What serves coffee, custard, the occasional hot dog, and keeps a running tally of how many cars drive the wrong way down Union Street?
Perk's Coffee House, that's what.
I'll be honest: When the windows at Perk's started to read Whit's Frozen Custard and Coffee House
I was disappointed because I thought that Perk's had changed its name after adding Whit's Custard to their menu. However, general manager Nathan Hayes, who has been working at Perk's for 10 years, says that the new signs are not a name change, but were added after the renovation in May of 2009 in order to make customers aware of the custard being served.
What's so great about Perk's are the nuisances that you don't find at any other coffee shop. Things such as the $1 coffee - I recommend getting the Highlander Grogg. Unfortunately, refills aren't free. I don't know why not though - they've got to make enough money off of the custard to start doing a refillable cup or something. It seems like everyone loves the custard. Seriously, I have friends that are lactose intolerant that buy the custard, saying it is totally worth the aftermath.
I also adore the labels on the milk and cream: skim milk goes by Skim Shady or Slimdog Millionaire and the half-and-half as David Hasselhalf. The absolute best thing about Perk's is the window seating. Talk about an excellent place to pretend you are working on your computer you are actually people watching. Everyone walks past the window at Perk's, making this a prime people watching location.
The crowd at Perk's/Whit's/That-Place-Across-from-College-Bookstore attracts an eclectic group of people, usually students doing homework or professors. It seems to be the place to go so you won't get distracted by running into friends. There are also the people that come in just for custard and head right back outside. The custard has a special weekly flavor in addition to the everyday vanilla or chocolate, and it is only $2 for a single scoop in a cup.
Overall, Perk's is a win. Especially when the weekly flavor of custard is espresso. Not that I ever condone making Hannah Montana references, but in this case, espresso custard truly is the best of both worlds.
Elaine McKinley is a junior studying English and history. Tell her what kind of people you have seen at Perk's by e-mailing her at em212707@ohiou.edu 4
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Elaine McKinley
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