Several breakfast meetings and afternoon interviews have led me to Henry’s Coffee Bistro on East Street. If you haven’t checked this place out, it isn’t your traditional Starbucks, but instead offers a more “homey” visit. And trust me, this place offers more than simply coffee.
My first visit to Henry’s was around 8 a.m. to meet a representative of the Indiana State Museum. I immediately noticed the baby blue walls and white trim, which I later found out were just remodeled last spring. I’m pretty sure my hunger for décor has developed from binge watching HGTV over the past several years. No matter the restaurant, I always notice the décor upon arrival. Small tables led up to the counter, where I was greeted with a smile. As I looked over the menu, I discovered customers have the choice of ordering almost anything, from breakfast items to lunch. Since I’m not much of a coffee drinker, I decided to order my favorite — a cup of green tea and a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on wheat toast.
Customers can order quick breakfast favorites such as muffins, cinnamon rolls and bagels or a variety of sandwiches. The brunch menu consisted of quiche, an array of breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, and more.
For lunch I’d like to try the Lime Cilantro Chicken Salad or the Asian Chicken Salad. Among the lunch offerings were the Chipotle Turkey Panini, Three Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Egg Salad and dessert paninis.
As I sat down with my guest to chat, more and more people began to arrive and claim seats inside the shop or on the very inviting patio covered with plants; everyone from students looking to begin some early classwork to city leaders and business professionals was in sight. Henry’s seemed like the place to be at 8 a.m.! When I commented on the high volume of customers to my guest, she said this was normal for the business, as it has become a popular location over the past few years.
I quickly found out why people adore Henry’s. I heard one reason is their high-quality coffee. The second has to do with the enormous cup the hot beverages are delivered in. A staff member brought over my sandwich and green tea, and I couldn’t believe the size of the cup. Most places will charge you hospital bill prices for a shot of espresso or a pint-sized cup of coffee, but my $2.50 cup of green tea was well worth it. I also was told customers can enjoy two coffee refills if dining in.
The green tea was just to my liking, and my sandwich was pretty good — although I wish it had been cooked with more bacon, but that’s a personal preference.
Once my meeting concluded, I was left alone for a few minutes before I decided to absorb the environment and people watch, Henry’s is a great place for this.
Just steps away from Mass Ave. and the Cultural Trail, no wonder this place stays busy. Again, keep in mind that this isn’t your normal coffee shop. Starbucks will sell you coffee, but Henry’s will welcome you home.
Henry’s Coffee Bistro
627 N. East St.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
(317) 951-0335
Mon–Fri: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
