So you’re looking for a place to study. Maybe a place to hang out with your friends. Perhaps you want to get a quick cup of coffee or to engage in a deep philosophical discussion. If you are looking for a local band, a meal, or a study spot, the Gryphon Café is your answer.
Located right next to the Anthony Wayne Theater on Route 30, the Gryphon Café is a coffee shop that offers a relaxing environment with excellent drinks and snacks.
With different local bands playing every Friday and Saturday night and open mic on Monday nights, the atmosphere is reliably artsy and fresh.
The Gryphon isn’t only about drinks. It offers salads, sandwiches, soups, bagels, muffins and desserts. Although the Gryphon offers beverages other than coffee, their most popular drinks are hot chocolate, mocha and chai tea.
“We do espresso drinks really well,” employee David Flood said. “We take a lot of pride in making gourmet drinks.”
Current drink specials include pumpkin spice latte, apple cider, caramel cider, pu’erh tea and maple steamer. These can be found on the chalk board next to the counter, complete with illustrations for each.
Owned by Rich Mattis, an Eastern alumnus, the Gryphon has been around for 10 years. Customers vary widely by age, with a college crowd usually in the evenings or early mornings before class. Music continually plays in the background, the genre depending on the time of day. Mornings are accompanied by soft music, while evenings are generally upbeat.
“We try to select music that is not too intrusive,” Flood said.
A quiet room upstairs is available for anyone who signs up. Patrons from high school students to the Central Baptist church to flute and piano teachers reserve it for gatherings. The best part is that it doesn’t cost a penny. If it is not previously reserved, anyone is welcome to enjoy it.
“Eastern students should come to the Gryphon to get off campus,” Flood said. “If they already live off campus, then they should come to allow themselves to be distracted by people. We get a really diverse crowd, not just Mainliners.”
So walk in, plop your coat on the coat rack and grab a wooden seat. Order a drink and relax as you soak up the music and enjoy yourself, leaving your worries at the door.
For more information on, visit their website at http://www.gryphoncafe.com/.
Gryphon Hours
Monday through Thursday- 7 a.m. to 11p.m.
Saturday-8a.m. to 11p.m.
Sunday-9a.m. to 10p.m.
105 West Lancaster