Something Brewing in Conway: Not Your Ordinary Coffee Shop

While the Starbucks trend has introduced millions of Americans to the joys of daily lattes, their cookie cutter shops can leave many coffee drinkers cold. That's where the friendly neighborhood coffee house comes in. In Conway, that niche is filled by Something Brewing at Mill and Front Streets downtown.

Located in an old house, no one will every mistake Something Brewing for a trendy national chain. Customers ranges from college students from nearby Hendrix College to downtown business people and retirees. When you walk in the front door, you are greeted by a barista and a large menu board full of coffee, tea and food selections. There is the usual assortment of lattes and cappuccinos, along with local specialties like the Almond Joy (espresso flavored with chocolate and coconut syrups, steamed milk and whipped cream) and the Granny Snicker Doodle (espresso, hazelnut and cinnamon syrups, steamed milk and whipped cream). There are also hot and cold teas, milk shakes and ice cream sundaes in addition to the extensive coffee selections.

Something Brewing also caters to the lunch crowd with a menu of soups and salads and desserts. On a recent visit, the Grilled Rueben Sandwich was hot and loaded with corned beef and sauerkraut with just the right amount of sweet thousand island dressing. I added fries for $1 more and was not disappointed. They were hot and crispy enough to make Ronald McDonald jealous. I had intended to try a dessert, but the size of my sandwich was so generous that I wasn't able to make room.

Several days later, I returned in the middle of a cold gray afternoon for coffee and a hot dessert. The dessert menu is somewhat limited, largely consisting of danishes, scones and muffins, but they do offer funnel cakes. I opted for a chocolate chunk muffin and a Banana Nut Bread Latte. The muffin fine, but nothing I would make a special trip for, but the latte was hot, rich and perfect for a cold winter afternoon. The muffin was almost an afterthought. If you prefer tea to coffee, Something Brewing offers a free pot of tea (Ceylon, spiced chai, Japan Sencha Green, Jasmine green, Oolong, Apricot, mango, Earl Grey, peppermint, Rooibos, Orange & Spice, Darjeeling, English breakfast ) with the purchase of any dessert.

Local and regional indie music acts play in the evenings, and there is a large outdoor patio for enjoying the sites and sounds of downtown Conway during pleasant weather. Something Brewing is open 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. seven days a week. Full breakfast is offered and there are vegetarian menu options available.