ANDERSONVILLE — A beloved vintage shop in Andersonville has recently launched a cafe that offers a globally inspired selection of coffee beverages. This new addition not only enhances the shopping experience but also introduces unique, slow-brewed drinks to the community.
New Concept at Folk
Antique store Folk, located at 5668 N. Clark St., has officially rebranded to Folk Coffee & Vintage following the opening of its cafe in late March.
Owners Ryan Smith and Safiyah Uddin established the store in November 2023 with the former proprietor of Roost, which was an antique shop that closed after nearly 15 years in the area.
Smith and Uddin are now the exclusive owners of Folk and have embraced their dream of opening a cafe, as shared by Smith.
What Makes Folk Coffee Unique
The new cafe is situated within a bustling corridor on Clark Street that is home to several coffee shops—including The Coffee Studio, The Understudy, and Colectivo. However, what differentiates Folk Coffee is its distinctive menu, according to Smith.
Notably, Folk Coffee does not feature an espresso machine.
The cafe’s menu features an array of coffee and tea options brewed in a cezve— a traditional Turkish pot. This method is not only steeped in history but also creates a distinct tasting experience, according to Smith.
“We wanted to introduce something that was a bit more traditional, with a slower brewing process,” Smith stated. “Our offerings include drinks that are hard to find elsewhere.”
Customers can savor a variety of unique beverages, including Yemeni coffee ($6), which combines Yemeni cardamom coffee steeped in milk or water; a Menengic ($6), a Kurdish pistachio-flavored coffee swathed in sweetness; and Cafe de Olla ($6), a Mexican-style coffee infused with cinnamon, brown sugar, and spices. The menu also offers iced selections, like cold brew, iced London fog, and iced Adeni, a black tea styled after Yemeni traditions.
Pour-over coffee ($5) is brewed with quality beans sourced from Ceramic Coffee Roasters.
Smith envisions the cafe as an extension of the store, which also deals in vintage items such as furniture, artwork, decor, and clothing. The seating is limited to just a few bar stools, a decision made to foster interaction among customers and with the vintage offerings.
“If people come in for vintage, they might get a coffee; or if they come in for coffee, they might look at the vintage,” Smith explained. “We really wanted the cafe to feel like a part of the overall experience.”
Smith expressed his surprise at how willing the neighborhood has been to explore new coffee experiences.
“I wasn’t sure how people would respond. Most people walk into a cafe expecting lattes—yet we don’t serve those,” Smith reflected. “It’s been wonderful to see patrons eagerly trying new drinks and enjoying them.”
Folk Coffee & Vintage operates from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Folk Coffee & Vintage opened in late March, merging a cafe with a vintage shop.
- The cafe features a unique menu, focusing on traditional brewing methods without espresso.
- Offerings include Yemeni coffee, Menengic, and Cafe de Olla, with both hot and iced options.
- Seating is intentionally minimal to encourage customer interaction with the space.
- Operating hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
FAQ
What types of coffee drinks does Folk Coffee offer?
Folk Coffee offers a range of unique beverages, including Yemeni coffee, Menengic, and Cafe de Olla, brewed using traditional methods.
Is there seating available in the cafe?
The cafe has limited seating, with just a few bar stools to promote interaction with the vintage shop.
What are the operating hours for Folk Coffee & Vintage?
The cafe is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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