After an early-morning rise to make it to the dentist, I was hungry and in a hurry to get to the office. So I stopped at Lake Wylie's coffee house at Rivers Edge Pavilion on S.C. 49.
Dilworth Coffee House is a Charlotte-based chain started in 1989, now serving at 11 locations. At Lake Wylie, I've often found the co-owners working behind the counter at this locally-run java station. The baristas, just like during this brunch hour, are helpful and friendly.
Along with the brews of hot and cold caffeinated (or decaf) beverages, the coffee house offers pastries, muffins, 12 flavors of Gastonia's Tony's Ice Cream, smoothies and protein shakes. Bagels ($1.50) have recently been added, with varieties available listed on the whiteboard behind the ordering counter. Breadsmith breads also are sold.
I opted for another new addition, the hot and healthy breakfast of whole grain English muffin, turkey sausage, egg whites and cheese with 260 calories and 7 grams of fat. Cost: $2.50.
"Pretty reasonable," I thought, as I took a seat on the brown leather couch near the front of the narrow coffee house and set my piping hot meal on the real coffee table. The breakfast tasted good and hit the spot.
Coffee prices range from $1.50 for a 12-ounce daily grind to $4.50 for a low-carb blended iced coffee made with half and half. I decided to forego my usual mocha and caramel latte to set sail with Capt. Morgan - the special posted on the board, made with hazelnut, English toffee (my favorite), and a secret ingredient. I like secrets so long as they leave me with a good taste in my mouth. And the secret isn't alcohol -- there's no alcohol in this Capt. Morgan. I'm glad I strayed from the usual to try something new. It sails to the top of my favorites on the coffee list.
The barista explained that she and co-workers make their own special blend for the "special of the day." Next time, I won't hesitate to try something new.
Dilworth Coffee House in Lake Wylie is its own escape. Quiet -- no music -- and the sound on the one television turned down, it was peaceful and serene with the soothing coffee aroma in the air. I've been here with a friend at busier times of the day, taking advantage of the free Internet. No one ever makes you feel like it's time to leave.
In fact, everything here says come on in and take a load off. There are comfortable leather chairs, a table form a home kitchen ready for six and even a checkerboard table ready to be used. In the corner under an available computer, are board games including Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Dominoes, backgammon and more. Across the room, next to the TV, I noticed a Wii. There are a couple of outdoor tables, too.
Plus there's plenty to absorb on the wall, including burlap coffee bean sacks from around the world and everything local, including a billboard with business cards and fliers of events, photos of Lake Wylie framed and for sale, and other items, naturally including coffee mugs, for sale. There's a wall of photos of the musicians who play here, usually from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays.
Owner personalities are evident with a few photos of motorcycles.
Plus, the T-shirts on the wall say quite a bit. This coffee house has hosted poker rides for the "I'm a Kool Kid" Foundation, which helps provide toys for ill children in local hospitals. This year's event is scheduled for June 5.
Dilworth Coffee House in Lake Wylie makes a mean brew, and is everything I'd hope for in a neighborhood coffee bar.
They also cater, host birthday parties and provide office coffee service.
