10/6/21
Eat, Drink. and be Merry.... at Mood!
My little neck of the woods has changed so much in the 21 years that I've lived here. When I moved from the "big city" (AKA Indianapolis) those many years ago, I instantly missed all of my favorite urban haunts but none more so than my neighborhood coffee shops! There wasn't a one to be found. I couldn't understand it. They were everywhere in Indy. You could change up your cafe vibe as often as you changed your latte flavor of the week. So, I was on hard core, cold brew coffee shop withdraw! My husband - who was perfectly content with gas station coffee - grew tired of my weekly bellyaching so after me, he had to be the most delighted person when the first coffee shop finally opened up "in the 'burg". Many more have since followed, and I've tried them all. Or so I thought.
Hiding in plain sight was a gem of a coffee shop called Mood. On a recent afternoon, looking for a way to blow time before a doctor's appointment, I took an impromptu hard right turn into their side parking lot and told my daughter Murphy that a visit to Mood was (like my occasional library book) long overdue!
Lacking any curb-appeal, I can see why I kept overlooking it. Note to owners - Investing in a couple of door hugging fall planters and a stack of pumpkins will pay you back in spades (and dollars and cents)! But step inside and you will find a completely different vibe!
The space is industrial cozy...my personal favorite! Two large rooms with bare concrete floors and exposed ceiling pipes, rafters and just the right amount of "mood" lighting (sorry, couldn't resist), are outfitted with several cozy seating areas. A blend of high end vintage and yard sale chic works nicely together and offers plenty of elbow room (definitely Covid friendly). The main attraction - the coffee bar - is tucked in the back of the main room, clad in wrap-around sheet metal and topped with a sizeable expanse of glossy wood. The standard chalk-board menu had enough options to keep me deciding for more than a few minutes before I finally ordered a 12 oz. maple pumpkin latte (hot, always) with whip while Murphy opted for a blended (cold) raspberry white chocolate latte. Both get two thumbs up! The Barista that day, the owners sister, (I should lose rewards points for not remembering her name), was more than friendly and patient in answering all my probing questions.
This place doesn't draw you in (just yet) but begs you to stay once inside. Next time I go, it will be with a book under my arm and smile on my face as I look forward to making this my new neighborhood hang out. Thanks Mood! See you soon...
