike

You can listen to this podcast here, or by downloading it through the HoCoMoJo podcast feed on iTunes, or the standard RSS feed.
You can also download the MP3 file directly.

Tags: coffee, humor, mike, morucci, moruccipodcast

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Aballo on January 31, 2010 at 8:12am

I don't think you mentioned Lakeside in the American City Bldg. They always offer regular coffee as well as flavors of the day, and they make a killer bacon, egg, and cheese bagel.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Morucci on January 31, 2010 at 9:43am

You're right, Jennifer. I did not mention Lakeside. I've been for lunch (and love it) but haven't been there for breakfast. I will definitely give them a try!

I'm glad you mentioned breakfast sandwiches! So many places microwave processed eggs (perfectly even yellow) instead of real eggs. So I'll definitely keep Lakeside in mind for that too.

Sindy's Deli on Route 108 makes a fantastic, inexpensive breakfast: big variety. The coffee is OK.

Thanks so much for commenting!

Jennifer Aballo said:

I don't think you mentioned Lakeside in the American City Bldg. They always offer regular coffee as well as flavors of the day, and they make a killer bacon, egg, and cheese bagel.

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Permalink Reply by Sue Emerson on January 31, 2010 at 11:19am

My favorite has always been Bean Hollow, on Main St. Always fresh, and the smell of coffee beans roasting adds to the appeal!

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Permalink Reply by Mike Morucci on January 31, 2010 at 11:25am

Good choice! I knew I was going to miss some. Weekday mornings it's actually pretty easy to get a parking spot on Main Street - I just have to allow extra time in the morning. Thanks, Sue!

Sue Emerson said:

My favorite has always been Bean Hollow, on Main St. Always fresh, and the smell of coffee beans roasting adds to the appeal!

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Permalink Reply by HowChow Blog on February 1, 2010 at 2:43pm

Love the podcast about coffee in Howard County. Unfortunately, Java Grande on Rte 40 closed. The pottery shop down the row is going to move there, expand, and offer coffee.

Consider trying Riverside Coffee in Columbia or Sidamo at Maple Lawn in Fulton. I like the coffee at both, although I'm so addicted to caffeine that I'm a bad judge for coffee. Riverside is on the side of Dobbin that flows a little faster than Panera Bread.

Also, you can buy that Orinoco (I think) at Mom's Organic Market in Jessup.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Morucci on February 1, 2010 at 3:25pm

Thanks so much for listening and the info! Wow. Java Grande is gone already? It had great signage off of Route 40 but that location was so-so. That's too bad.

I mentioned Riverside and do enjoy the coffee. I agree, much easier in and out than Panera for sure. Not a secret trick, but if I do want to go to Panera, I will skip the Dobbin Center main entrance and go one more light - I park by Marshall's and walk over.

I'll have to give Sidamo and Mom's Organic Shop a try!

To order Orinoco directly, you can go here: http://www.cafeorinoco.com/index.html

Thanks!

HowChow Blog said:

Love the podcast about coffee in Howard County. Unfortunately, Java Grande on Rte 40 closed. The pottery shop down the row is going to move there, expand, and offer coffee.

Consider trying Riverside Coffee in Columbia or Sidamo at Maple Lawn in Fulton. I like the coffee at both, although I'm so addicted to caffeine that I'm a bad judge for coffee. Riverside is on the side of Dobbin that flows a little faster than Panera Bread.

Also, you can buy that Orinoco (I think) at Mom's Organic Market in Jessup.

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Permalink Reply by wordbones on February 1, 2010 at 5:32pm

I've become a real fan of the Little French Market in old town Ellicott City.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Morucci on February 1, 2010 at 5:36pm

Good to know, Dennis. Another place to try. Thanks!

wordbones said:

I've become a real fan of the Little French Market in old town Ellicott City.

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Permalink Reply by Amy on February 16, 2010 at 8:11pm

Have you tried Nora Cafe in the Normandy Shopping Center on Rt. 40? It's a little out of the way but still in HoCo. Definitely worth the trip for VERY tasty coffee and really good breakfast, lunch and dinner food.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Morucci on February 16, 2010 at 8:43pm

Hi Amy - I have not, and it's my side of HoCo! I will give them a try. Thanks! ~Mike

Amy said:

Have you tried Nora Cafe in the Normandy Shopping Center on Rt. 40? It's a little out of the way but still in HoCo. Definitely worth the trip for VERY tasty coffee and really good breakfast, lunch and dinner food.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Glen on March 6, 2010 at 9:08am

Nora's is probably a great idea. They're owned by the same people who had the Aromi d'italia gelato place in the mall that is gone now sadly. They still sell their Italian cookies from a kiosk in the mall (or at least they did a couple months ago). We used to buy their beans and grind them t home. They used an Illy blend which was excellent. The store/restaurant in Annapolis still offers those gelatos and coffee. Those are pretty good. Anyway, back to coffee...

You know, Nordstrom's cafes on the first floor and the second floor make pretty decent coffees. Also, some of the restaurants have good espressos - Tersiguel's, Kings Contrivance and Cafe de Paris all have good ones. In fact, Cafe de Paris offers their coffee and espresso on weekend mornings at their creperie. I think that would be a great choice for a great weekend morning.