There’s nothing like walking down Hillsdale Street as leaves crunch under your feet, colorful trees line the sidewalk, and front porches display pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns.
Jilly Beans, a coffee shop in the heart of downtown Hillsdale, encapsulated this magical autumn feeling in their latest seasonal special. The “If Fall Was a Flavour” latte is a caramel, maple, pancake, vanilla-flavored coffee – and yes, that is all in one. It is one of many specialty drinks offered at the shop.
Ellie, a barista at Jilly Beans, said that she especially enjoyed one of the lattes.
“I like the ‘Black Forest’ blended. It tastes exactly like a cake because of the cake flavoring and dark chocolate,” she said.
With an array of dozens of flavored syrups, as well as six types of milk – including coconut, soy, and almond – a trip to the shop is likely to satisfy any coffee craving.
Many students frequent Jilly Beans – as evidenced by the line during Parent’s Weekend that extended to the doors, and the four extra employees who were called in to help out. But owner Mary Ellen Sattler pointed out customers may not realize some of the regular drinks they offer.
“I always hear people saying ‘I wish somewhere had pumpkin lattes’ and they don’t realize we have the pumpkin chai all year long,” said Sattler. “It’s sometimes hard to come by, but we have pumpkin.”
I was able to enjoy an Irish cream and hazelnut-flavored latte called the “Nutty Irishman” when I stopped in, which I felt appropriately described the drink and my personality.
The atmosphere in Jilly Beans is cozy but modern, with lots of open space and tucked away tables for studying. It felt like the perfect combination of urban and small town coffee shop elements.
Jilly Beans was the first place in town I went to as a prospective student, and it was good to be back to learn more about it and to see the new location. For instance, I learned that the former owner was nicknamed “Jilly Beans,” hence the name of the shop.
While known for their coffee, Sattler said that coffee is only half of the equation. The menu has expanded, with new food and baked goods balancing out the coffee options.
“Most of our soups are made fresh in the morning from scratch,” Sattler said.
Jilly Beans also offers breakfast burritos, smoothies, sandwiches, and gluten-free croissants, cookies, and quiche.
With the variety of options, some customers have claimed there is a “secret” or “fan-based” menu, but Settler said it’s really just a case of the menu expanding, so some old classics are no longer on it.
But you can order something that’s not listed on the menu. Customers can be creative and build their own drinks using different flavors.