You heard me--the liquor store at 8200 Baltimore Ave got a makeover and Vigilante Coffee Company has taken over. The new Vigilante Coffee in College Park is geared towards the needs of UMD students with its speedy checkout, affordable $1.50 standard drip, easy access to outlets, and of course, caffeine. With 2 Italian custom made espresso machines, you can expect your coffee faster than ever before, without sacrificing the high quality taste you know and love at the original Hyattsville location.
A new location doesn't necessarily call for new kicks, emphasized owner Chris Vigilante. Even though the company has been working to rebuild the entire interior over the past few months, many of the restaurant's key features (including the wooden accents) were reused or refurbished in some way. Even the 22 year old sign above the entrance is refurbished from the original liquor store sign.
Vigilante plans to approach the new location like a work in progress. Rather than regarding the project as "complete" now that the restaurant has officially opened, they plan to keep expanding. Expect more art, the prospect of an outdoor patio, and maybe even a few new menu items catered towards healthy eating for students over the next few months.
So what's on the menu at the new location? We'll be seeing a lot more of Vigilante's classic açaí bowls, fresh pressed juices, and sweet treats fresh baked by their award-winning pastry chef.
However, the new location isn't just a hotspot for espresso and açaí lovers alone. Vigilante carries a selection of long boards as well (especially for commuter skaters, another twist geared towards its college-aged patrons). Chris Vigilante has been an avid skater for 17 years, and hoped to carry this theme over into the location with imported Japanese skate board magazines decorating the walls. This is yet another creative element in Vigilante Coffee Company's multi-dimensional brand.
Whether you're into high quality coffee, crave fresh açaí bowls or award-winning pastries, have a thing for long boarding, or are just looking for an effortlessly cool study space, Vigilante Coffee in College Park is going to be your new favorite place. One thing's for sure--you'll always find me there when I'm craving a fresh açaí bowl and an espresso.