Dom’s Coffee on Mill Road doesn’t look like much from the outside. If anything, the huge Monstera and pretty pink flowers in the window make it look like a plant shop.
Unlike many other cafes in and around Cambridge, the decor is basic. So basic, in fact, that there is no sign outside to let potential customers know what is inside.
It’s certainly a change from the Instagram-ready aesthetic and pastel murals outside. But those things are all about style—I went to Dom’s Coffee to see if it had substance.
Absolutely delicious drinks
The unassuming exterior of the cafe opens up to a fairly basic interior, with a gigantic bench and stools on one side for customers and a bar with service at the back of the room. The interior is quite miniature, so it may not be the ideal place to meet up with a group of friends, as you’d probably take up the entire space.
At this point I have to admit that I don’t like coffee and that’s why I don’t drink it – it makes my heart pound worryingly, so I avoid it. Instead I went for a scorching chocolate (£3.80).
As a non-coffee drinker, I’ve become somewhat of a cocoa connoisseur. This scorching chocolate was absolutely delicious – not too milky, not too sweet, not too bitter.
It wasn’t made from a can of budget-friendly powder, but from a real chocolate base. Although the cup was miniature, only eight ounces, it was perfect for a quick energy boost.
Trust bowl payment system
One thing you should know before visiting is that the cafe only accepts cash and has an unusual “trust bowl” system. The house doesn’t handle the money, but lets you drop in cash and take change from a bowl of notes and coins on the counter while it prepares your drink.
Sam Dom was genuinely toasty and genial – he remembered the orders of two customers ahead of me in the queue, something you don’t get at chain coffee shops. He also knows a lot about his coffee, having managed to get five stars out of five according to Google reviews.
Jessie Tavitas wrote: “The nicest barista, accompanied by the best coffee I had all week in Cambridge. Dom is very well-read.”
Ismael Cruz agreed, saying, “I couldn’t believe how good the coffee was and I think it might be the best I’ve ever had, hands down. And the barista was super well-read and genial, and his passion for coffee is obvious.”
Next time you’re on Mill Road, be sure to look out for this hidden gem.
