In Cheat Lake where there has been some rapid development, there's a new coffee shop called Hillside Cafe and Taproom. Right now, they're focused on coffee, but "taproom" sounds promising.
I was only passing through the area, but I really wanted to check this place out. So, I made haste to get here and arrived a little over an hour before they closed. Perfect ... I thought.
The space is lovely - it always has been. It's a good size and has lovely wooden floor, modern lighting and some nice nook areas to study or relax. They also have their own branded mugs and coffee from Mountaineer Roasting Co.
On this day, I think maybe they closed at 3 p.m. (don't quote me on that), and I strolled up to the counter, waited a few moments, and the woman working came over. I inquired about the paninis on the menu, and she said they stop serving food one hour before they close. I looked down at my phone and saw it click over to 2 p.m. on the dot. I looked at her and said - ah man, are you sure? Maybe just something small real quick? And she was unwavering - "nope."
She probably didn't see it, but my heart sank in that moment. I understand closing the kitchen a bit early - sometimes that takes time. But, we're talking paninis and salads here. She probably didn't know - or care - that I just drove 3 hours to get there in the nick of time. But, that's neither here nor there. I went for a coffee drink and a pastry instead.
The frozen coffee drink with caramel was fine; flavors were a bit muddied - too much ice maybe? The pastry I had was pretty good. It was super rich, sweet and a nice crunch from walnuts.
Yet, I still had a sour taste in my mouth. I didn't exactly feel welcome there - and with so many good coffee options in Morgantown - I might go to one that has a bit more of a warmer welcome.
Grade: B
