UPDATE: Boston Stoker has closed this location and moved to Grandview. Read about their First Avenue store here.
Boston Stoker Coffee Roasters (Facebook / @bostonstoker / Instagram: @bostonstokervicvillage)
771 Neil Ave. (map it!)
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 564-9219
Open Mon-Thurs, 7a-9p; Fri, 7a-10p; Sat, 8a-10p; Sun, 8a-8p
Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free? Y/Y/N
Kid-friendly? Y
Visited: Friday, April 3, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
Although Dayton-based, Boston Stoker has made a name for itself in Columbus coffee. Their old location was in close proximity to Ohio State’s campus, offering college students solid pour-overs, cappuccinos, and the like.
But now they’ve made the move south down Neil Avenue to the Thurber Village shopping center (right next to Giant Eagle). Their building near OSU is being demolished, and honestly, their old location was inside a bank with very little parking. The new digs offer more space, the chance to brand themselves better, and better accessibility.
With the added space they’ve increased the number of snacks to include bagels, scones, cookies, and croissants from Sammy’s Bagels, Angry Baker, and Pattycake Bakery.
The design focuses on lots of natural wood, Edison bulbs, and even signage from old Boston Stoker stores (Boston Stoker originally started as a pipe and tobacco store in 1973).
On our visit we sidled up to the pour-over bar.
If you’re enjoying your pour-over at the shop itself, you’ll see it nicely presented on a special board complete with mug, spoon, and small carafe.
Of course, we took in some snacks at the shop, too. All winners.
Just recently Boston Stoker teamed up with Dan the Baker to feature two types of his bread as toast. Dan revamped his Grandview cafe recently as the Toast Bar, where he’s transforming his already-amazing breads into also-amazing toasts covered in homemade spreads.
You may scoff at the thought of gourmet toast, but in truth this trend doesn’t mean someone is just spreading butter on the bread for you. Many gourmet toasts are more like open-faced sandwiches. Boston Stoker is the only other spot to “officially” serve Dan the Baker bread as toast, outside of his cafe. They’re keeping the toast simple, but it still makes for a very tasty snack. You have two choices, currently: a salted hazelnut spread on sun flax bread or jam and butter on the country sour. This plate was demolished shortly after I took the photo.
If your visit to Boston Stoker has inspired your coffee game, they’ve got whole beans and all the equipment needed to brew at home.
I think this move is good for them, as the shop can get more of the attention it deserves. I hoping this lets a new wave of folks discover Boston Stoker and all they have to offer.
