Venture out to Corinth Square to try Hattie’s Fine Coffee, known for its coffee, juices, smoothies, and sublime breakfast sandwiches.
It’s been a tough run, Barstow. November and December 1 deadlines have passed. Teachers are scrambling to finish grades and comments. Students are preparing for their finals. It is in this truly trying time that I stepped foot into Hattie’s Fine Coffee, a Corinth classic recommended to me by my friend and fellow B-Line staff member, Leilani Galles ‘24.
“My dad is always there,” explained Galles, “so you should go and see what it is all about.”
And there I was, basically every weekend from the start of October to the dastardly November 1 deadline. My work days were often 5 hours at a time, meaning my Saturdays and Sundays were often spent toiling away in the cute coffee shop. In my more than 25 hours spent at Hattie’s, I fancy myself well-versed in the culture of this coffee shop.
Hattie’s is different because coffee is not the only thing on the menu. In addition to the usual assortment of lattes and teas, Hattie’s also boasts smoothies and juices. For me, the Mango Bear and Prairie Village Sunrise were amazing. I would, however, stay away from any matcha in the smoothies. It gives a musty flavor that, in my opinion, is too bitter.
The menu also offers a variety of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Often, I study at Hattie’s with my friend Milly Bertsch, a senior at Pembroke Hill. For her, the best thing at Hatties is the Eggcellent breakfast sandwich. Bertsch says that, “Hattie’s eggcellent changed my life. One day I tried to order it after they stopped serving breakfast food and I almost cried when I couldn’t get my fix.” Other offerings include the EBLTA, Stop Light, or C. Jacks Quiche, the EBLTA being my favorite.
The coffee is also a pro at Hattie’s. From the drip to the toddy to the cafe con leche, every coffee item is really a pro. I ordered the cafe con leche my first time in the shop and was truly blown away. But, I mean, who doesn’t like condensed milk and coffee?
My favorite thing by far on the menu is a hot latte with cinnamon and vanilla. I overheard this order from another patron of the store and immediately tried it. Let me tell you, it’s the best thing I’ve ever put in my body. Please order it; your life will be changed.
The study atmosphere can be described as low to mid-noise level. The music is faint, so a majority of the ambiance comes from the coffee machine, the blender, and the movements of the other patrons. Personally, I love the slight buzz of people, rather than utter silence when studying. But really, it’s whatever floats your boat.
The coffee shop is a bit small, so if you arrive at rush hour times, you might have some trouble finding a table. I will say, however, that the turnaround time is usually quick for many of the people sitting down, so I can find a table within ten minutes of my arrival.
The decor is homey and sweet, all dark wood and worn tables, napkins, and posters with funny slogans and dimmed lighting. I love this sort of atmosphere which is why Hattie’s was often my shop of choice while grinding through my college applications. If that sort of decor is not for you, though, keep an eye out for my review of Pilgrim Coffee, coming soon!
Overall, Hattie’s is a local coffee shop with a diverse menu and a cozy atmosphere. You might even find me there, ready to call it quits on my supplementals.
