Dame Fine Coffee opened recently in Monmouth, located near the Walgreens and where the Family Video used to be (they have since closed). They offer drive-up and walk-up service, and they operate out of a truck. On their menu, you can find Hot Chocolate, Lattes, Mochas, Caramel Macchiatos, Cappuccinos, Drip coffee, Chai and Earl Grey teas, and a variety of fun drinks. These include refreshers in flavors like Strawberry Acai, Wild Berry Hibiscus, and Watermelon Cucumber Mint. Among the most popular on their menu are the Lotus Energy Drinks.
We visited Dame Fine Coffee last week to try out two of their menu items.
I ordered an iced Chai latte, which had whipped cream on top. The drink was great, but getting to speak to the owner of Dame Fine Coffee was even better. He truly cares about his business and the drinks that Dame Fine Coffee serves. Plus, their Chai was leagues better than Starbucks (in my opinion!) and shows real care for the way the drinks are crafted.
Dillan Vancil owns and operates Dame Fine Coffee. He says he opened Dame Fine Coffee because he “knew Monmouth needed a drive through coffee and energy drink option” to fill the gap in the Monmouth area. He describes Dame Fine Coffee as a “custom built coffee trailer” as opposed to a coffee truck, which means that it has been customized to best suit the needs of a barista. Vancil says “we have plans to put in a permanent location very soon.”
His favorite part of operating Dame Fine Coffee is getting to know the residents of Monmouth. “It’s fun to see the people of Monmouth every day and how supportive they’ve been with all of this; it’s something they’ve really wanted for a while and we are happy to provide that. It’s nice to talk to them and see what benefits we’ve brought to them by having this here,” said Vancil.
As for what type of coffee Dame Fine Coffee uses, Vancil says, “Our coffee beans are Veranda, it’s all organic; our Lotus, as well, is all organic.” Vancil wants Monmouth students to give input on what they liked about Dame Fine Coffee as well as suggestions for their future menu: “I’d like some feedback on what everybody might want for the future.”
Dame Fine Coffee lives up to its name, and for any Monmouth students who are interested, Dillan Vancil would like to hear from you.
What do you think of Dame Fine Coffee? Let us know on Twitter.
Carrie King and Erin Henkel - Features Editor & News/Politcs Editor