It’s been rumored that Downingtown is a sleepy town—a quiet suburb halfway between Lancaster and Philadelphia drenched in history. Cohesive communities, mom-and-pop businesses, fine dining, recreational parks, the gorgeous Struble Trail and the Brandywine River all meander close by.
We have to disagree about the sleepy part, though, because we found these 9 (and a half) coverts-of-caffeine percolated into (and around) the borough just waiting to pick up your day.
Downingtown
Coppertown
We flip head over heels for this “double drive-thru” where we can grab the goods and go. A full list of to-go goodies includes Dia Doce’s chocolate brownie or tuxedo mango cupcakes; Waffatopia’s lemon, blueberry, cinnamon, vanilla or maple bacon waffles; and luscious lattes, mochas and frozen espresso drinks. 49 W. Lancaster Ave., (610) 269-6996
The Coffee Cup Restaurant
Looking for a local family spot? The Coffee Cup—open for a homespun breakfast and lunch—has been pouring liquid gold since 1958. You can find the “townies” and the service here friendly and always willing to chat about news, weather and sports. And with a name like this, how can you go wrong? 117 E. Lancaster Ave., (610) 269-9336
Green Street Grill
We can’t discuss anything coffee-related without mentioning the borough’s best-kept secret. Owner Kerry Greco consistently nails a diverse menu full of omelets, bennys and breakfast burritos. The service is always outstanding as hot java continues to pour. 150 E. Pennsylvania Ave., (610) 873-1700
Downingtown Diner
Used as a set for the sci-fi horror B-flick The Blob back in 1958 (and sporting a “scarily good” breakfast dish with the same name), this authentic diner will give you a caffeine fix 24 hours a day. It’s a great place to sop up some neon and aluminum character along with friendly service. 84 W. Lancaster Ave., (610) 873-4545
Nearby
The Flying Machine Cafe
Open for breakfast on weekends, this stop is less a wake-up call than a leisurely way to daydream while watching local planes take off and land at the G.O. Carlson Airport. Bring the kids (or grandkids) to enjoy a varied menu while getting a little coffee lift. 1 Earhart Dr., Ste 3., Coatesville, (610) 380-7977
Fuel City Cafe
Serving up organic Golden Valley Farms coffees—as well as frappes, teas and espressos—this newbie (opened in March) is a welcome addition to the city of Coatesville. Well-stocked with local baked goods (from Yori’s Church St. Bakery and Waffatopia) as well as homemade burritos, quiches and egg sandwiches, this community-centric spot even touts a monthly “coffee with the chief” (of police) where folks can chat about relevant topics. 247 E. Lincoln Hwy., Coatesville, (484) 886-7662
Wellington Square Bookshop
Remember rainy days spent scouring the shelves of a quaint bookstore as the aroma of coffee wafted among the pages of books? Wait no more, with this hidden treasure located within the Eagleview Town Center. Discover lattes, teas, straight-up coffee and snacks as you’re whisked away into the next best-seller. 549 Wellington Square, Exton, (610) 458-1144
Nudy’s
Just skirting the fringes of Exton—but only minutes from Dee-town—is this local award-winning staple that continuously cranks out elevated breakfasts like stuffed French toast, pancakes, omelets and scrumptious bennys. Hot coffee with free refills makes us want to linger. 420 W. Lincoln Hwy., Exton, (610) 524-1508
Kelly’s
We love rubbing elbows in this tiny-but-energetic breakfast bistro, which recently celebrated five years at its Thorndale location. Be sure to ask about the “Dolhancey Challenge” if you dare. Get here early on weekends since the spots tends to get a little full with locals. Try a weekday visit if you want to linger over that second cup of joe. 3303 Lincoln Hwy., Thorndale, (484) 288-8322
Coming Soon
The Farmhouse Coffee & Espresso Bar
Still in the stages of beautification (looking to open late fall), this new kid on the block from owners Dana and Pete Petrizzio is being primed to provide coffee, lattes, sodas and snacks. The rustic community gathering space replete with meeting areas and an easy-to-navigate drive-through is smack dab in the middle of the borough. For all the latest updates, follow along on Facebook and Instagram. 115 W. Lancaster Ave.
- Top, Green Street, Wellington Square & Farmhouse photos: Ed Williams
- Remaining photos: credited to individual locations
- Featured homepage image: FoodiesFeed
