The Toasty Goat on __ in Columbia.
At Toasty Goat Coffee Co., a vibrant atmosphere and flavorful coffee blend together to create a warm, inviting cafe environment. Toasty Goat is a welcome addition to the coffee scene in Columbia. The coffee shop, which opened in Columbia last fall, serves a variety of hot and iced drinks, along with light fare such as fresh-baked cookies and yogurt parfaits. Though the cafe’s food menu is limited, the coffee options are sure to please everyone.
Entering Toasty Goat, customers are immediately greeted by a homey, open area full of bright hanging lamps and lush, leafy plants. With spacious seating and a patterned tile floor, the interior provides a pleasant space to get together with friends or family and enjoy a coffee.
Ranging from rich, earthy brews from Mexico and Ethiopia to seasonal drinks, such as the “Bumpkin Spice” latte, Toasty Goat offers a wide variety of caffeinated beverages that both the average customer and the coffee connoisseur can enjoy.
I ordered the “Bumpkin Spice” latte, which is spiced with comforting flavors such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The coffee is smooth, slightly acidic — but not overly so — and is a good selection for those unsure where to start with coffee drinks. It’s not extremely sweet, but there’s a crisp, earthy tang to it that keeps you coming back for another sip.
For those who aren’t coffee fans, Toasty Goat also offers drinks, such as chai tea lattes and hot chocolates, which are topped with artfully designed foam tulips.
Despite the variety of coffee drinks, the only food items Toasty Goat offers are yogurt bowls and cookies, so it isn’t the place to go for a large meal. Adding more baked goods to the menu, such as scones or muffins, would certainly increase the cafe’s versatility and breakfast crowd.
Though the food selection is limited, the few items on the menu are delicious. I tried the yogurt parfait, which is a refreshing breakfast option. The parfait is topped with oats, honey, chia seeds, pecans and fresh berries, which balance well with the tartness of the yogurt. In addition, the oatmeal molasses cookies are a perfect pick-me-up, with hearty oats and gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth.
Toasty Goat is also a family-oriented spot, and their approachable menu complements the cafe’s interior, which is filled with plants and comfortable seating. When I visited, the cafe was packed with parents and children and even had a designated play area with a mock kitchen for kids to enjoy. Menu items like the hot chocolate and oatmeal molasses cookies appeal to younger visitors.
Toasty Goat is located at 515 S. Scott Blvd., Suite 101, in a developing area of Columbia. The cafe, which is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, seems to attract a multigenerational crowd. Though there were some students working at tables, the majority of customers appeared to be families.
Overall, Toasty Goat’s captivating environment and quality coffee are on par with other established Columbia favorites, such as Shortwave Coffee and Three Story Coffee. The prices are also reasonable, ranging from around $3 to $4 for a latte — about the same cost as a yogurt bowl.
Though it has only been open in this location for a few months, Toasty Goat is already making its mark on the coffee scene in Columbia. While a short drive from MU’s campus, Toasty Goat is a worthwhile spot for both students and families to enjoy.
Edited by Shannon Worley, sworley@themaneater.com