Spring Break
The Daily OrangeExpress-o
By Stephanie Musat
Posted: 10/22/08, 5:17 AM EST Section: Spice Rack
Freedom of Espresso
(315) 424-8840
144 Walton St. in Armory Square
3.5 out of 5 chilies
Across the street from Freedom of Espresso sits a Starbucks. Around the corner is a Dunkin' Donuts. In the midst of major coffee chains, Freedom of Espresso thrives on its ability to cater to the coffee lover.
Freedom of Espresso is the epitome of a homegrown coffee shop, with a emphasis on the
coffee - nothing else.
The lure of the restaurant: it is designed to function as a hub for regulars.
The layout of the shop isn't conducive for spending time and hanging out. There are no couches, limited table space and no real atmosphere. This way, the bare bones décor encourages walk-ins and take-outs, making it an easy stop for locals.
For those who need coffee to function, especially during midterm season, there is the double o' latte, a drink dubbed "not for the faint of heart."
This latte, mixed with four shots of espresso, will get you through the day with a bold and strong essence, and in our case, bitter on request.
It is stripped bare of any coffee tricks - no half-caf mocha grande frap with skim milk foam. It is simply a latte made of coffee, milk and espresso.
Freedom of Espresso roasts its own coffee, a step up from the chains surrounding it. The most popular blends are the house blend and the African blend. Despite their popularity, neither is stellar but merely better than mediocre.
The house blend is a smooth blend with a true coffee-taste foundation. The African blend is darker than the house blend and reflects the color in the taste. Despite the heavier blend, there is a subtle sweetness, most apparent in the aftertaste.
The menu has an extensive coffee repertoire, but lacks options for those who aren't fans of the cup o' Joe.
There are a few choices of bagged teas and hot chocolate, but not much other deviation. Hot chocolate, the inevitable go-to for a non-coffee drinker, proved that Freedom of Espresso's prowess is in coffee and not in other drinks.
(315) 424-8840
144 Walton St. in Armory Square
3.5 out of 5 chilies
Across the street from Freedom of Espresso sits a Starbucks. Around the corner is a Dunkin' Donuts. In the midst of major coffee chains, Freedom of Espresso thrives on its ability to cater to the coffee lover.
Freedom of Espresso is the epitome of a homegrown coffee shop, with a emphasis on the
coffee - nothing else.
The lure of the restaurant: it is designed to function as a hub for regulars.
The layout of the shop isn't conducive for spending time and hanging out. There are no couches, limited table space and no real atmosphere. This way, the bare bones décor encourages walk-ins and take-outs, making it an easy stop for locals.
For those who need coffee to function, especially during midterm season, there is the double o' latte, a drink dubbed "not for the faint of heart."
This latte, mixed with four shots of espresso, will get you through the day with a bold and strong essence, and in our case, bitter on request.
It is stripped bare of any coffee tricks - no half-caf mocha grande frap with skim milk foam. It is simply a latte made of coffee, milk and espresso.
Freedom of Espresso roasts its own coffee, a step up from the chains surrounding it. The most popular blends are the house blend and the African blend. Despite their popularity, neither is stellar but merely better than mediocre.
The house blend is a smooth blend with a true coffee-taste foundation. The African blend is darker than the house blend and reflects the color in the taste. Despite the heavier blend, there is a subtle sweetness, most apparent in the aftertaste.
The menu has an extensive coffee repertoire, but lacks options for those who aren't fans of the cup o' Joe.
There are a few choices of bagged teas and hot chocolate, but not much other deviation. Hot chocolate, the inevitable go-to for a non-coffee drinker, proved that Freedom of Espresso's prowess is in coffee and not in other drinks.
Be the first to comment on this story