New coffee in Southside

Delanie's features exposed brick walls and a seating
area with wall outlets and Wi-Fi internet.

Dan Watkins recently enjoyed a quiet afternoon with a decaf Americano while grading papers at Delanie’s Coffee in the Southside.

Watkins, a professor at Duquesne, enjoys the “excellent” coffee and comfortable atmosphere that Delanie’s has to offer.

“I usually grade papers at coffee shops so I thought I’d try something new,” Watkins said after noticing the recent addition on East Carson Street in the Southside.

Delanie’s Coffee shop, which opened August 1, offers coffee, desserts made in-house, smoothies, sandwiches, wraps and more.

The AMPd group, owned by Adam DeSimone, runs Delanie’s as well as several other businesses including Diesel Club Lounge and Local Bar & Kitchen.

Randy Recker, the manager of Delanie’s, said that DeSimone wanted to try something other than a bar or restaurant in the Southside.

“There are people that want to come to the Southside that don’t necessarily want to come have a drink,” said Recker.

The shop features exposed brick walls, colorful paintings of the Southside, and an upper level with several tables. Wall outlets and free Wi-Fi internet are also available, making Delanie’s a great study spot for students.

“At least five or six nights out of the week there are going to be people here studying ‘til midnight,” said Recker of the shop, which is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.

Recker was also pleased to report that students have given him positive feedback about the “bright” and “soothing” aesthetics of the shop. The reasonably priced menu is also a hit.

Delanie’s blend brewed coffee from Iron Star Roasters in Costa Rica costs $1.70 for a small. Other available standard hot drinks include a latte ($3.00 for a small), a mocha ($3.25 for a small), an Americano ($1.50 for a small) as well as many more.

If you’re looking for something other than coffee, Delanie’s also offers real fruit smoothies and sparkling Italian and cream sodas. The shop offers $3 smoothies during smoothie happy hour from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Delanie’s also bakes pastries and desserts in-house. Cookies, muffins, cupcakes, mini-cheesecakes, carrot cake, scones and tiramisu are just a few of the options that can be found there. Prices for baked goods range from $2 for a cookie to $5 for tiramisu.

For those looking for something more substantial, Delanie’s offers breakfast sandwiches made right in front of you with fresh sausage and eggs. Turkey chutney, tofu, and three-meat Italian wraps are also available for $6 and fresh house and Caesar salads are offered for $4.

Recker said that Delanie’s is “still a baby” so they have been testing out new menu items. He is currently collaborating with a chef to develop a batter for crepes. Other future plans include fudge, gift baskets for the holidays, and selling coffee by the pound.

Delanie's decor includes exposed brick walls
and paintings of the Southside. 

What sets Delanie’s apart from a chain coffee shop is their customer consciousness and commitment to quality.

Recker emphasized that their freshly made menu items may take “a minute or two longer but the product is worth it.”

Julie Ornato, an employee at Delanie’s, has worked in the coffee business for a long time and emphasized the importance of consistency when dealing with customers.

“We want you to always taste your drink before you leave to make sure it’s how you want it,” Ornato said.

Delanie’s Coffee is located at 1737 East Carson Street and open daily from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.

Published in Volume 1 of To The Point on page 2 and online at tothepointonline.net.