With roughly three weeks of classes left in this semester, trying to find a good—or even available—spot to do work can feel like one is a participant in the Hunger Games. Competition is particularly fierce in venues like Cricket’s Coffee Company that not only offer free Wi-Fi, but coffee and food to fuel the most intense homework or study sessions. So, because I’m a kind and unselfish person, I’ll let you in on the “secret” location that is Geneseo’s most underrated study haven: 82 Main St. Previously known as Miceli’s Deli, 82 Main St. is a nestled café located right next to Aunt Cookie’s Sub Shop. I didn’t even know the restaurant was in business—its windows are often dark—but upon closer examination, I realized that this is because of its somewhat unconventional hours: 8 a.m-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m-8:30 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.
Now knowing the scheduling, my boyfriend and I ventured into the café for breakfast on Wednesday April 20 and to say I was amazed is an understatement. Here was this gorgeous, eclectic little restaurant right under my nose the whole time—and with an incredibly affordable menu.
My mood lifted almost instantly as I entered the building and was met with the sight of cheery yellow walls, floral chairs next to a small table with a stack of Lamrons and two huge chalkboards with handwritten menus. While the breakfast options were fairly limited to breakfast sandwiches and bagels, they are served all day and there is an array of options for signature sandwiches, burgers, grilled cheeses, salads and sides. They also have a pretty sweet Panera-esque combo deal: half a sandwich, soup and a side for $9.
The drink selection is fairly expansive as well, boasting eight different types of coffees that range from only $2.75-$5.25, depending on price and type. Most small coffees, however, are about $3—absolutely perfect for a broke college student trying to boost their energy and focus. In addition, if you’re at least 21 years old, you can enjoy the myriad of 17 beers—five on tap and 12 bottled—or try a glass of one of seven different wines with your meal. The beers are only $4 and a glass of wine is $5—did I mention how affordable this place was?
I already had an iced coffee waiting for me in my fridge at home, so I just ordered “The Freshman” breakfast sandwich: fluffy eggs, perfectly cooked bacon and melted cheese on a hard roll. My boyfriend opted for a small cappuccino—which I stole a sip of and found to be quite good—and the vegetarian “The Super Senior:” eggs, feta cheese, roasted red peppers and spinach. Not only was the quality of our meals great, but so was the price.
The atmosphere of the café equally matched the awesome-ness that was our breakfast. In addition to the ordering area I described, 82 Main St. has a whole other section separated by a beautiful white arch decorated with twinkling light bulbs. This large dining area combines rustic elements with modernism: wooden booths, exposed brick, dark walls with framed artwork and hand-chalked sayings—my favorite was “Life happens in between coffee and wine”—and lime green walls with an unbelievingly striking mural done in an almost Van-Gogh-esque style of violets, pinks and blues. Oh, and Wi-Fi is also available.
The most incredible thing to me was the fact that my boyfriend and I were the only customers there. I have to believe its simply on the part of ignorance—what college students would pass up such a peaceful, unique eatery to get work done or to just have a beer?
Skip the struggle of finding a seat and come to 82 Main St. Your brain, stomach and wallet will thank you.