For Cleveland’s Best Coffee, Head to Erie Island

To get to Erie Island Coffee at 19300 Detroit Ave. in Rocky River, I drove past at least one Starbucks and Caribou Coffee. I couldn’t help it. Sometimes the smooth seasonal coffee blend is the only thing that will satisfy my caffeine craving.

Located in Beachcliff Market Square, Erie Island is locally owned. It was started by a few friends on Kelley’s Island looking to create coffee like you’d find In Seattle and Rome. Luckily for us, they’ve been successful and brought this passion to Northeast Ohio.

During my visit, I came to Erie Island to work— something I’ve done a few times before— and enjoyed the free Wi-Fi, quiet weekday atmosphere,  an Ivory Mocha Frappe and a French Toast Crush sandwich. The sandwich was a favorite I discovered while visiting Erie Island’s East Fourth Street location.

The French Toast Crush is made on warm crunchy ciabatta bread and filled with cream cheese, bananas and apricot jam. I swapped the apricot jam for peanut butter, which they easily accommodated. It's served with a side of syrup, which is perfect with their take on French Toast.

My coffee of choice— the Ivory Mocha— is what keeps me coming back to Erie Island over other coffee shops. It is smooth and retains the coffee flavor, not allowing the white Godiva chocolate to overwhelm. It is sweet enough, and not at all bitter, as. some coffee can be.

The Rocky River location of Erie Island coffee has a large fireplace in the center and three garage door style windows that help create an indoor/outdoor patio. With lots of seating and a large menu, Erie Island might be the perfect office away from work. A drive thru also enables this to be a quick stop when out running errands or when you need a caffeine fix on the go.

Erie Island Coffee opens at 5:30 a.m. (“yes, really” according to their sign) on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends. They close at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. on Sunday.