Sand Springs Espresso - A Little Gem In Prattville

Our good friends Bill and Mary Jo Rowe have opened a new business in Prattville called Sand Springs Espresso.  They opened their doors to the public today.  I dropped in after lunch.  I was pleasantly surprised.

The decor is clean, fresh and tasteful.  Mary Jo has worked hard to make it warm and inviting and she has succeeded. There is an area with cafe tables and chairs where you can watch Fox News. There is an area with overstuffed leather sofas and recliners where you can settle in with a book or your Kindle.  And, there is a raised area with booths where sippers can get a little privacy.  Overall, the layout is darn near perfect.

Bill and Mary Jo managed to hire an experienced barrista for their startup.  I ordered a decaf latte with Irish Cream.  It was perfect.  The quality of the coffee itself was excellent, rich and aromatic with good undertones.  And, the drink was prepared perfectly, with just right foam that didn't overpower the coffee but instead added a creamy richness.

Right now, aside from coffee and frozen drinks, Mary Jo only serves pastries and bagels.  When things settle in, she plans to offer a light lunch like soup and sandwiches daily. 

You don't expect to find a big city style coffee shop in places like Prattville, USA. But, Bill and Mary Jo have created one with a unique twist.  SSE has the drinks, the books, the seating, the decor and the atmosphere that any big city coffee shop lover would look for.  But, it does not have the big city rush, coldness and snarkieness that many of these places wind up acquiring.  In short, they are offering big city products with small town service.  That's a pretty good deal for the folks in Prattville if you ask me.  

Sand Springs Espresso is located at 1 West 41st Street in Prattville one block west of Highway 97 on 41st Street West.  If you are anywhere near, stop in for a really good cup of coffee.