Great coffee, soft music and local art add to the flavor of Roaster’s Coffee Company, newly opened in Aurora. Subtitled an espresso bar and gathering place, Roaster’s is exactly that with an old-fashioned black-and- white-tiled checkered floor, roomy tables and an unhurried atmosphere.
“We wanted to provide an alternative to the social bar scene,” manager Megan McKee said. “It’s very relaxed here. It’s a non-smoking, non-alcoholic place to gather. So far, business has been booming.”
Part of the appeal is that live entertainment is offered on Friday and Saturday nights. Local musicians featuring jazz, folk and instrumental music play until midnight.
“We have lots of people stopping by for music and coffee,” McKee said. “Some stay for an hour and some stay all night. Our flavored, non-alcoholic coffees such as Irish cream or cream de menthe offer a nice alternative to liqueur.”
Roaster’s also contributes to the artistic scene by providing a backdrop for local artists’ works. The works are for sale and change monthly. Coffee-related gifts such as cappuccino makers and French presses are also for sale.
Besides offering a large variety of gourmet coffee and teas, Roasters serves European pastries, soups and sandwiches and a huge variety of desserts, including gelato, an Italian ice cream.
“We have lots of families with children stopping by for hot chocolates and juices,” McKee said. “We also draw a lot of downtown business people, commuters from the train station as well as college students from the nearby campuses.”
In warmer weather, awnings and outside cafe-style tables offer a good spot for people watching.
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Roasters, at 56 E. Galena in Aurora, is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to midnight Friday and 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday. Call 708-264-1256.
