Aromas lives up to its name, especially in Fall, when the cafe’s atmosphere carries the same pumpkin and apple pie notes featured on its seasonal menu. Aromas is a local coffeehouse located on Bridgetown Rd, loved by bustling students and busy adults alike who need a bolt of energy in the morning from their assortment of coffees, or just want to relax in the comforting and gentle cafe. Many know Aromas: Java Cafe as a West Side staple, but some might not be aware of their delectable seasonal menus. Their current fall menu features a delicious lineup of lattes including, apple, pecan, chocolate, cherry, and pumpkin pie. Aromas is a top choice every student should add to their agenda, especially with the winter menu arriving a week into December.
The essential featured fall drink to try is the Iced Pumpkin Pie Latte, its blend of pumpkin and white
Mocha creates an amazingly unique flavor profile that stands out against the average pumpkin beverage. Junior Athena Oliverio offers a controversial take, claiming that Aromas Pumpkin Pie Latte is “better than Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte,” which many consider the ultimate fall classic. This beverage pairs deliciously with the savory Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread, a treat that can only be described as perfection. As soon as a bite is taken, immediate satisfaction hits. The combination of the bread’s chocolate, crispy edges, and moist texture was the perfect addition to a cozy autumn afternoon. At Aromas, you can even have it warmed up, which makes it even more irresistible.
If you can’t wait for the featured Christmas drinks and want to feel the winter spirit, the ultimate choice is the Peppy Paddy Latte. It has a tinge of mocha, and the peppermint flavor is just enough but not overpowering. The aroma of peppermint hits first, followed by the creamy, smooth texture of the latte that soothes you from the inside out. This latte made me want to lie back, relax, and enjoy my favorite Christmas movie. If you aren’t a fan of pumpkin or peppermint, the Apple Pie Latte is a great option. This latte features subtle notes of cinnamon and apple, resulting in a rich, creamy coffee that is both comforting and perfectly balanced. Aromas continues to celebrate the autumn and Thanksgiving season by keeping its fall menu available until the end of November, setting it apart from bigger chains like Starbucks, which have already switched to their winter menus for the season. This commitment lets customers enjoy comforting flavors like pumpkin, apple, and warm spices just a little longer before the transition to holiday offerings.
While Aromas’ coffee profiles are flawless, their prices might feel a little steep for the average high school student. They recently raised their prices, and most drinks went up 50¢ to $,1 with a medium Pumpkin Pie Latte at $5.55 and a large at $6.05. Compared to a Grande Starbucks PSL, which is $6.65 these prices are much more reasonable. However, the sandwiches and other food options might be a bit on the higher side, ranging from $9-$12. Beyond coffee, Aromas is also locally owned and operated, making it a great spot to support small businesses. They also feature an intimate gallery showcasing local artists and student work, adding a creative and whimsical feel to the cafe.
Overall, I would give this Java Cafe a full 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to any Oak Hills student to make a quick run before school, a cozy place to study, or just to chill with friends. The atmosphere is soothing, and the baristas are exceptionally willing and benevolent. The variety of seasonal lattes pleasantly upstaged my expectations, with flavors that were both extremely unique and rich. The cafe had a remarkably comforting atmosphere, enhanced by a soundtrack featuring artists like Faye Webster and Beabadoobee. Be sure to stop by Aromas for their featured winter drinks debuting in December, they’re definitely worth the visit!
