Chocolate Moose Coffee

Whenever I am in Beckley, West Virginia, I have to stop at Chocolate Moose Coffee. This independent coffee shop is tucked into an unassuming building right off Harper Road, one of the main drags through Beckley. Its friendly moose-head sign has welcomed me on many a frosty December morning on my annual drive home for the holidays.

Kevin, the owner, who lives in a house next door, has run this business in various incarnations since 1989. Chocolate Moose Coffee is just part of this property, also home to Mountain State Miniature Golf and the Outside-In Climbing Gym. In addition to coffee, the spot offers ice cream and smoothies, so it's your haven in both warm weather and cold, whether you prefer caffeine or sugar. 

The interior decor alters in small ways from year to year. This visit, I spent some time admiring the mural on the back wall and poking through the board games. Up in the front of the store is a small fireplace and two chairs. There is also, of course, a stuffed moose head on the wall.

When I stopped by this time, the resident cat, Mr. Feeny, happened to be on the premises, collecting admiring coos and petting from customers. He comes and goes as he pleases. If you're lucky, you'll catch him when you stop by. 

The Chocolate Moose Facebook page, filled with reviews from pleased customers and photos of the tight-knit staff, suggests the shop also hosts the occasional live music event.

The coffee itself is very good, and possibly made even better by the mere fact that you will not likely see another local coffee shop in a 50-mile radius. It's so much better than stopping at the Starbucks at the next travel plaza. I set off for the rest of my long drive extremely happy with my Americano in its jaunty illustrated sleeve.

Coffee: ★★★★ Great, freshly ground coffee that has been consistent in quality in my stops here over the past several years.

Food: ★★ There are a few bagels and muffins to be had, if you look for them, but the real non-coffee treats here are the ice cream and smoothies.

Ambience: ★★★ Appealing enough to stay and sip your coffee, pet the cat, or play a game with a friend.

Service: ★★★★ The owner has always been the one behind the counter when I stop through, and he is always friendly.