It seemed only appropriate that when I was meeting a student from nearby Butler University that I would make sure our meeting was at a locally owned coffee joint and that it would also allow me to snag a new Yelp review. I wasn't sure I hadn't reviewed Hubbard & Cravens, I believe I'd actually been here one time previously, but a quick check let me know that this place tucked away in a small strip center at 49th & Penn would qualify.
I never know if this is considered Meridian-Kessler or Butler-Tarkington, but what I do know is that this is a residential area of mostly middle-to-upper income families and older couples. My coffee companion for this occasion also shared that this was her first time at this location.
Hubbard & Cravens started in 1991 in Indy. They've got 4 Indy locations, though they sell their coffee/tea products nationwide.
This location is intimate, though a bit larger than you might expect. The layout is kind of tight, especially if you're in a wheelchair, but I couldn't help but notice that probably 75% of the tables could easily be wheelchair friendly.
The parking lot is also quite small with two accessible parking spots to the back of the building. They are ADA compliant and a curb cut goes up to the sidewalk. The doorway is pretty workable - a touch heavy, but also clearly within visibility of many people.
On this visit, the order counter was toward the back - to their credit, they did have a small sign out letting you know the front counter was closed.
The guy who took my order was friendly - I wouldn't quite say hospitable, but the service was fine. The tables were completely full, a bit disconcerting since I was supposed to meet with someone and it was likely we'd need room to either write and/or record the conversation. However, it was only a few minutes before a table opened up that also happened to be wheelchair friendly. The tables are pretty close to one another, a little too close but everyone seems used to it and they were all friendly. That said, if you're wanting to have a private conversation that's not very likely here.
Hubbard & Cravens offers free wifi - including 5G, though you'll need to ask for the password.
They offer a wide variety of coffee and tea type products including the usual specialty products. I ordered a large cold brew iced coffee that was served up in a clear plastic solo cup. As I recall, the price was $3.65. The prices seemed reasonable to me - certainly less than a certain other national vendor we won't name.
The coffee itself? I have to be honest. I didn't particularly care for it. It tasted a touch watered down and I doubt I'd order it again. However, they have enough other products that I'd easily return and order something else.
I agree with some observations that there's a bit of a corporate vibe here. I also think Hubbard & Cravens lacks the warmth that screams out "Come back." I would easily come back if in the area, but nothing about the experience made me think of this as a destination spot.
Overall, this was a solid 4-star experience. I really never considered any other rating. While I wasn't thrilled with the product ordered, I didn't dislike it. I enjoyed the atmosphere and appreciated the efforts toward accessibility. While not in my upper tier for local coffee shops, it's easily one I would return to and it's close enough to my home that returning is a realistic option. read more