Tis Me Michelle

I wasn’t sure if I should break these up into an Orlando Foodie Find & Coffee Date post to review them independently. My experience was combined… So we’re just going to go ahead and combine this review. Finally, on a different side of town – Hamlin! On my quest to try new coffee shops, Filigree kept popping up, so I figured I finally had some time and went for it.

Filigree is basically a coffee cart set up within the brewery itself. I actually like this a lot, especially for folks coming in earlier – some people may be ready for a beer, and some people may just be waking up. Also, two similar and unique crafts, craft beer & craft coffee, in the same establishment – we love to see it. I went pretty early, so I went straight to the coffee cart and took a quick look at the menu. I noticed they had some unique non-coffee drinks. I’ll say I’ve been trying to not go so heavy on caffeine lately and have enjoyed refreshing craft drinks during the summer. They definitely have a good mix of coffee options, I ended up ordering the ‘Strawberries & Cream”. Here’s the description from their website.

The first thing you see in the description – as well as in its name – is cream. I don’t think it clicked in my brain until it came out. I was a little nervous because straight cream is heavy and not the healthiest. So just beware, there is a decent amount of cream in this drink; it is indulgent. I mean indulgent in the best way possible. It is leaning more toward dessert, but the Topo Chico adds sparkling freshness to make this a great Florida-weather drink. It somewhat reminded me of Special K red berry cereal – if ya’ll know what I’m talking about. I’d definitely recommend this – it’s unique and wonderful.

I definitely got some work in while I was at the brewery. There is some indoor seating and plenty of outdoor seating. During the day, it’s pretty chill, but by the time I left, people were definitely starting to come in for some after-work drinks. But not many people had made their way to the outside area, which is where I was stationed. It was lovely under the roofed area. Oh, and I know you’ve been waiting for it, plenty of parking! It’s right by the movie theater, so even if you don’t find a spot in the direct vicinity, there are plenty of nearby options. I was very tempted to go catch a movie afterward. I ended up sticking around the brewery for a while.

That led to me ordering lunch; they have a $17 set price for a pint and a sandwich during weekday lunch hours. I chose the Turkey Pesto and Doctor’s Orders (Hefeweizen). I enjoyed the beer. I’m a fan of Hefeweizen in general; they never steer me wrong during the summer heat. The sandwich was very blah. I was actually a bit annoyed that I spent so much on a sandwich I could have made at home. It did have homemade pesto, but I just don’t think I’m the biggest pesto fan. I was originally going to get the pretzel, but the giant pretzel was more than a sandwich, at a whopping $16. I couldn’t justify spending that much on a pretzel. So I spent a dollar more on a sandwich + beer. It would have just been even more $$$ if I got the pretzel & the pint separately – those two together didn’t have a deal! Listen, it made sense in my brain at the time.

Overall, I’m glad I checked this place out. I would come back to grab a drink (coffee or beer). And maybe come with friends to split that pretzel. I enjoyed going just as much solo during the day. A bit unconventional for a “work” location – but it worked for me. Hamlin has been adding lots of great spots, so if you haven’t, definitely stop by and check out Home State/Filigree while you’re around!

Update: I clearly manifested that pretzel, because I’ve gone quite a few times for after-work drinks. Without fail, we always get the pretzel and have a few beers. It’s a great chill place to unwind and a casual hangout. I still am not impressed with the rest of their food menu, but the pretzel is good and huge.

An even bigger staple for me has been Filigree. It’s basically become my go-to local coffee shop on the way to work. I love trying their seasonal drinks. If not, I either get a standard cold brew or their espresso tonic. My only qualm is that some of their specialty drinks are not customizable. There have been a few times I’ve asked for something and it wasn’t possible, but they are always super sweet, and will allow me to try something before ordering it. Definitely feels like my most frequented coffee shop at this point. I was thrilled to find out that they are finally opening a standalone location, not too far from home. They will be moving into the vacant spot just next door to Home State, so a home away from home, if you will.

Home State: 8.1/10

Filigree: 9/10