Briona Bargerstock – Staff Writer

bnb5387@psu.edu

If you are looking for a small café to study, get quality drinks, and have amazing service do not look further than 4th and State Street. 

Ember + Forge was founded with a clear purpose to bring the community together and offer a safe space to creatives and individuals looking for a peaceful, quiet place to enjoy coffee. 

It has been illustrating this purpose ever since its opening in 2017 with owner Hannah Kirby. Recently, the cafe celebrated its fifth anniversary by inviting individuals to enjoy many activities and celebrations alongside the community and employees. Showing that they would not be where they are without their loyal customers. 

Another unique feature of Ember + Forge is that not only is art from local artists displayed and sold, but this opportunity is also offered to their very own baristas. They can display their art to be sold and share their literature so that customers may read it while enjoying their drinks. 

This allows their employees to embrace their passions while working. I thought that was a beautiful gesture that served as a perfect example of what Ember + Forge is all about. I have frequented this established coffee shop in the last couple of months and I have had nothing but exceptional service from everyone there. I was comforted by the inviting atmosphere and mesmerized by the art that was on display. So much so that I attended the art exhibit that Ember + Forge participated in so that I could enjoy their coffee along with enjoying art from local artists.

As far as the drinks are concerned, they are made from quality ingredients, prepared by incredibly talented and dedicated baristas, and presented with precision and care. My partner and I have ordered many drinks on the menu with some of our favorites including the lavender latte, rose latte, chai, café mocha, and their seasonal drinks. Be sure to ask the baristas for recommendations, they are always making creations that they would love for customers to try.

This coffee shop is more geared toward avid coffee drinkers who prefer a more authentic coffee experience. 

I have also had the pleasure of being served by a Behrend alumni, Andrew Mello, who graduated last spring. He has been working at Ember + Forge to continue his passion for making coffee while he is working to figure out what he would like in life. During his time at Ember + Forge, he has also displayed his art, even selling one of his own self-portraits. 

Mello enjoys the freedom he has to develop his skills as a barista and is always working to make new, exciting drinks. If you stop in be sure to order a Mello Mocha if you are feeling up to it!

This is a perfect place to go study and get some work done, go on a date with your significant other, or treat yourself to a nice day. I think everyone should experience Ember and Forge at least once because there truly is not another place like it. Take a weekend, grab a coffee, and take a look at the art. 

Ember + Forge is open 7 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. 

For the reasons above and many more, I absolutely will be visiting again with my partner and friends to enjoy the ambiance that is Ember + Forge. It is a unique installment of Erie that I hope continues to be a safe space for members of the community.