Lunch Break: Ware-Have You Been All My Life

Sampling dishes and diners in and around Miami County

Ware-Have You Been All My Life

It's no secret that when I approach a breakfast outing, I enjoy a steaming cup of Joe brewed in a regular old coffee pot. I’ve talked about the comforting taste of classic Folgers and Waffle House coffee ad nauseam. So, I decided to branch out and try a new warm beverage as well as a booming local coffee spot. I had the amusing experience of enjoying an early morning breakfast break run to Warehouse 4 Coffee at their closest location in Vandalia.

Warehouse 4 has a bit of a gothic exterior. Or, for the younger generations, the outside was a bit emo. The moody building is encapsulated in black, with a cutesy painted flower and a classic glowing open sign on the front entrance, inviting the customers inside. Although the outside is dark, the inside is booming with personality.

The quaint cafe has all of the style of a modern coffee shop mixed with the edge and excitement of a tattoo parlor. The walls, like a gallery, are sprinkled with art, and the lighting is warm and grungy. After ordering from the friendly baristas at the counter, I sat down and thought about starting a book club, just so we could have the first meeting at Warehouse 4. The vibes were immaculate, as was the menu.

As previously mentioned, I decided to branch out from my usual pot-brewed coffee and fru-fru lattes. So, I opted for a London Fog. This is a drink I’ve only had once before and iced from the ever-so-popular Starbucks. The Warehouse London Fog sparkled in comparison. The hot Earl Grey tea’s bitterness was perfectly cut with creamy milk, but wasn’t too sweet as to unsettle an empty stomach. It was a warm treat, and I absorbed it while waiting for my breakfast.

For my meal, I decided to pick the breakfast sandwich that I thought fell perfectly on the spectrum between too hipster and too boring. The Romesco Egg and Feta sandwich was an interesting blend of flavors. I adore feta cheese but have never had it on a breakfast sandwich before. The same can be said for tomatoes. The two together, paired with a fluffy square of scrambled egg and a crunchy panini bread exterior, would’ve been enough flavor on its own for me. However, Warehouse 4 really outdid themselves with this sandwich when they added a flare of pesto mayo and a crunch of arugula to spice it all up. The sandwich and tea hit the spot perfectly, and even though I was sad to leave the cafe, I felt as though I had started my day off on the right foot.

Warehouse 4 Coffee has a unique style that encapsulates generations, young and old. The coffee menu is limited to the classics, which older customers can appreciate, while the tea and food menu is bursting with exciting combinations. The try-everything youngsters coffee house dream. Upon my next visit, I plan to switch it up and go for the trending Matcha Tea and a Chipotle Bacon Sandwich. After this recent trip, my expectations are soaring. 

Warehouse 4 Coffee, 335 S Dixie Dr, Vandalia