Cafe Nola is a coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and music spot in downtown Frederick, MD with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, organic sources where possible, and a welcoming neighborly attitude. Inside they have a dedicated coffee station, in addition to bar and cafe areas. There are some outside tables too. There is curated artwork on the walls that rotates monthly and it helps brighten what is otherwise a dark interior. Cafe Nola is a very popular place with local residents and has been busy on every single visit. Thankfully, the noise – even when busy – is reasonable. So, a conversation with someone across the table is doable when the cafe is at full capacity.

My review here will focus on their coffee.

On my first visit in the afternoon, after evaluating some roads in the Catoctin Mountains north and west of Frederick and Thurmont, MD, I ordered a signature latte and sat at the bar. The time was during their shift turnover, but folks were happy to chat for a bit. Their signature drinks all have certain things in common – beans from Counter Culture, a double shot, steamed milk of choice, and flavors from Monin syrup company. My double shot latte with whole milk was their Ninja Turtle – espresso, chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel.

The concoction arrived in a brown cup and saucer with some wonderful looking artwork on top. Scents of chocolate and hazelnut sauntering by as I thought through how best to consume this craftsmanship in a cup. An initial sip did not disappoint. Lots of all three flavor shots, along with nice coffee aromas, were the order of the day. The foamy top was a cloud of whole milk richness and it complimented the other dance partners well. Fortunately, the cup was good sized, so the the liquid disappeared more slowly.

I would have enjoyed a bit a dessert along with my Ninja Turtle, but they only had some packaged cookies. So, I saved the calories for another day. Overall, a very nice introduction to Cafe Nola.

On my second visit, this time while reviewing a Mazda Miata, I had their signature latte called German Chocolate. A combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate, this hot latte on a cold day really hit the spot. The latte art was a standout again and some of the best I’ve ever seen. All of the signature flavors were in abundance and there was a richness to the drink that lingered.

The staffs on both visits were very courteous, helpful, and seemed genuinely happy to be there. Even on my second visit, when the place was packed, everyone was in a good mood and respectful of each other. The cafe feels like a well oiled machine.

Cafe Nola is a very nice place for coffee and I definitely look forward to trying their food in the future as my car and motorcycle reviews bring me into the area again. The cafe is definitely worth a visit if you plan to visit Frederick, MD.

Cafe Nola
4 E Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 694-6652
www.cafe-nola.com
https://goo.gl/maps/N8mV6kvsRJ5cToGr6

Notes:
-As a neighborhood cafe they do not accept reservations, but there is a waitlist once in-line.
-Good street parking and several garages are close at hand.
-Motorcycles can park in the garages.