Brown Mustache Coffee, located inside of Old Fox Books, is a shop of burgundy walls, exposed beams and brick, some artwork, comfortable tables and chairs, and plenty of books. The location offers good light as well and there is a patio out back. Coffee is sourced from Ceremony Coffee Roasters, also located in Annapolis, MD. They provide coffee beans to a number of independent coffee shops in the greater Washington, DC area. Pastry and food stuffs are sourced locally and taste as though they have only walked a short distance.

My first visit was on a quiet, overcast Friday morning during a walk around the historic part of the city. Located due east of the State House on your way to the Naval Academy, the cafe has some lovely signage and images to reel you in for java and some browsing. The cafe has a resident furry scholar – who looks to have some Swiss Mountain dog in him – who was happy to receive pets and scratches from folks passing close by as he managed the human staff.

I ordered a mocha and an old fashioned glazed donut sourced locally from Carlsons Donuts and Thai. Its sugar glaze covered the entire donut – which is the way things should be. The donut itself was a classic composition of brown crust, dense cake, and some vanilla flavors. The mocha was quite satisfying too – providing a helpful boost of caffeine, good chocolate flavors, and attractive artwork.

For my second visit, on a cold windy morning in January, I stopped by and ordered a latte and a blueberry muffin, sourced from Hawthorne Fine Breakfast Pastry. The latte had some very nice artwork and good coffee and milk flavors. Given the temperature outside holding this cup of warmth was a joy. The blueberry muffin was solid with a nice sugary crust on top, plump blueberries inside, and a moist crumb. The muffin was a traditional size too, which was welcome as too many have been supersized. It was just right with my latte.

I did some browsing on this additional visit and Old Fox Books has an eclectic mix of titles for adults and children, along with a festive winter mood of holiday cheer to keep cold days bright and positive.

The staff on both visits were welcoming, knowledgeable and well versed in spinning the coffee hits and confectionery love. I like the fact that Brown Mustache Coffee source edibles from local purveyors and makes reference to them on their website. Celebrating what is local and good is important.

Brown Mustache Coffee and Old Fox Books are worth a visit should you find yourself in Annapolis and in need of a pick-me-up of caffeine and sugar. Being right in the heart of the historic district there is plenty of Federal ambiance to soak in and enjoy in the streets around the State House.

Brown Mustache Coffee
35 Maryland Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
http://brownmustache.com

Notes:
-Parking can be a tight around the State House.