Madeleine (The Ruiner)5 months ago
At Five & Hoek Coffee Co. I wandered in,
Expectations low, with a skeptical grin.
“A coffee shop here? In the burbs, no less?”
I braced myself gently… prepared to be less.
The baristas were young, like high school at lunch,
Two sat by the roaster, mid-sandwich, mid-crunch.
Crumbs near the grinders, bold, carefree display,
I wondered, “Is this where the customers stay?”
One looked up mid-bite and said, “Got a question?”
I blinked twice slowly at this odd profession.
Was she staff? Was she guest? Was I in a play?
Where roles were decided halfway through the day?
The room felt quite empty, all white and quite bare,
Minimalism whispered, “We’ve… nothing to share.”
But oh! that old building, those moldings that curve,
A quiet reminder this place had some nerve.
The tables all wobbled like nervous first dates,
The menu was tiny, no long lists or debates.
“Whisky vanilla? Salted beer caramel too?”
I raised both my eyebrows, then ordered a few.
They weighed every gram with a scientist’s care,
Each pour was precise, measured down to a hair.
I watched, mildly puzzled, then took my first sip—
And nearly fell out of my chair in a flip.
My taste buds threw parties, invited the town,
Marched in a parade and refused to sit down.
Depth! Richness! Flavor! A latte so rare,
The kind that makes other drinks vanish to air.
So here’s my confession, both honest and true,
Despite all the quirks that I plainly review—
Your service, your seating, your curious scene…
Your coffee alone is the star and the queen.
I’ll travel the distance, I’ll make the long track,
For that perfect latte that calls me right back.
Nora Gutierrez7 months ago
I love Five & Hoek! Definitely my favorite coffee shop in Wheaton. Their espresso is delicious and they roast their own beans in house. Normally I get a honey cinnamon latte but this time I tried their caramel latte and it was delicious. Not overly sweet, which I appreciated.
I normally just order to go but they have plenty of seating inside and I brought my laptop to work. I appreciate the dim lighting and it was very cozy with a nice vibe of light background music mixed with guests who were there to work like me and those who were there hanging out and chatting. It was the perfect level of noise for my taste.
Parking is typically not too difficult to find if you go during a weekday but it can be tricky on weekends.
Staff are usually cordial. I wouldn’t say friendly, but cordial for sure. And they know how to make a dang good latte.
First time trying this coffee spot. I didn’t try any pastries, only coffee. I got a iced whiskey vanilla latte with oatmilk. I would’ve prefer less milk ratio. The milk to coffee ratio was off in my opinion. It was too milky. Cute place to work at or do homework, since they have a section primarily for that. Also a couple tables outside to sit and relax. service was okay, nothing really to rave about. It was just okay
