Shane Witters Hicks | Program Officer
Principia Center for Sustainability | Feb 20, 2023
The coffeehouse hidden within the old Milton Schoolhouse may be one of Alton’s best-kept secrets. It’s one of those, “if you know, you know” gems for students at Principia College. And once you know, you’ll likely find yourself making repeat latte runs whenever the opportunity presents.
Located in downtown Alton, Maeva’s Coffee can be found after following signs down a winding passageway in the historic schoolhouse. (The meandering journey helps reinforce its perception as a hidden gem.) As you near the entrance, you’ll wander past increasing amounts of potted greenery and art until you emerge into a warmly lit and tastefully decorated cafe room. Maeva’s instantly gives off comforting, friendly vibes. This is reinforced by grinning baristas who will quickly greet you and a well-stocked pastry case.
In an age of coffee chains that minimize labor and use cheap ingredients to maximize profits, Maeva’s is a refreshing oasis in a veritable desert of quality cafes. Just about everything you can purchase is made from scratch or requires some loving preparation by the team. In the fall, a sign describing the pumpkin spice latte reads, “Nothing basic about it: real pumpkin puree, fresh grated nutmeg, China cassia cinnamon, clove, and vanilla bean. 100% handmade.” This ad is indicative of the quality of all goods purchased from the team of dedicated bakers and baristas. On my latest visit, a barista sold me on the house chai after explaining that their homemade concentrate gets made in the wee hours of the morning, involving spices simmering for upwards of 5 hours. The tantalizing treats in the pastry case are freshly baked in their incubator kitchen, located below the coffeehouse. Oh, and they roast their own coffee, too.
There’s something for everyone on the menu as the baked goods area is stocked with an assortment of muffins, coffee cakes, hand pies, frittatas, quiches, and cheesecakes. They do a great job of providing gluten-free and vegan options, and the savory snacks always include a vegetarian option. They even serve a vegan curry chickpea salad with crackers!
I can personally vouch for the deliciousness of the plant-based chocolate chip banana muffins. The tender crumb and rich, buttery flavor would have fooled me if I hadn’t seen “vegan & gluten-free” written next to it. Also, I think I raved to at least 10 people about the cinnamon roll cheesecake the day I tried it. With ribbons of cinnamon meandering through the dense, cream-cheesey base, and a generous piping of cream cheese frosting on top, it was one of the most delicious and decadent cheesecakes I’ve ever had. For $3.50 per giant slice, I’d choose this homemade creation over the cheesecake factory any day!
For being hidden in a tiny room in an off-the-beaten-path schoolhouse in Alton, Illinois, few would expect the level of quality dished up at Maeva’s Coffee. Such explains its cult following: once you become acquainted, it’s hard not to become a loyal patron. So the next time you’re in the mood for a cup of Joe or snack, give Maeva’s a try. Make sure to clear your schedule though because you may find yourself still in the cozy space, hours later, wondering where the time has gone!
