Bielessann Ahmad, ba160@uakron.edu
Are you looking for a new place to grab coffee with a cozy atmosphere, quality products, and affordable prices? Or just study and connect with friends? This quaint cafe is on the ground floor of the EVANS apartment complex on East Exchange Street, making it convenient for students on the University of Akron campus. Along with your usual cafe menu items of lattes and cold brews, Evelyn’s specializes in Korean and Vietnamese cuisine. So if you're looking to try something new or prefer what you already know you enjoy, then Evelyn’s Cafe & Bahn Mi is the perfect place for you!
I have been to Evelyn’s enough times to know that their coffee is incredible. Every week on average I stop by for coffee and get some work done. I find the environment enhances my work ethic and creates an air of productivity. Evelyn’s is my go-to when I need an inviting study space. Fairy lights decorate the cafe, bountiful plants line the sill, and the walls are a pleasant teal color, complimenting the grey wooden flooring. A large chalkboard wall displays all the menu items and prices (paper menus are also available) which I find helpful.
The interior isn’t the only charm of Evelyn’s; their prices are just as refreshing as the drinks. All drinks are under $5. You can even bring in your own cup for a 10% discount! My personal favorite, Evelyn’s latte, totals $3.25. Considering the quality of their coffee it is always worth it. Their menu items range from classic Americanos to popular strawberry matcha to their seasonal spiced caramel apple cider and snickerdoodle chai. I will say their drinks tend to run a bit sweet, so lowering the sweetness is an option. The only drink they can't lower the sweetness of is their signature Vietnamese iced coffee due to how it's made. This type of iced coffee is a concentrated brew, originating from Vietnam made with a special cup called a “phin” which is then pre-sweetened with condensed milk. I usually ask them to fill it about 75% with the iced coffee concentrate and 25% milk for a more subtle sweetness. The flavor of the coffee itself is nutty, bold, and strong, the kind of coffee that makes you jittery within 15 minutes of drinking it. As downtown Akron local guide Emily Anderson agrees, “Vietnamese iced coffee is always a great treat” (Anderson, 2022). This iced coffee puts classic espresso to shame and has become one of my favorite menu items. Evelyn’s the perfect spot for fancy drinks without the fancy price tag. If you’re feeling hungry, they also have food that doesn’t disappoint.
Their small but unique food menu consists of fresh Korean and Vietnamese dishes such as kimbap, dumplings, eggrolls, salads, and Bahn mi. Evelyn’s also features seasonal bibimbap in the warmer months and pho in the winter. If you want a smaller snack or crave a baked good with your coffee, they also serve muffins, scones, cookies, and bagels.
The welcoming aesthetics, pleasing prices, and incredible menu items continue to make me a regular. Evelyn’s has something for everyone regardless of preference, so don’t shy away from this amazing establishment and try something new! Whether you want to lounge, study, or spend time with friends, Evelyn’s is the perfect place to do so.
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