By Carrington Elliott
Settled in the heart of the new Lake Walk Town Center in Bryan, community meets customer service at P.O.V. Coffeehouse. Hot lattes, warm sticky buns and meaningful conversations wait inside the eclectic building.
More than just a coffeehouse, P.O.V. offers a varietal menu of hand-crafted pastries, beverages, charcuterie boards and grab-and-go lunches. These items range from $2 to $20. P.O.V. provides the opportunity to try a selection of local brews and wines— all at reasonable price points.
Inside floor-to-ceiling glass walls hides a refreshingly sophisticated interior. The flow is clear. Walk in, order, then grab a seat.
An open-air concept influences the space. The clean appearance features white walls, black detailing and wooden tables to create an industrialized-farmhouse style.
Unexpected pops of color add interest to the space. Cacti-patterned wallpaper stretches across the focal wall, representing P.O.V.’s intention to incorporate Texas-based ingredients in their food and beverages.
An orderly display case shows off P.O.V.’s home-made treats on wooden boards. Kolaches, croissants, and a selection of daily pies tempt the senses while debating a decision.
One option steals the show — the sticky bun. With a nudge from the barista, the sticky bun slips into the oven. A divine aroma infiltrates the air.
The sticky bun, a P.O.V. specialty. A cheat-on-your-diet type of treat. Handmade in-house, this signature pastry tastes like a perfected version of grandma’s monkey bread. The sticky bun finds an ideal balance of cinnamon and pecan, drizzled with a maple-bourbon glaze. A flaky outer edge surrounds the gooey, buttery center.
While the sticky bun diffuses its aroma, the familiar smell of freshly roasted coffee fights for attention. A sleek Modbar espresso system serves up piping-hot espresso drinks. Coffee beans travel from Merit Roasting down the road in San Antonio, another aspect of local incorporation.
A coffeehouse wouldn’t be a coffeehouse without a carefully crafted cup of Joe. Each drink, tailored to the customer’s request, falls within the $4 to $5 price range. A menu of P.O.V. creations offers guidance.
Choose between a Sunrise — an Americano with caramel flavoring, or a Sunset — a white mocha latte with a caramel drizzle. Or go with a chai; the chai latte serves up a delightful balance of spicy and sweet, with a dreamy foam top.
The inviting atmosphere and friendly employees encourage customers to find a space and make themselves at home. Making the customer a priority is an evident goal of the staff here.
According to Peggy Trott, the general manager of the property, the goal of the coffeehouse as a whole is to become a place where guests can come in, feel welcomed, and share their point of view. Hence the name, P.O.V.— Point of View.
Outside seating is ample. A combination of cafe tables and long cedar picnic tables fill the area. P.O.V is the ideal place to study for a class or catch up with a friend over a shared sticky bun. The location, close to the Stella Hotel and Lake Walk Town Center, creates an ideal setting to sit outside and take in the morning or evening.
Community, customer service, and a delicious hand-crafted menu, paired with a relaxing and convenient place to grab a cup of coffee, make P.O.V a great place to come and stay a while. As stated on P.O.V.’s website, the invitation extends to all to “come share your point of view.” And don’t forget the sticky bun!
