Coal Yard Coffee

I love the eclectic simplicity of this coffee shop! Last Sunday they had so many great local musicians, playing guitars, fiddles, harmonicas and it was unexpectedly uniting listening with the local Irvingtonites. I love their special, the Bellatrix, which has delicious whip cream, and they also make a great dirty chai. If you’re wanting to get an introduction to some great local artists they have displayed work all over the walls. They also have some great haunted stories going on of missing appliances, moving spoons, and at one point an entire wall of paintings had been strategically placed on the floor the exact opposite of how it had been on the wall. Creepy. Anyway, it’s a must for Eastsiders!

Mixing art and upscale coffee while maintaining a welcoming vibe is difficult, but the Coal Yard very much pulls this off.
The employees are great, very personal and excited to be at work, the coffee is delicious, and the art is rotating and beautiful.
They also do a great job with the community, really embracing Irvington and promoting local activities and other local shops.

Great coffee and friendly staff. Their kegged cold brew is the best I’ve had.

This place is definitely «up and coming». So come here! Support!
Great beverage options, super friendly staff, nice rotating artwork on the walls, funky layout.
I liked that they have different «rooms» to sit in. I work remotely so this allowed me to grab the single armchair in the front «room» and plug in for an uninterrupted few hours of work. They had artists coming and going to stage the empty walls, which was fine.
They have «cute» seating — that’s to say eclectic and various. There are outlets accessible at a few different chairs.
I grabbed:
Iced chai tea latte with coconut milk –great
Basic green tea — great
A Pumpkin Muffin — good
NOT busy, which is nice for someone like me. I’m sure they’d like to be busier though!
I will definitely be back.

What a sweet little secret this coffee/​art gallery/​music central! Brush all your cares away on Bonna Ave.

This is a gem of a neighborhood business. It was an early addition to the new Coal Yard/​Pennsy Trail development area and seems to be chugging along while it waits for other businesses to move in. It’s a lovely open air space with comfy seating (like giant leather lounge chairs!). The only downside to the physical layout is that heating/​cooling is sometimes an issue, and when someone goes outside to smoke, the smell might waft inside :(Overall, though, it’s a very relaxing environment. There are several types of local art on the walls, ranging in price from $ 10 – 1000. Something for everyone, indeed. The customer service is delightful, and the free wifi is speedy. Another major bonus is that puppies are allowed inside!
I’m not a coffee or tea drinker, but CYC has lots of other interesting options like smoothies and seasonal beverages to keep me interested. Today, one of the baristas created a non-​coffee pumpkin drink for me on the spot! I also enjoyed a super tasty chocolate chip muffin that was to die for. The prices are very reasonable, too. There’s a very pro-​local vibe here, which I know is important to lots of coffee aficionados. They host several events throughout the month (jazz night, art shows, food truck night, etc.). I’ve witnessed total strangers strike up conversation here to share their love of coffee, art, and Irvington. Don’t miss this spot!

Adorable hole-​in-​the-​wall on the Eastside of Indy. Went here for the first time to see my friends’ band perform.
It looks like a workshop from the outside, but as soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a friendly, warm atmosphere with comfy couches and stylish décor. I didn’t even get a chance to try any coffee, but judging by the rest of my experience, I’m sure it’s wonderful

first timer and brought along my 14 and 4 year old because although my four yo likes basically all things everywhere, my beautiful (yet hormonal) fourteen yo is a different story. if a place passes her inspection, we’re good :) i thoroughly enjoyed my experience. i like that it’s industrial including the location and business itself. art everywhere which means creativity everywhere. the warehouse door/​front door is open so i felt open and relaxed and comfortable. i did not catch the baristas name (if thats what they call them here) but she was just lovely and sang and danced. such a pleasant addition to the day for me and the kids. coffee was delish — i had coconut milk latte and my girls had organic smoothies. food is not served here aside from the superb locally made protein bars. i like that they advertise and support other businesses. i like that other customers who came in while we were there were greeted by name and with smiles. it was warm (seeing as it’s an open venue and it was hot outside) but i’m just mentioning for folks who have never been. it doesn’t matter though. it just adds to the awesome. we will be back.
clean.
large/​family restroom.
coal yard coffee is good for kids and also handicap accessible as far as i could tell.

So I’m a little partial to my neighborhood coffee shop/​art gallery, especially since my guitars are hanging up! (Shameless plug)
Anyway, take a Saturday morning to explore the art, get some nitro brewed coffee, or some fancy coffee or teas, you will fall in love with this place.
The staff of Nyla, Michelle, Karissa etc are the coolest of the cool. Willing to chat but efficient with service they add to the comfort vibe of the store.
Don’t be put off by having to drive down a bumpy street and when you see the cinder block building… yes you are in the right place, park and go inside!
There are always interesting people to talk to (like me, 2^nd shameless plug) and if you are an artist you can inquire about renting wall space for a month. Prime walls in front are $ 100 and economy wall space in back is $ 50. Speaking of the back room you can get free seeds for your garden!
Get artsy! Stop in!

I love this place! They seem to be two steps ahead of everyone else, offering the Flat White before sbux had it and now offering the fantastic cold nitro-​brew coffee, which is practically a Guiness in coffee form.
The art is fantastic and it changes frequently. It’s such a great atmosphere and exactly what Irvington needed.

Well, this place is unexpected! Don’t be fooled by the exterior… Yes it may look like it was once someone’s garage but inside is uniquely arranged and decorated. Coffee is good and there’s free wifi. What more do you want?

This is an interesting concept. If you feel like you’re driving down an ally… you’re in the right place! There is wood furniture and knickknacks everywhere, art is hung on almost every wall, and on nice days the garage door is open. Its very very cozy to say the least. The coffee and tea is priced very reasonably. Lots of choices if you’re a «fancy» coffee drinker.
Nutshell: For a java pitstop or to sit and drink it all in, I’d highly recommend you hit them up.

I found this place accidentally, sheer luck the other day when I was browsing Unilocal for Tow Yard reviews. A coffee shop in Irvington? How have I never heard of Coal Yard? They’ve been open about 8 months and are a trailblazing the way to set a new precedence about what a coffee house can be. From the electric vibe to the local artwork covering the walls, Coal Yard embodies what small businesses are about… setting your own rules. Friday nights are unique in that they offer a host of events from musicians to poetry slams and even comedians. Now, you’re probably wondering, but how is the coffee? I ordered a cappuccino and it is without a doubt the strongest, richest, and boldest espresso I have ever had. It was smooth with earthy undertones and subtle hints of chocolate. A culmination of all things authentic without trying too hard. So, the best kept secret in Irvington is out of the bag!
Drink, enjoy, support local businesses.

Coal Yard Coffee is your friendly neighborhood coffee shop, even if you aren’t from the neighborhood. SO FRESH. SO LOCAL.
— LOCAL COFFEE made to order and made really, really well.
— LOCAL ART covers the wall and changes each month
— LOCAL MUSIC happens most weekends for all-​ages
— LOCAL PEOPLE serving the coffee, recommending music, being involved in their community, letting me pet their dogs, talking about their city. #blessed

I’m going to take you through my (slightly ADD) stream of consciousness during my visit to Coal Yard Coffee:
While driving to the shop: «Where the hell am I? Why does this nondescript garage have a Coal Yard Coffee sign in front of it? Oh wait… this is Coal Yard? Say whaaat?!»
Walking through the front door: «Oh no, I am not hipster enough to be here… or maybe walking in here made me more hipster… either way I dig all this sheet metal and cement flooring… Ohmygosh I love this pottery… and all these paintings… they’re all over. Oh, it’s all for sale?»
Continuing my tour around the shop: «This place is pretty eclectic but still looks put together. Here’s the game room, over there’s some comfy seating, I see a few tables for meetings… I wish I had a meeting to go to, because I’d have one here for sure. Is that bench made with burlap? OOO an interactive drawing board! What is that guy drawing? How much longer is he going to sit there? I want to add something to the drawing board too. What a great idea!»
After making my coffee order: «I can’t believe I had six options of Harvest Café Coffee to choose from. Most places offer three at the most… and the barista is making mine via pour-​over? Perfect. Thank goodness I found about about this place. I’m going to have to come here for First Friday or Comedy night for sure.»
You’re as good as they come, Coal Yard. I hope everyone loves you as much as I do… all while staying as the best kept secret of Irvington.

Probably the coolest coffee shop ever. They have art on every wall and it’s all for sale! So beware you may walk out with a great, affordable piece of art as well as a great cup of Joe! But seriously you have to come here and experience it for yourself! The lady working today was also very nice and easy to talk to ^u^ Thanks coal yard coffee! I’ll be back and with friends!

Fantastic coffee shop!
Located in historic Irvington and slightly off the main drag, this little shop is a true delight for coffee and art aficionados alike. Not only does this little out-​of-​the-​way coffee shop serve real, delicious coffee, it also doubles as an art gallery featuring several local artists. I have tried drinks ranging from a traditional macchiato to their custom «The Ledger» to a chai tea. All were very tasty. I love to peruse the local art while sipping on the caffeine. There is also entertainment scheduled each Friday. Can’t wait to check it out.
Next time your in the neighborhood of Irvington, skip the Starbucks and support local.

I’ve lived in Indy for five years now and I’ve yet to come across a coffee shop that feels like the coffee shop I grew up at in Terre Haute. We all have THAT coffee shop — the one with comfy chairs, quiet music in the background, everybody seems to know each other, and tables are situated in a way for facilitating conversation. Coal Yard Coffee comes super close.
Located off of a brick and gravel road, Coal Yard has a small sign out front to tell you what it is. If you pass it up like I did, don’t feel bad. Upon walking in to the green building you’ll see wood, tin, leather — all kinds of textures, lighting fixtures, coffee table books and art. I felt like I was stepping into a place that has existed for 25 years, not one that just opened and had an interior designer carefully craft the layout. It is less intentional, more just happenstance.
The coffee, however, is created with intention. Purchase coffee by the ounce (16, 21, up to 42 or 44 I believe) so you can sit and sip as long as you like. Only a handful of dirty chai’s, teas and latte’s make up the small chalkboard menu, keeping the focus on what they do best. My straight up black coffee (so original, I know) was made with the Chemex pour over method.
My only teensy tiny complaint is that the cement floor made it super chilly in there and no amount of coffee warmed me up. I blame it on the chilly temps outside, but hanging out there for 2 hours made my feet fall asleep. Aside from that, I loved much of this place and plan to go back, even though it’s not in my hood.

great Coffee at a great local Coffee Shop! New local art all the time. Went to the Comedy night a couple of weeks ago! Great time. Saw some talented local musicians the week before!
Irvington’s best kept secret!

New coffee shop in Irvington. The location is a little off the beaten path, but it is definitely worth a visit. Love the atmosphere. Urban, industrial feel to the space, and the walls are filled with artwork by local artists. They have the artists’ contact information for purchasing and requests. They use Hubbard and Cravens coffee and serve up a list of espresso/​coffee drinks as well as tea and smoothies. When you go, it is a place you want to ease into and lounge while enjoying your coffee. The barista was incredibly friendly and gave great service. I left just loving this place!