Can you imagine your own backyard being the beginning of a community gem? For Matthew and Laura Adams, this was a reality when they started local coffee shop Backyard Beans Coffee Company. Now operating out of two cafes- one in Ambler and the other in Lansdale- it’s a fan favorite for many people in our community. The smell of fresh ground coffee beans filling the air, colorful mugs with perfect latte art everywhere you look, and the subtle background music in which you’re bound to find a new favorite song are all things you’ll find at Backyard Beans.
Not only does Backyard Beans know how to brew a delicious cup of coffee, but they’ve also brewed up their 2024 Impact Report, putting on display their care for the community and a commitment to sustainability. The report shows their 82.7 B-impact assessment score; the median score for other businesses stands at 50.9, putting Backyard Beans well above average. The B-impact assessment highlights the core values of and commitments to governance, community, workers, customers, and the environment.
As it’s a fan favorite in our community, it’s also a fan favorite among our Knight Crier staff. It’s the perfect place to brainstorm ideas, write articles, and enjoy the perfect coffee and brunch. The Knight Crier wouldn’t be what it is today without countless visits to our favorite coffee shop. Hear all about our personal favorites with these reviews of some of our staff’s most-ordered and most-loved items off of the menu.
Joni’s Reviews
Iced Matcha Latte
I always complete my order with oat milk, honey, and vanilla or mint syrup for the perfect balance between the earthy taste of matcha and the sweetness of add-ins. I always opt for oat milk in this latte because it takes the flavor to the next level and really brings out the taste of everything else. Matcha has been on the rise to popularity lately, but faces some dislike from people who claim it tastes too earthy. If you feel this way, I highly recommend trying Backyard Beans’ matcha latte with some of my favorite add-ins, and your mind might change.
Horchata Sweet Cream Cold Brew
This spring special was a great switch-up on another one of my favorite drinks- the classic vanilla sweet cream cold brew. After an accidental mix up when I grabbed someone’s vanilla cold brew in the habit of that being a usual order for me, I was able to get this delicious spring special. The horchata inspired sweet cream was a great twist, and the additional cinnamon topping helped to spice up the flavor some more. Most importantly, it’s completed with their “Punch In the Face” Cold Brew, which you can never go wrong with.
Avocado Toast
Backyard Beans does more than make the perfect drink- their kitchen has never done me wrong. It’s hard to narrow it down to a favorite item, but their avocado toast is a staple that I always find myself going back to. The avocado is smooth and rich, perfectly complemented by the red pepper flakes sprinkled on top. No matter how I try to replicate it at home, avocado toast is always better when it’s from Backyard Beans.
Gianna’s Reviews:
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
This is one of my favorite drinks from Backyard Beans and it’s so simple. The “punch in the face” cold brew that they use in all of their drinks is the best I’ve had. It’s ridiculously smooth and not too bitter, while still having the strong coffee flavor. The vanilla sweet cream cold foam goes perfect on top and is just the right amount of sweetness. This is always a go-to on a hotter day. During February they had the special raspberry sweet cream cold brew, and that was just as delectable.
Honey Mint Latte
Another seasonal favorite of mine is the Honey Mint Latte. It was on the menu last summer and not a day goes by where I don’t think about it. It was so creamy and the mint added the perfect touch. This one was best hot, partially for taste and creaminess, and partially for the beautiful latte art that’s on top of every latte. This is perfect for anyone who loves a coffee that’s sweet, but not unbearably sweet.
Backyard BLT
This BLT will be the best you’ve ever had. And you may be thinking how can a BLT be anything special, well it is. They put a pesto mayo on it and it pulls the entire sandwich together. Perfect balance of lettuce and tomato, this fresh sandwich is a perfect lunch for any day. I’ve never been disappointed by anything from their kitchen, be sure to try it next time you’re there!
One more special shout out to the Blueberry Cream cheese muffin that I had a few months ago from Backyard Beans. It was the most delicious muffin I have ever eaten, and I’d love for it to be a menu staple.