video courtesy of Hope Cafe
On the edge of Raleigh and Scotty McCreeryville, aka Garner, sits the Hope Cafe. Off of Tyron Road, the space is part of a little, unassuming plaza. With all the concert venues around the Triangle it's easy to pass by the Hope Cafe without a second glance. But inside the meek exterior is a cafe full of hospitality, warmth, faith, arts, and eats.
If it wasn't for The Vespers having a free show at Hope Cafe that night, I too would pass by the space without taking another look. But after the Mumford & Son's concert in Raleigh's Amphitheater, I was hoping for a more intimate folk rock experience. As with many good things, I was introduced to the Vespers through their appearance at Campbell. Their enchanting vocals combined with soaring harmonies drew me in, comparable to a folk/bluegrass version of Eisley.
Turkey Sandwich on wheat
The Hope Cafe's menu is not going to surprise you or impress you with culinary innovation. Sandwiches, breakfast, coffee, all standard cafe fare. Though they do have a sandwich called "Noah's Ark" which I was very curious about. The show had started when I reached the front of the line so it was too loud to ask any questions. My hope is that there's "two of every kind" of meat stuffed inside the sandwich.
So instead of dipping my toe in uncertain waters, I chose the safe bet and went with a turkey sandwich topped with mustard, tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon. The turkey itself was quality. Freshly sliced, moist, and flavorful. I decided to get the sandwich on wheat, despite the availability of croissants. Nevertheless the bread was enjoyable. I'm disappointed that I didn't ask where either of those items were made. The produce was fresh as well. The bacon gave the sandwich another layer of flavor but I will go back to my typical issue, it didn't have the crispiness that I so desperately desire.
So instead of dipping my toe in uncertain waters, I chose the safe bet and went with a turkey sandwich topped with mustard, tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon. The turkey itself was quality. Freshly sliced, moist, and flavorful. I decided to get the sandwich on wheat, despite the availability of croissants. Nevertheless the bread was enjoyable. I'm disappointed that I didn't ask where either of those items were made. The produce was fresh as well. The bacon gave the sandwich another layer of flavor but I will go back to my typical issue, it didn't have the crispiness that I so desperately desire.
Iced Coffee
Chocolate Mint Frappe
Midway through the show Sara, who has a thing for Dunkin Donuts' Coolattas, was in the mood for a frozen drink fix. In place of the Coolatta she decided to try out Hope Cafe's chocolate mint frappe. Nicely blended, the mint and chocolate was noticeable throughout and none of those huge chunks of ice you get with some other frozen drinks.
Quite possible the neatest thing about the Hope Cafe is that its actually an 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All proceeds from the cafe go into projects such as well-drilling in Africa for safe water.
Hope Cafe
201 Tryon Road #109
Raleigh, NC 27603-3652
(919) 896-8997
The Vespers
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2 comments:
I just stopped in to check this place out - great coffee! I would have never realized this place existed... Thanks for sharing!
Extremely glad you enjoyed it! Very neat place that is somewhat off the beaten path.
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