Where is Colin's Coffee?
Colin’s is an Upper Arlington local gem located on Riverside. Directly across from Griggs Reservoir along the Scioto River, Colin’s is in a league of its own – it is an island of local coffee, flanked by tasty options like Gallo’s and The Daily Growler. You”ll have no trouble with parking – there is a large lot in the plaza.
When is it open?
Colin’s is open Monday – Saturday 7a-2p, and Sunday 8a-1p for walk in (carry out or you can hang out on the patio), or you can text ahead. No inside seating for the moment. You can keep up with adjusted hours and happenings here.
Normal hours (pre-pandemic) were Monday through Friday 6a-3p, Saturday 7a-2p, and Sunday 8a-1p.
The Menu - What Are They Known For?
Colin’s Coffee has everything: hot drinks, cold drinks, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, you name it! Note that the menu can rotate, and not everything in the gallery below may be a current offering.
As far as coffee (though you should really try a McRoy breakfast sandwich), I’d recommend one of their signature flavor lattes. For something you won’t find everywhere, get a Jumpin Monkey – chocolate banana latte! Dairy alternatives are available.
What's the space like?
You can definitely tell what Colin’s tastes are as soon as you look around. The place has a hometown feeling about it, but upon further inspection, it is ripe with music memorabilia, from books to posters to references to Colin himself! Yes, you can find him there a lot and yes he is a musician. Check him out and learn about his blog and music on Instagram (@colin_gawel).
I mentioned the great decorations and enticing bookshelf, but the space is great for just hanging out – we have been quite a few times and we often see large groups of friends or even runners meeting there. Bar style and many tables of seating amount to 40+ places to sit inside, and though it is popular, I have yet to not be able to snag a spot on a busy weekend.
However, our pick on a nice day is the patio – this is one of the best coffee shops for covered outdoor space. You won’t be baking in the sun but you’ll still have many seating options and a plenty strong wifi connection.
Is it a good work space?
Absolutely, the wifi is good, there are outlets inside along the perimeter, and there is some taller seating available if you’re more the standing type. It’s no noisier than your typical coffee shop, which is to say that you may want headphones if you need peace-and-quiet.
Our Experience
This is one of the shops that we border on “frequenting”. It’s chill, the staff is super nice, it’s a stone’s throw from a walk along the river on a sunny day. Plus, have I mentioned how great covered patios at coffee shops are enough yet??
Last time we went was just after stores started opening back up when COVID restrictions started to be lifted. Though we couldn’t sit inside, we walked in no problem (and noticed the text line for orders) and had a nice work session right outside. We enjoyed an iced almond milk, sugar-free hazelnut latte and an iced cinnamon toast latte – would drink again!
Other things to do in the area
If you need a lot more pick-me-up, head further into Upper Arlington to Crimson Cup.
Don’t know where to go for a beer? Why don’t you head to Somewhere In Particular Brewing.
Catch some rays outside or have a round of disc golf at Griggs Reservoir.
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Email us at help@brewsandtodos.com