Stops We Love: Brig O’Doon Coffee House
““Now, do thy speedy utmost, Meg,
And win the key-stane o’ the brig;
There at them thou thy tail may toss,
A running stream they dare na cross.””
(2016) There is no waterway around here called Doon. There is a Rapp Creek though no bridges are really necessary to go over such a small waterway. If there were, perhaps it would be called Brig O’Rapp. That has a nice ring to it. As history would have it, the famous Brig O’Doon appears in the celebrated Scottish poet Robert Burns' work in which – stop me if this sounds familiar – a person eagerly crosses a bridge to avoid capture from a witch. If it doesn’t sound familiar, take a few moments to read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Several years ago I started up a routine after work that settled a couple desires. I would head out on the road for a regular after work ride. There were two numbers to which I paid attention. The first was the nearly ten-mile distance between my destination and myself. The second was the five o’clock hour. I would do a ten-mile individual time trial to get to a coffee house before it closed at five. After completing that, I would decide how to ride.
Brig O'Doon is decked out for the holidays. This view greets visitors if they come in from the back entrance.
I had passed this same coffee house many years ago when I was living farther south. That ride was my first time foray over country roads in the area of Ottsville. On my approach to Brig O’Doon Coffee House, I glimpsed several cyclists sitting on the porch cheering me on. I continued my ride into the rural parts of northern Bucks County. It would be the first time I saw the enjoyment of those roads. To know a coffee house was in the middle of the area made for home base consideration.
Visit Brig O’Doon Coffee House on any given fair weathered day and one will witness the arrangement of road bikes leaning against the flagstone wall or against the bushes. This is one of those places cyclists lean on to keep them going for longer rides. The bonus comes in the fact that Kimberton Whole Foods is around back. It is an oasis for riders who want to elongate their ride or want a mid-ride stop location.
Over the years clientele has mentioned their ride origins. Some come from nearby Doylestown or Hellertown. Some have come from neighboring Montgomery County. Remarkably there have been conversations with riders who started in southern Bucks County and even from Philadelphia itself. Brig O’Doon Coffee House is one of those places riders know about and focus on.
The wall of coffee made up by Finger Lakes Roasters.
Upon entering Brig O’Doon Coffee House, one is greeted by a feeling of belonging. There are two heavily lacquered bars, one on each side of the entranceway. It’s the perfect location to watch cyclists approaching the shop or continuing on their ride during the colder months. There are a couple of tables up front or a singular deep couch in the back. Anywhere is a good place to sit.
Recently Brig O’Doon added nitro coffee from Backyard Coffee Roasters out of Lansdale, PA. Having a pull of nitro coffee could be the way to finding the mid ride pep. It is the most recommended coffee offering. Brig O’Doon also serves bagels with the typical cream cheese options as well as small plates, vegetarian options included. On the off chance visitors can’t find something they want, as I’ve said, Kimberton Whole Foods is through the double doors in the back where they serve Epic bars and Cide Road switchel.
The view from the deep leather couch with nitro coffee on the table.
Since Brig O’Doon is right off the Lake Nockamixon circuit as well as being close to the punchy climbs of the area, their cycling scene is welcoming and visual. This is definitely one of the places to use as assistance to explore more of the area. If you’re near Ottsville and being bewitched by an empty stomach or the need for coffee, hup your way to Brig O’Doon Coffee House. It could be the bridge crossing necessary to make a decent day out grander.
Brig O'Doon Coffee House is located in Ottsville, PA. It is open Tuesday through Friday 6:30am to 5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday 7am to 4pm.
