By: Ash Hochstettler
Staff-Writer
This week, I decided to go out to Niles, Mich., which is about a 30-minute drive from IU South Bend’s campus. A few small businesses have been added to Niles’ downtown area, including a new coffeehouse named 2nd & Main located at 127 E Main St.
The first thing I noticed when walking in was the modern aesthetic and amount of people inside the space. On the walls, there’s splatter art using coffee and the bottom of coffee cups, which I found funky and unique. Another plus is that the Wi-Fi here is very quick despite how busy it is during the morning rush of people. 2nd & Main is open from 6 a.m.- 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. on weekends, which I appreciate since many places close before 3 p.m.
2nd & Main has a rather extensive holiday drink menu as well as tons of other flavor options. While visiting, I ordered a coffee flight that included three lattes and a cold brew which were sugar cookie, eggnog, Irish cream and maple bourbon flavored. Although it was all pretty decent, I did find the drinks to be on the sugary side and may try some of the other options next time or ask for less syrup.
The menu itself is massive, including refreshers, smoothies, smoothie bowls, flatbread pizza, toasts, salads and pastries. I got a toast called Nut Butter & J which gives a choice of either almond or peanut butter, strawberry jam and chia seeds that was very tasty. If visiting again, I think it would be great to try a smoothie bowl or pastry, as those seemed to be pretty popular from my observation there.
This place is a fantastic study spot for larger groups with the amount of big tables and seating. It also has bar-style seating along the wall if working alone is more preferable. Although it is a bit of a drive from campus, it’s very worth the visit if you live in the area, want to try somewhere new or will be nearby. The ambience is pleasant, the service is friendly and it seems to be a popular spot to work or study.
4.5/5
