The Alchemist the Hidden Gem of Wilton Manors

Today I visited the hidden oasis that is the Alchemist Coffee shop located in Wilton Manors, Florida. The Alchemist is tucked away at the end of a side street off Dixie Highway that is so off the beaten path that even the locals have a hard time finding it. The coffee shop is one of several tenants located in the tranquil 3-acre area known as Eucalyptus Gardens, the serene location almost makes you forget you are a just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of busy downtown Fort Lauderdale. When you pull up to the Alchemist you almost feel like you are taking a step into a secret garden.

The coffee shop itself is nothing more than a wooden shack containing just ten seats and an array of coffee making equipment that looks like it belongs in a science lab more than a coffee shop! The outdoor patio offers about thirty or so seats with umbrellas, trees, and pergolas offering plenty of shade, even on the hottest of Florida days! Be sure to check out the roaster on the patio that is always roasting the latest batch of beans for the Alchemist to use for all their coffee drinks! There is nothing better than sitting on the patio, sipping an iced coffee, and enjoying the smell of freshly roasting coffee beans!

As if the amazing atmosphere wasn’t enough of a reason to seek out The Alchemist, the fact that they have killer coffee and amazing food truly makes this place a hidden gem! The coffee menu is pretty small and basic, they really want the true essence of the coffee to shine through, so don’t expect to find crazy drinks or flavors on the menu here. But, that doesn’t mean the coffee is lacking in flavor. As I said before The Alchemist roasts all of their beans in house, and believes that freshly roasted coffee must be served within 72 hours. They feel that is when the coffee is at its prime, and its for that reason that their drinks taste so good, that you you don’t even need any wacky flavors covering up the true taste of the coffee! If you are an iced coffee and cold brew junkie like me then you must try The Alchemist’s “Iced Coffee”! This is probably my favorite iced coffee ever, it’s a 24-hour cold brew slightly sweetened with brown sugar and mixed with sweetened condensed milk and whole milk. I know, it sounds like it would be terribly sweet and milky, but they some how mix everything to have the perfect balance of sweetness and milk that doesn’t overshadow the coffee.

There is nothing typical about The Alchemist Coffee shop, and the same can be said for the food they serve. They don’t offer the typical pastries you might find at other coffee shops. At the Alchemist you can get good home made food, that’s made to order and personally brought your table. The have a variety of different offerings from fresh breakfast sandwiches to fresh salads and what they call Pizzettas. But my favorite thing at The Alchemist is their slicers. These are a thick slice of Tuscan bread lightly toasted and piled high with a wide variety of toppings from smoked salmon to turkey and Swiss. But my go to slicer every time I visit The Alchemist is the Nutella slicer. Thick toasted Tuscan bread

with a generous spread of Nutella and topped with plenty of strawberries and bananas. There is no clean way to eat this but to just dig in and enjoy! I promise you will not regret ordering this slicer!

The Alchemist is unapologetically no frills. From their wooden shack, to their shabby chic outdoor space, and their simple yet delicious menu and coffee, The Alchemist simply sets out to do what they do best, continue to make their customers happy while serving the freshest coffee and food possible.

Today wasn’t my first visit to The Alchemist and I know for a fact it won’t be my last, until next time I’ll just be here dreaming about that iced coffee and Nutella slicer! If you happen to find yourself in the Wilton Manors area run don’t walk, find a map, find a local, do what ever you have to find The Alchemist! I absolutely promise you won’t be sorry!