Coffee Shop Review: Stone Creek Coffee in Delafield, Wisconsin

Stone Creek Coffee's Delafield store, located at 2644 Hillside Drive, in Delafield, Wisconsin, has undergone a bevy of changes throughout the years. A relatively new store, the location was undergoing transition for quite a while before settling on the current atmosphere. The major fixtures, counters, tables, and other such items have not changed since their early implementation, but the overall vibe has shifted. The store evolved from a bare-bones coffee shop, to a cluttered warehouse vibe, to its current middle-point between the two. The storefront has an exposed ceiling, modernistic hanging lights, and a few practically and decoratively placed rustic carts and shelves. The tables feature a haphazardly applied "rustic" look (which is little more than some hammer marks and scratches), further attempting to add to the hardcore warehouse vibe once attempted.

However, it has recently been toned down a bit to feel, once again, small and intimate. Currently, Stone Creek Coffee in Delafield provides secluded seating for introverts, and a large, open area with good lighting and conversational seating for extroverts. It is a great place to enjoy your coffee in solemn peace of with a large group of friends. The atmosphere is softened by the smooth jazz music typically playing, and the friendly baristas staffing the counter. Parts of the coffee shop are even kid friendly: there is a big chalk-board for youngsters to play with near the back of the store.

In terms of coffee quality and variety, the store matches its warehouse-esque, rustic aesthetic in the best possible way. The shop is always stocked, as if it were a central supplying hub itself. There is always an abundance of fresh coffee available by the bag, and several freshly brewed varieties on tap by the cup. The coffee house offers relatively standard selections, including espresso, cappuccinos, mochas, and so forth. In addition to these standard favorites, they've got an impressive listing of cold, blended drinks. There is a moderate tea selection-nothing too impressive, but not too bare either. It's definitely more of a coffee shop than a tea house, but that is to be expected.

The shop is usually pretty clean and the bathrooms are well-stocked. The only occasionally messy area is the outside seating, but this is not really Stone Creek's fault. There is an ice cream parlor next door, and many of the ice cream patrons meander over to Stone Creek's large outdoor patio, leaving sticky, gooey, ice creamy messes on the tables and chairs. The employees keep up with cleaning the outdoor area as much as possible, but on busy days the ice cream mess can get a bit out of control.

Overall, Stone Creek Coffee has settled into a great, relaxed niche within the Delafield community. It brews great, fresh coffee, roasted locally in Milwaukee, it offers fair-trade products, and the shop uses many socially responsible recycled products. It is a good location for anybody in need of a fresh cup of coffee and a friendly smile.