Do you find yourself rushing in the morning? At buZZthru Espresso Bar, you can get your coffee on the go or stay awhile. The coffeehouse is filled with artwork and knickknacks, creating an eclectic and warm atmosphere. The shop has stars painted all over its blue ceiling, an oversize chess board near the front door (with one homemade knight piece after an unfortunate incident) and large canvas coffee bags taking up one wall.
Extraordinary regulars
BuZZthru has a drive-thru, but many regulars stop in before work and end up staying even after saying their goodbyes. Others come and go, some dropping coins in the tip jar before ordering their usual drinks. Some have their own mugs hanging on the back wall, with their names displayed above.
"It's just really a great place to hang out and talk," says owner Aaron Tysen. "Students do homework (here) ... it's definitely a place you could come in and spend the day at. If you don't want to do that, we have a drive-thru."
Tysen cites the customers as the best part of the job. "It's just the chance to get to know all the patrons. We have a great bunch of regulars. (It's) a really good time."
One of his employees, former police officer Harry Lofland, pipes up. "We've got a lot of irregulars," he says with a laugh. The two banter back and forth and converse with some patrons, discussing everything from politics to haircuts.
Creative concoction
Tysen was a regular himself for a long time before taking over the business. Now on the other side of the counter, he gets to create the drinks, including one which he calls "the blender madness."
"This is what happens late at night when I'm alone at the blender," he says. "It's essentially a frappe without coffee. Vanilla base, flavored syrup, ice and milk all blended together. We sell a lot more of those during the summer."
While the drive-thru is a morning bonus, buZZthru also holds evening events, like an open mic night on Fridays at 7 p.m. The shop also has a rotating monthly schedule of local artists and bands. On Wednesdays at around 7 p.m., Tysen says a group of local drummers get together and "make a lot of noise."
HOT DRINK: Harricano
An americano (espresso and hot water) named after employee Harry Lofland. He believes some places make americanos wrong by using too much water; instead, he runs the extraction process three to four times to make it very rich. "I think it's just the best cup of coffee if you just want to sit and drink," Tysen says.
Just the facts: buZZthru Espresso Bar
ALSO TRY ...
Alreddy Coffee & Café
11083 Reading Road, Sharonville
513-563-4550 or www.alreddycafe.com
Don't just settle for a muffin on the run - Alreddy Coffee & Café has a full menu in the morning, including oatmeal, pancakes and frittatas. All items on the menu are served in the drive-thru, too.
Luckman Coffee Company
8298 Clough Pike, Anderson Twp.
513-474-8298 or www.luckmancoffee.com
5200 Beechmont Ave., Anderson Twp.
513-231-1040 or www.luckmancoffee.com
There are two locations of Luckman Coffee Company, which offers a variety of blends from around the world. You can get coffee and some fuel to go - such as panini, quiche and soup - in the drive-thru.
