Morning Brew Coffee Company is an independent coffee shop and café conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Roanoke inside the Taubman Museum of the Art. Downtown Roanoke quickly is becoming the city’s hub for art and entertainment, and Morning Brew Coffee Company is comfortably nestled alongside some of the city’s most notable venues.
Toya Jones, owner and operator of Morning Brew Coffee Company, is an art lover herself and says that it only made sense for her coffee shop to be in a museum district. In addition to local roasted coffee and teas, Morning Brew offers an impressive selection of craft beer and wine. The menu includes a variety of options such as wraps, salads, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and more. It’s also a great place to grab breakfast or brunch with mimosas offered all day long. The coffee shop creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere by providing books that patrons can read, journals for customers to write in, and inspirational messages and quotes handwritten on every cup of coffee. The staff are cheerful and inviting. It’s a place that quickly begins to feel like home. With light airy furniture, modern décor and views from the windows of an artsy graffiti wall, the coffee shop mirrors the beauty and creativity of the museum itself. It also is wheelchair accessible with convenient parking and an outdoor patio for days when the weather is warm.
Within walking distance from the coffee shop is Mill Mountain Theatre where visitors can take in a professional show. A few blocks farther you’ll find the Jefferson Center of Performing Arts. The Jefferson Center is the artistic home to Roanoke’s professional opera company and frequently hosts performances by Roanoke Ballet Company and various touring artists throughout the year.
The museum has free admission and offers roughly 15-20 exhibitions per year in addition to its permanent collection. Past featured artists have included Yoko Ono and Norman Rockwell. The Taubman also offers art classes for people of all ages including photography, watercolor and pop art workshops. The museum provides a hands-on art experience for kids ages 17 and under called Art Venture on the lower level. Art Venture allows children to express themselves creatively while simultaneously fostering a love for the arts through physical exploration.
Once a month, Morning Brew Coffee Company and the Taubman Museum extend their hours as part of Downtown Roanoke’s “First Friday” celebration. First Friday has been taking place since 1989 and features live music, local vendors and art displays with proceeds going to charitable causes.
Other signature events that take place at the Taubman Museum include the Annual Women’s Luncheon, the International Wine Festival, the Monster Art Rally, Bourbon and Bacon, the Art of Golf Tournament and the annual Sidewalk Art Show. Morning Brew Coffee is a perfect spot to stop and grab a quick bite to eat and a drink during any of these events, or while walking through Downtown Roanoke.
Jones has decided to expand upon her love for art by hosting creative events of her own. Every other Wednesday, Morning Brew Coffee Company is home to Soul Sessions, an open mic music and poetry show that promotes diversity and inclusion while creating a safe space for its participants to vulnerably share their truths. Morning Brew also is preparing for its very first “Indie Visual Festival,” scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 11, noon-4 p.m. The Indie Visual Festival is a free, family-friendly event that promotes local businesses and art. Festival patrons will have the opportunity to support local craft vendors and support local art while drinking local brews and eating local food. There will be a beer and wine garden stationed outdoors on the patio. Jones has partnered with Three Notch’d Brewing Company to create and release an exclusive Indie Visual Fest beer. The signature drink will be available only at Morning Brew Coffee Company during the festival and on tap at the Downtown Roanoke Three Notch’d Brewing Company location.
Live music for the event will be provided by three local bands: Amanda Bocchi and the Soul Flood, Harvest Blaque and Company and The Mad Iguanas. Amanda Bocchi and Harvest Blaque have been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk and the Mad Iguanas are an original rock band reminiscent of The Grateful Dead. Harvest Blaque and Company also was the recipient of an international Independent Radio Award.
A portion of Indie Visual’s proceeds will be donated to mentoring programs, local charities and programs aimed at stomping out hunger in Roanoke communities.
Morning Brew Coffee Company Hours
Tuesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Taubman Museum Hours
Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00pm – 5:00p.m.
Tags: Eat. Play. Stay.
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