Exit 11 Coffee is a familiar sight for anyone driving through the I-44 corridor, with storefronts in Washington, Union, St. James and more, along with its newest location in Eureka, which opened at 527 N. Central Ave. opened in early December.
Owner Angela Garland said this is the eighth location since opening its initial Washington location in 2015.
“We’ve been looking at Eureka since 2019 because we knew there was a need, just because the only other drive-thrus are Panera and McDonald’s,” Garland said. “It’s been incredible. Of all of our first-day openings, this was the best. And everyone’s so kind.”
Order any of Exit 11’s specialty coffee drinks and get a taste of their house-made organic syrups, which pair perfectly with their locally roasted coffee beans.
“We accommodate the mom with the carload of kids who wants her vanilla latte with cold foam and caramel drizzle. Also, the guy or gal that just wants a basic black coffee,” Garland said.
Not a fan of coffee but craving a midday pickup? Garland recommends the Rave energy teas made from botanical coffee bean extracts.
Exit 11 also offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and keto-friendly food options, including a popular breakfast burrito made from locally sourced organic ingredients.
“Because we’re still small, we can utilize local resources, because [for one], we get our meat from Williams Brothers [Meat Market] out in Washington,” Garland said.
Garland explains that the 280-square-foot space isn’t here to compete with other local coffee shops like The Orange Couch Coffee House, a popular coffeeshop in the area.
“You do your drive-thru when you’re out and about, but you go to the coffee house because you want to sit, visit, get something to eat, and hang out. I’m hoping it doesn’t affect them [Orange Couch Coffeehouse] because that’s certainly not our mission.”
Exit 11 in Eureka is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
This article appears in December 2024.