Bright like sunshine, that is how I would describe Oak Bluffs’ newest coffee shop, Aalia’s, pronounced A-Le-Ah. Owners, Joy & Kelly are taking their love of coffee and sharing it with Martha’s Vineyard.
Kelly, who has worked at Nancy’s Restaurant for the past 14 years has had a coffee obsession, working at a coffee roaster in Brooklyn during the off-season. Joy is a lighting designer by trade, which she can do remotely, and has caught the coffee bug. She is at her best when she is in the shop interacting with customers.
If the owners are Joy and Kelly, then where did Aalia come from? It is the name of a family friend of Joy’s. The coffee shop is a homage to this woman who was so important. You will even find her image on the side of the coffee cups.
Aalia’s Coffee Shop on Kennebec – Coffee
The goal at Aalia’s is to provide consistent, really good coffee that is both ethically sourced and produces an excellent coffee, no matter how you like yours. It is the quality of the beans and the roast that deliver that perfect cup, with a little help from skilled baristas as well.
Joy and Kelly found their “coffee queen”, Andrea DeLandero. Andrea is the lead barista at Aalia’s. Originally from Mexico, she comes from a farming family. While in Oaxaca, she had a really good cup of coffee, and decided she needed to know more about coffee farming, roasting and the process that goes in to the making of a good cup of coffee. The road to a good cup of coffee is quite extensive, and luckily Aalia’s has Andrea to share her craft.
You can get your favorite coffee fix, but if you feel like trying something a little different and like a little sweetness, definitely try the Purple Sweet Potato Latte. The color is just divine and the extra Vitamin C makes you feel even better about your coffee enjoyment.
Aalia’s Coffee Shop on Kennebec – The Space
Before we get into food options, I have to tell you about the space. Many of you may remember when it was 20 x Nine or Sidecar – it had a dark, speakeasy vibe. When you walk into the space now, you are not going to believe it! The space is BRIGHT and feels so light and airy. The transformation is quite remarkable. I can’t wait to go back!
The outdoor seating is fantastic. Enjoy coffee and a bite to eat while people watching. Sitting on the railing is so fun! However, the indoor seating is pretty welcoming too!
Aalia’s Coffee Shop on Kennebec – The Food
The menu is a mix of classics and items that are a nod to both owner’s heritage. Kelly is Italian and Joy is Lebanese. On the menu you will find things like Fried Eggplant & Mozzarella Sandwich, Kelly’s item and Aalia’s Breakfast Sandwich which has hard boiled egg, labneh (a type of cheese), zaatar (a spice), on a warm croissant.
Signature Aalia’s dishes are made from scratch and feature family recipes. Joy finds herself often on the phone with her mother discussing recipes for the shop. I should also mention that the bagels are fresh Cape Cod Bagels and the pasties, including the croissants are from Maison Villatte (the French bakery in Falmouth).
Aalia’s is open 7:00 a.m. to 4:0 p.m. daily, there is on-line ordering, grab and go options, and the outside is even dog friendly.
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