Roscoe’s Coffee Bar & Taproom, Picture taken 9/22/12, GWC

Yet another reason to visit the historic Depot District in Richmond.  Roscoe’s, the new Coffee Bar & Taproom, is now open and their hours are great.

Open Tuesday & Wednesday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Thursday & Friday 7 a.m. – midnight with Saturday hours 8 a.m. – midnight, this is the place to go when you want a unique experience for families and adults alike.

Tonight we enjoyed Panini sandwiches with names like : The Edward Mueler, The Mediterranean and the Grilled Cheese Panini.  They were delicious.  We also tried some of the many varieties of coffees: decaf cappucino with sugar free chocolate syrup, and a caramel macchiato.  Others with us tried a spiced apple cider and hot chocolate.

The ambiance, as you can see from the pictures, is comfortable and inviting with original brick walls, wood floors and retro couches in the back. The staff are warm and inviting and all in all a lovely experience.

Roscoe’s holds some unique bits of history as well.  Owner Mike Widau shared with us that the writing on the brick walls lists the names of some of the original business men in the area.  Names include “Law” which is a family whose historic home is located just up the street from Roscoe’s as well as Alfred Toolege who was an important icon in the community.  Steve Martin, historian, helped to research the names on the walls and how they related to the Richmond area, from 1884.

Mid-room seating leads to the back with an inviting comfy couch and chairs

The building that houses the coffee bar was the home of Benjamin Starr’s first business  manufacturing stoves.  In the basement, shares Widau, are over 1000 pairs of shoes that date back to the 1960′s, which give us a clue as to other businesses that have occupied the building over the years.

Mike and Terry Widau who returned to this area after some time away, are very happy with the response they have gotten from the community since opening on Tuesday.  Mike shared that Roscoe’s has been bustling since opening, surpassing their expectations for the first week.  He said their new venture was “born out of us getting to know our neighbors and the community.”  And what better way than to invite people in for a good cup of coffee and a chat over a variety of good foods.  They are particularly interested as well in creating a welcoming option for the Earlham community which sometimes stays up after 6 p.m.

Starting October 15th, Roscoe’s will also offer micro brew beers including the local Boswell Brewery varieties.  Jordan, their Barista, is lining up live music which will soon be a feature of the coffee bar and taproom.

The Depot District is the place to be for those wanting the uniqueness of “big city” offerings within the borders of this quaint small town.  Roscoe’s Coffee Bar & Grill is a great addition to the area and a much needed option.  We wish them well.  Visit soon, you’ll be glad you did.