Erie County is undoubtedly a place where you will never run out of options to get your morning cup of joe. Whether you want a frothy cappuccino, an iced coffee with the perfect amount of cream (whatever that may mean for you) or a large cup of black coffee, the opportunities are endless. Just one of many perfect places to stop by is Javamango’s Outpost, located in Waterford.

Though Javamango’s Outpost is about a twenty-minute drive from campus, the drive is most definitely one that you will not regret making. The atmosphere is one of the friendliest and calmest that I have ever experienced in a coffee shop. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about their different custom concoctions. Not only will they make your drink to perfection, but you will also get to watch them in the process.

One of my favorite things about Javamango’s Outpost, aside from the delicious food and drinks, is the fact that they get a lot of their supplies from local businesses. Their bagels come from Lakeside Deli and their eggs come from local farms. They also sell half dozens of quail eggs and fresh chicken eggs in shop, which I also find to be very unique. Additionally, Javamango’s offers a plethora of dairy options, including regular half-and-half, almond milk, macadamia nut milk, coconut milk and more.

My personal recommendation would absolutely have to be a Saint Brendan sandwich on an everything bagel with hot sauce paired with a large coffee with a shot of hazelnut and a splash of almond milk .It is a tough choice between the “Saint Brendan” (a sandwich with egg, scallions, bacon and Irish cheddar cheese) and the chicken salad sandwich for me, but the Saint Brendan usually wins.

They also have a sandwich called “The Dora,” a breakfast sandwich with egg, salt and pepper. Javamango’s Outpost offers baked goods too, such as cookies and muffins, that are absolutely huge and delicious. If I am feeling in the mood for a sweet coffee drink, however, I would go for an iced mocha. Their mocha is undoubtedly one of the best that I have tasted with just the perfect amount of chocolate and sweetness.

Some other drinks that are must-tries include the “Lumberjack café au lait” (giving just the perfect fix of maple and cinnamon), the “Ice-and-Fire mocha” (a mocha with a kick provided by cayenne and mint flavors) and the “latte da-de-da”, a latte made with macadamia nut milk and providing notes of caramel and dark chocolate.

I also want to add that even if you are not an avid coffee drinker, Javamango’s Outpost still has plenty of room for you at one of their café tables. They offer Italian soda, iced tea, hot chocolate and an wide variety of hot tea flavors. The café, which opened in early 2019, provided an addition to Waterford that was much needed for the area.

Although I wish at times that Javamango’s Outpost could be located closer to campus, the drive into Waterford is well worth it for what you are able to get. I find myself all too often making the drive out on Saturday mornings for a quiet and relaxed space to study and write while sipping coffee.

I highly recommend that you make the venture out to give Javamango’s a try. I promise you will not regret it. Javamango’s Outpost also has an Instagram and Facebook account that you can find by just looking up Javamango’s Outpost. Both of these accounts are updated regularly, so it is beneficial to check in every so often to see if they have any specials coming.