A friend said that the chocolate chip cookies at Helen Coffee Shop were the best she'd ever tasted, so of course I had to try them. And now, friends, I'm here to tell you that the chocolate chip cookies at Helen Coffee Shop are the best that I've had around Indianapolis, so now you have two endorsements. Go and get you some Helen CCCs.
Chocolate chip cookies are my thing. I don't throw the words "best" and "chocolate chip cookies" around haphazardly. No, these are the best, and they're what you want in a cookie. If you're lucky to get them right out of the oven like I was the first time I visited, then you're in for a treat because the cookie is just slightly underdone in the inside, but also slightly crispy on the outside. The texture is amazing, and like any great cookie, they're homely as all heck. When it comes to baked goods, sometimes the ugly things are the tastiest things.
The first time I visited Helen, I bought three cookies, with the intention of eating one and giving one to each of my children. But they never made it home to my kids, because I ate all three myself. Totally worth it; I regret nothing.
I'm fixated on the chocolate chip cookies here, but I've also eaten their lemon bars (amazing), chocolate croissants (wonderful) and have had many an Americano (perfectly roasted). The baked goods available changes each day, but it seems like they consistently have cookies and macarons available.
When you visit, you'll need to make plans to get your stuff and GTFO, because Helen Coffee Shop is a tiny walk-up. There are no tables, and there is barely room for two people to stand inside and order. It's a little comical how small this shop is, but it feels very European and chic, or like you're in a Jean-Pierre Jeunet film. Fortunately, Helen is located in downtown Carmel, right near the Monon Trail, so there are lots of places to sit just steps away outdoors (including tables and lounge chairs) where you can enjoy your food and drink. read more