If you're from Oneonta or went to school in Oneonta, whether it be high school, Hartwick or SUCO, you've heard of Latte Lounge. I don't think there's any possible way that you could've missed it, even in conversation. For those of us who need coffee to survive, whether it be on a weekly, daily or even hourly basis, Latte Lounge is a place where you can get a coffee and just relax. And we all need to relax from time to time. So, sit back and pretend you're at Latte Lounge as you read through the list of many reasons that you should love this coffee shop:
1. The atmosphere
Even when it's incredibly busy, walking into Latte Lounge is comforting. You're hit by the smell of coffee and the din of customers having conversations at the tables around you. When it's quiet, there's a special kind of feeling that feels you up knowing that you can sit anywhere you want and have your drink to yourself. Now you're happy you brought that book.
2. The variety
To this day, I am still surprised by the number of flavors Latte Lounge offers to put in nearly any of your drinks. This past winter, I survived on egg nog hot chocolates. Uh-huh. Whether you get an iced tea, a hot coffee, or a latte chiller, you can get it flavored and it's going to be amazing.
3. Smoothies
I fell in love with Latte Lounge's smoothies last spring. The peach smoothie is by far my favorite. It's refreshing on a hot day and it powers you through the rest of your school or work day.
4. Truffles
I have never bought the truffles in the case at Latte Lounge. I admire them while I'm waiting for my order to be called. Sometimes, the truffles are fruit shapes and most recently, I've seen different colored clownfish. I would say there's a new kind every time I go in, but I can't say that because you find me there pretty often.
5. The staff
The staff that work at Latte Lounge are some of the kindest people. Very rarely do I feel embarrassed when my order gets twisted or lost on my tongue, and that happens pretty often everywhere I go. Some of them have begun to recognize me and while I was like "oh, great" at first, it's nice to know that someone remembers my name.
6. The Green Toad
The Green Toad Bookstore is connected to the coffee shop. What "Gilmore Girls" inspired magic is this? Tell me that Rory Gilmore wouldn't have loved a coffee shop and bookstore connected. You can't, because she would've loved it. While I'm waiting for my order, I can peruse some of the newer selections and write down a couple of titles that I want to read.
7. The food
If you've ever gotten food at Latte Lounge, you know what I'm talking about. I'm still stuck on the chicken cutlet sandwich for lunch and chocolate chip pancakes for a brunch item, but I finally branched out and tried the chicken quesadilla and was blown away. Also, their bagel chips are out of this world.
8. The furniture
Not only is the coffee bar the coziest looking station I've ever seen, but Latte Lounge recently put in bar/counter seating. The second I walked in and saw this, I freaked out and texted my friends that were no longer in Oneonta. I love sitting there and having some lunch and conversation. There's also some tables in the back that are great for homework and catching up with people.
9. Local coffee
Latte Lounge serves coffee brewed by a local roaster, Capital City Roasters. I love keeping things local.
10. Convenience
Even on busy days, I've gotten my coffee faster than I have in other businesses. It's great when you don't have much time to get back to campus, but you're in need of a coffee fix.
