Idle Awhile

Don’t know what the heck Mae B is talking about but Idle Awhile was going to move to the Legacy Center but that’s not happening. Sadly they are simply closing up shop. Unsure of exact date but they will be missed.

Coffee shop great but is closing in a month. The owner of the building not the coffee shop seems to not get that most people don’t want to stare at half naked women with their kids.
So glad lady is moving her shop.

Many months ago, driving down Lapeer Road several times, we’ve seen their sign. We finally went in to check it out, especially with a clever name for a coffee shop. Google lead us to go west on Burdick (from heading north on Lapeer), then head north on Pleasant. We found it by going past it because since there were «NO PARKING» signs out front, we assumed parking was in the back. Er… whoops… we had to turn around since it was someone’s private property behind the building. So we began to park across the shop, on a non-​paved lot since there was a car parked there. (Sorry that this parking story is long, but hang in there… access matters as that can hinder the dining experience.) Anyway, we saw paved parking just south of the building and parked there instead since it was not a private lot marked.
OK, we finally walked passed the first set of double doors because it looked like another business, and entered through the Café’s door. Come to find out, the Café shares the same space as the business next door that’s an antique shop and paint-​your-​own pottery in the back. You can look, but not buy because it was Sunday — and the hours posted showed that part of the buying experience was «closed».
And now back to the Café… after the barista served the guest before us, she greeted us warmly and asked what’d we like. We placed our order and she was very accommodating to our special requests. Then, my husband asked about the signage that was posted above their wall, «HEBREWS 13:1−2». She said it’s about not forgetting to entertain strangers, for you could be entertaining angels. Wow… very cool… especially since she made us feel like she was entertaining angels more than strangers, since it was our first time. Since we ordered a quiche and chili, she said she’ll bring those out to us.
We sat down at one of the few eclectic tables and chairs in the antique shop/​café area. My husband, of all people who hates shopping, said that it feels like we’re at an «Anthropologie» shop! I couldn’t have agreed with him more with all the whimsical and boho-​type feel. If you ever wished Anthropologie should have a café, this is the closest thing to it, in a good way. Even the music was mix of eclectic-​mood music. But I digress…
So, the friendly barista delivered our goodies and we enjoyed them. My husband preferred that the quiche wasn’t as pudding like, but more firm. My chili was good in flavor — not too spicy, but I would have preferred more meat to bean ratio. The products all look homemade, and ours tasted like it (not over salted). I also had the cinnamon roll coffee cake because it was right at my eye level to salivate and was as big as my hand. She heated it up too — and it was super moist, full of cinnamon sweetness and tender cake texture… ah, so yumster! The light roast coffee was great too. My hubby got the mocha, but felt it was just a tad too sweet (even though he requested half the sweetness). I tried his, and it was lovely — but I have a sweet tooth and my sugar calibration is that of Jim Gaffigan’s.
If you read most of my reviews, bathrooms are most usually noted. Bathrooms say a lot about a place and it’s operations (details people, details!). So if I use the loo, I make note; and also report that it was very good: stocked, warm and clean. However I had some trouble getting the latch to catch but was able to manage locking the door on my stall.
So, A’s all-​around at this place. The food, drinks, menu selection, service, décor, music, and atmosphere were very good despite the initial parking issues. We look forward to coming back. Too bad they don’t have hours after 9pm. They are only open till 6/​630pm because this is ruralish Oxford. And it seems Oxford’s finest goes to sleep early. Right?

Our kids love to come here when we are on a bike ride. We love their smoothies! They are made to order and filled with fresh fruit and healthy ingredients. My husband likes their coffee! I don’t drink coffee myself but it smells great! We loved all the pastries we’ve tried. We like to look at the artwork and are really happy that someone is using this old building and renovated it.

Cute little place attached to a paint your own pottery/​gifty shop.
Good for a quick coffee or tea to go. It has minimal seating so if you are planning to sit a while either get there early or have an alternative plan.
I haven’t tried their food or housemate bake goods so I cannot comment on that but the Black and Tan coffee I had was delicious.

Such a cute place!!! Swings out front, an adorable and friendly cat, delicious hot chocolate, and really yummy home baked goods. The blueberry scone was so good. I will definitely be coming back!

Absolutely perfect for a good cup of coffee and a relaxing atmosphere. The porch is awesome and interior is just fun. Art lovers and writers will find it very inviting.

Great place for coffee in Oxford. Good thing since it’s the only place! Great staff, a Great setting.

I love this place! Hidden away and always right on point! The staff is always friendly and the baked goods are so so good. The coffee is great if you like coffee. Not a lot of sweet options, but I’m ok with that. Check it out. It’s worth your time.

Great coffee and very polite owners and staff! Oh yeah… Homemade baked goods as well. A pleasant small town environment.

Coffee is excellent. Tanzania or Ethiopia yirgacheffe brewed by French press are my favorite. I moved from the city to oxford recently, expecting to sacrifice good local coffee shops. I am very happy to finally find good coffee nearby and I hope they stick around. Skip Starbucks over-​roasted crap and try this. You’ll be glad you did.

Great coffee and nice people in a very cool space. A converted grain elevator at the base of the Pollyann Trail overpass (over Lapeer Rd.) feels like an old general store. This place won’t be a secret for long!