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Campus Spotlight: Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co.

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Amanda Norell
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Purdue chapter.

We all know it. We all love it. Greyhouse.

There’s nothing better than waking up early, hitting the gym, and heading down to Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. for a crepe and a latte (which probably counteracts the workout, but you still feel accomplished!). Even camping out all night to study for your six finals is exponentially more bearable with a creme brulee latte in hand, and the sweet sounds of Ben Folds serenading over the house speakers. There’s just something special about this place, the people, and the product. 

Nestled snugly on the corner of Northwestern and State, Greyhouse doesn’t look like much from the outside. An old, brown building with an old, dark awning–if it weren’t for the wide windows, twinkling bulb lights, and the “Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co.” sign hanging overhead, it might be overlooked.  
But the inside boasts an atmosphere that juxtaposes the bland exterior. Upon entering, you’re hit with the mix of aromas that make you feel as if you’d gone to heaven. Rich espresso, fresh mozzarella, and savory crepe batter rising on the griddles all blend together to create a smell so mouth-watering and so familiar we feel at home. This welcoming feeling is emphasized by the inviting, rich wall tones and accents that adorn the cozy interior. Deep reds, warm caramels, exposed brick, and perfectly staged lighting all contribute to the warmth you feel, even from taking just two steps inside. Comfy leather chairs, tables topped with antique lamps, barstools along the windowed walls, and a private study room with long, accommodating tables are all options when choosing where to seat yourself. I love to sit against the windows and look out at the passersby when I set up shop in Greyhouse. And my favorite decorative feature? I would have to say it’s a tie between the crazy, worm-like light fixture that sits in the middle of the bronze-plated ceiling, or the exposed brick wall in the back of the house. I think I may have worn out the “warm” descriptor, but that’s exactly how I feel whenever I visit Greyhouse; warm, comfortable, and safe. 

Greyhouse wouldn’t be Greyhouse without its employees. Friendly, enthusiastic, and passionate, these people know their coffee. The amount of care they put into each order is unlike most places you will find in this day and age (I have yet to visit another coffeehouse that will swirl a perfectly proportioned leaf design into the top of my latte). I have never seen a Greyhouse barista with a sour look on his or her face. It is clear that each of them find joy in their work, and that attitude is contagious. 

And of course, the product. I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t like at least one item on the Greyhouse menu. Coffees, lattes, teas, crepes, pastries, gelato; what’s not to love?! The Greyhouse product is so good because they take such great pride in it. Greyhouse coffee suppliers cultivate relationships with farmers all over the world to seek out the very best product and to ensure its quality. These suppliers also ensure that the prices on each product are fair trade or better. The gelato is delicious and use only real fruits, coffees, and chocolates, and many ingredients are even grown right here in the Midwest. AND most of them are in the 100-calorie range! All of the items on the Greyhouse menu are thoughtfully chosen and prepared, and the results speak for themselves.

With unrivaled atmosphere, service, and product quality, it’s no surprise that Greyhouse has such a strong an loyal patronage. If you’re a Purdue student who has yet to discover this little gem, I highly recommend heading down to Northwestern and State ASAP! 

And if you’re every struggling to decide between the many amazing menu items, here are a few of my own personal recommendations that might help you out:
1. Coffee: Ethiopian blend
2. Latte: Creme Brulee
3. Crepe: Margherita
4. English muffin with raspberry jam (only $1.50!)
5. Gelato: all of them! (Sorry, but I honestly can’t help here!)

Sources
1. http://greyhousecoffee.com/pdfs/how.we.feel.pdf
2. http://greyhousecoffee.com/
3. Photo taken by Amanda Norell

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Amanda Norell is a junior at Purdue University where she is working toward a communication degree, supplemented by an art and design minor. A true Midwesterner, Amanda was born in Chicago and raised in northern Indiana, just minutes from the Michigan border. In addition to being Purdue's Campus Correspondent, Amanda is also a junior board member on Liberal Arts Student Council, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, and has both edited and written for The Exponent, Purdue's independent daily student newspaper.  She has held internships in both event planning and career development, and has her sights set on becoming an event and wedding planner after graduation. She cannot get enough of campus in the fall, crepes from Greyhouse, Urban Outfitters, and simply lovin' life.