Restaurant: Highland Coffee Company, Louisville, Kentucky
Awhile back, I lost my favorite local coffee shop in Louisville, Kentucky. I went there every weekend and enjoyed a delicious latte or mocha made with almond milk. They diligently knew what to leave out because they knew I was lactose intolerant. And then…without warning…they were closed. Gone. And I have had a coffee void in Louisville ever since.
That changed. In a big way. Today.
I knew of Highland Coffee Company. I drove by it every time I headed down to Bardstown Road. They used to have this amazing sign…until Urban Outfitters moved in. But, that hasn’t kept people from this little gem. Sign or no sign, this place was packed when we showed up. I can see what all the buzz (get it…coffee…buzz…heh heh…) is about.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when we strolled in. I just knew what the locals were saying. And it was all good. Since the sign came down, there had been an outpouring of support from local businesses on both sides of the river because, let’s face it, Highland Coffee Company is sort of off the beaten track. And to anyone unfamiliar with the area…you could drive right by it and never even know it was there.
Sad. Honestly. Because it’s nothing short of awesome.
After a moment of looking over the menu board, both my roomie and I were already set with what we were going to get. She ordered first…a small mocha with skim milk and some of their homemade chocolate whipped cream ($3.45). As for me…I first asked if they had almond milk…and they did. And I jumped up and down with joy for a moment. And with that happy bit of knowledge, I ordered a small pumpkin spice latte with almond milk ($4.00). And as we were being rang up at the register, Cathy spotted the gluten-free goodies on the counter. Gluten-Free Brownies and Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread. The gluten-free pumpkin bread ($3.50) was screaming my name…so Cathy and I decided that we would split a slice of it.
Let me start by saying this…I loved that they had the gluten-free items away from the regular stuff in the case. These were out and tightly wrapped on the counter. Much appreciation for that. That means they are taking extra care to make sure no cross-contamination happened. And for this gluten-free girl…I love that.
The pumpkin bread was unwrapped and placed on a plate for us…with two forks. It looked moist and awesome. I was just too happy about it. I thanked them and took the plate to a table while Cathy went and waited for our drinks. While I was waiting, I went ahead and sliced the pumpkin bread in half. And then…it looked so amazing, I just couldn’t wait any longer. I took a bite of my half.
For anyone who thinks that gluten-free baked goods taste funny, are heavy, or have a strange texture…then they are eating in all the wrong places. For real. This Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread was moist, light, and simply delicious. I love pumpkin and this had the right amount of flavor and spic without being overdone. It was a great treat to enjoy as a late-morning snack.
Then…our coffees came up to order. Cathy got hers first and came to set it on the table. Mine was being remade because the barista realized after she steamed the milk that I ordered almond milk and she did whole milk. That would have set my stomach into a tizzy, yes? Anyway…they got it straightened out and my almond milk pumpkin spice latte was up in no time.
Cathy brought the drinks over to the table…and it was go-time. I took my first sip and have to say…anything Starbucks does, Highland Coffee Company does better. WAY better. I fell in love with their pumpkin spice latte. Simple flavor. The pumpkin wasn’t overdone or overpowering. It was just pure flavor with a great shot of espresso. The pour was perfect. No bitterness. And definitely not too weak. It was love at first sip.
I think I found my new favorite coffee spot in Louisville, Kentucky. For real. Because they cater to people like me. They have dairy-free options. Gluten-free options. Amazing employees. A great atmosphere. And really good food and coffee. I’m once again in love with a local coffee shop in Louisville.
If you haven’t found Highland Coffee Company yet…get down to Bardstown Road in Louisville, Kentucky. Look for Urban Outfitters. Turn into the lot and walk into the place under the giant coffee cup. You’ll feel right at home. And, much like me, you’ll anticipate your next visit and already be thinking of what to try next.
Happiness does come served in a cup. At Highland Coffee Company anyway.
The Celiathlete 