Junk Drawer recently opened at 2045 Broadway street, around a 10-15 minute walk from campus. Previously a laundromat, this unique space is the perfect location for a coffee shop. Open from 8am-3pm every day except Tuesday (which will be changing soon), you can pop in to grab a quick bite, matcha, or coffee.
The outside of the coffee shop is still in the design of a laundromat with signs reading “Naburhod Washwoman” and “Cleaning/Laundry.” When you step inside you are transported into a mix of old laundromat and new fun coffee shop, complete with bright colors and open space for seating.
The menu boasts coffee shop classics like an americano, a cold brew, or a chai latte. However, they also have Junk Drawer specials. The Jefe is a sweet and salty latte, the Runamula is a spiced chocolate latte, the Revival Week is an iced coffee with coconut cold foam, and the Flyswatter is a maple and espresso drink. All syrups are made in house, featuring flavors like vanilla, mocha, and cardamom. Milk options include oat, almond, whole, and a special pecan. Their menu also highlights all day breakfast and lunch starting at 11am. For breakfast you can get their breakfast tacos, avocado toast, or bacon, egg, + cheese “sammie”. If you don’t eat bacon no worries, they can sub in turkey bacon for free. The lunch menu includes a chicken salad, and a cheese “sammie” along with a few other options.
On my visit I got an iced matcha latte with vanilla syrup and whole milk. It was delicious and honestly exceeded my expectations. I also tried the ginger chia pudding, which was also super good. However, when I returned a few days later and ordered the same drink, the experience was completely different. Both my friend and I didn’t enjoy matcha, which was disappointing after such a good first impression.
I still plan to go back, and I think that the inconsistency in quality is likely just because they recently opened and are still working everything out, which is super normal for a new spot. My first experience showed that they’re definitely capable of making really great drinks and food so I’m hopeful with a little more time they’ll be able to deliver that same quality more consistently.
On my next visit I plan to either try the matcha again or get the Jefe. I also want to try the breakfast tacos with turkey bacon.
Overall, I would recommend that you visit Junk Drawer and give it a try for yourself. It’s a unique spot with a lot of potential and once they smooth out the small inconsistencies, it could easily become a go-to coffee place near campus.
