Day’s Espresso & Coffee Bar

With the in-​laws in town, my wife and I decided to grab some breakfast at Highland. After eating, we decided to go to Days, simply for the fact that we like to try new places, and because we are coffee people.
Upon entering the café, we were pleasantly surprised by the quaint, warm atmosphere. It felt like a local place that one could get to know their barista and spend hours working on homework or other tasks. My wife was also happily surprised by the fact that they had a few gluten free options.
That said, though, if this review were only based upon the atmosphere of the café, it would be 5 stars. Sadly, the coffee was far from great. My wife ordered a Cortado, and I ordered a Macchiato, thinking that it’d be a traditional Macchiato. After ordering, it rang up as a 8oz Macchiato, which is literally a latte, so I changed my order to a double espresso.
It came in a 2oz demitasse, so my hopes were still there. But even upon looking at the espresso, you could tell that it was pulled quite poorly. The crema, looking especially pale, disappeared almost instantly. I gave it a try anyway. It tasted like it looked, poorly pulled. I’m thinking it must have had some intense channeling, because it tasted both sour and astringent. There were hardly any flavor notes, maybe a little chocolate and cinnamon, and it was especially bitter. Another reason that it seemed like it had some intense channeling is because it was super watery; it didn’t have that usual bite that espresso has going down one’s throat.
So in the end, it was a nice place, but not the best coffee. Yes, I am hard on coffee, but all baristas should be.

The dark roast they had that day (cant remember what it was) was so bitter and oppressive I barely got through half before I had to pitch it. Good scone though, it was blackberry.

Still my favorite coffeeshop, after all these years. I’ve tried the others and Day’s still wins for thier excellent atmosphere, delicious coffee, and open minded staff. And they sell Kizito cookies!

Guess where I’m at right now? Yup, Day’s Coffee. It’s my favorite coffee shop in Louisville, sorry Vint, sorry Heine Bros., take a seat.
Excellent baristas, friendly and they make the best drinks in Louisville (respectively). Nice array of snacks and bottled and canned drinks, too. This is one my favorite places to come and relax with my lappie and a Leo. I come here often to work, write, get warm and catch up on the news.
Are the prices high? Yup, but what coffee shop in Louisville isn’t? For the quality, I have no qualms with that. Good luck getting a spot, though, don’t get me wrong, there are PLENTY of seats, window booths, couches, arm chairs, two bars, and tables, but there are LOTS of regulars that will circle you like hyenas to get a precious seat to work. Just be brave, they’ll give up.
Well, I think I’ve taken enough of this great coffee shop’s free wifi, and these kids look desperate for my seat, so I’m gonna head out. But I’ll be back soon. Thanks Day’s, you’re the best.

I am sad but feel it is necessary to reduce Days from five stars to four. Days taught me how to appreciate the small, independent coffee shops and they spoiled me. They still have a wonderful set up and usually offer regular cups instead of the paper ones. However, it seems that their espresso has changed in the last six-​eight months. I keep retrying it and think I have to be wrong. But alas, it is bitter. I do not add syrups and rarely even any cream or milk. Great coffee should not need either of those additions. However, if you like those things, Days probably still will work for you. I will most likely visit again because of the other benefits of this location and layout for visiting or working. I hope one of these times to discover the former great flavor returns to my black Americano in a cup.
P. S. As with other Highland areas, parking here can be very painful. I recommend you bike or walk rather than squeezing into one of the spots.

Best coffee in Louisville! I’ve tried several of their different types of coffee and each has a different flavor and doesn’t at all taste burnt, like some other spots in daVille. The barista can be a bit sassy, too.
The aesthetics over the past few years have finally been improved and is comfy. You’re always going to find a spot to do some work if you need to.

Day’s Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Louisville. It gets over shadowed by a lot of other places that, in the end, I feel like it outshines. They have amazing coffee and fair prices. The atmosphere is great and would be a great place to just hang out with friends or get some computer work done if you were a student. It’s quiet and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. If your looking to try a new coffee joint, you won’t be sorry you stopped by here.

Day’s is one of Louisville ’ s best coffee shops. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing. The staff are friendly, and easy to build relationships with. They remember by order and always have smiling faces to brighten my day. The coffee is amazing, not burnt tasting like other local shops. A total 2 thumbs up!

This is another instance in which I wished we could give half stars — because I feel like Day’s is between a three and a four. It’s second home to many of my friends, so I’ve spent a fair amount of time there over the years. I don’t ever chose it or go there unprompted, but it does have a some endearing qualities.
The staff has always been friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is cozy with booths, living room furniture, and café seating out front. The location is handy if you live in the Highlands, but parking can be tricky during rush hours if you don’t snag a spot in the lot out back or on a side street.
The menu is the standard, coffee house fare at prices that are actually pretty low for this neighborhood. The trouble is nothing rally stands out to me. I like their selection of teas and usually go for a full pot or a cold, iced version. However, I rarely order my café go-​to, chai, there. It just doesn’t shine like some others in town.
Day’s is a welcoming place to meet a friend if you are in that block of Bardstown (or don’t want to walk/​drive down the road further to Highland Coffee or Quills). You’ll find something to quench your thirst and a spot to sit and work/​chat. It’s neither at the top of my list nor is it at the bottom. You’ll have to let me know what you think.

Of the many places to grab coffee on the Bardstown Rd corridor, Day’s is such a cozy, friendly place to do so.
Park out front on the street, or in the small lot in the back (off of Edenside Dr) for your AM coffee fix. Inside there are hardwood floors, cozy tables, and a separate room where you can enjoy a cup of coffee away from the bustle of the barista’s counter. Large picture windows look out onto Bardstown Rd if you prefer a little people-​watching with your cup of morning java.
I usually get a small flavored latte (8 oz, whereas a small at most places is 12 oz). The staff is very welcoming and friendly and will be happy to make suggestions if you’re a newbie. Sometimes I plunk down with my computer and take advantage of the free Wi-​Fi to get some work done and watch the Highlands wake up.
If a fast lunch is more your style, there are a number of sandwiches and other nibbles from local places like Lotsa Pasta, to keep you full and focused.
The next time you want to try a new coffee spot, start your day at Day’s, and maybe you’ll find a new favorite place, too!

I’ve been going to Days for years and have never been disappointed. The coffee is great, the steamers are great, and the hot chocolate is yummy! I’m not a fan of tea, but I expect that it is tasty as well. The atmosphere is perfect, and they have plenty of super cool events like live music and poetry readings. This is a great place to meet, converse, read, get some work done or just relax. It is especially nice if you are a student or work from a computer.

My favorite is the ice coffee mocha with 4 shots of espressos… its one of my favorite things in the world now days and after an long day in the highlands it’s the prefect pick me up as well.
The price is pretty decent too, compare to Star Bucks I wish there was one of these in my part of town~

If you are going for the coffee, it’s pretty a-​ok. Nothing outstanding but nothing offensive tasting either. I like it better than Starbucks because it’s a local joint and Heine Brothers because the coffee tastes better.
But this place is perfect for grabbing a cup before sitting down at Highland Mornings for brunch or enjoying some coffee while you catch up with friends.
The noise level varies depending on the time of day you head there. Honestly, I need a bit less foot traffic and noise to study, but if I were catching up on emails or doing some mindless work, this would be a perfect space.
If you want to people watch, sit next to the window on Bardstown road on a busy day and watch the passersby. This is kind of creepy though. So on second thought, maybe don’t do that. Ya, that’s a silly suggestion.

I love the atmosphere but today the wifi was super shotty and the cappuccino was terribly bitter. Everyone is awesome and I know it’s probably normally not like this. While this is the best atmosphere of a coffee shop yet in Louisville, I’d chose the smoothness of quills or sunergos coffee over this one any day.

So, have you ever reached that point when you’re overwhelmed with work but you’ve been in the house so long that you can’t possibly get anything else done, and instead you’re in the mood for a big table on which to do work while sipping a frothy latte and listening to not-​too-​hip background tunes?
Head. To. Day’s.
Day’s employs super friendly people who have always greeted me with a smile. I always stick with a vanilla latte, which despite the simplicity is ALWAYS delicious. Their panini sandwiches are yummy, and they have a million flavors of tea for the coffee-​haters. Day’s has big booths, window seats, bar stools, and comfy couches, and they provide board games for the bored and free water for the cheap.
Day’s is a great example of the personality of the Highlands. I always try to celebrate local business with my purchases, which is another reason I’d head to Day’s over any other coffee shop.

This place gets five stars from me on the basis of the coffee alone. I’ve had some of the best lattes and americanos in town from here.
I sometimes have a hard time finding somewhere to sit as it’s often busy with people meeting or studying, but I still grab it to go often. It also smells great inside :) Definitely recommend if you like a good latte!

I really like how «cozy» this place is. Great seating and lots of it. Nice art around the walls. I’m a fan of the «setup.»
The latte was really good. I like how hot it was (very cold outside today). Really one of the better lattes I’ve had in this city.
I was disappointed when I asked if he could make me something that was specific to this coffee shop, that I couldn’t get anywhere else, and he said, «No.» OK then.
As well, they were a bit cold, the baristas.
Me: «Hi! How are you today?»
Them: «Fine. Thanks.» *stares back at you*
Alllllrighty then.
But a good place. Will definitely be back.

This was our first time coming in, not a bad choice for a quick latte. We got a bag of coffee as well. The staff was really nice and conversational. We will be going back and I will update my review further but I would definitely recommend,

Derby City Joe Review #5
What makes this Coffee Shop Sing? — The chalkboard sign out front of this long-​time locally-​owned store once said it all: «Your shirt says ‘Future Trophy Wife’, but your tall Venti Macchiato says ‘Er…Probably Not.’ «
In the lore of Highlands coffee shops, Days is a pillar with a steadfast history that stretches further back than just about any other java joint. Days has been serving caffeine to the masses since 1994. In fact, the shop is second oldest only to the Original Heine Brothers location which lies less about ¹⁄₃ mile down the road and managed to open up a scant six months earlier.
The secret to Day’s continued success (aside from devoted regulars) is that they keep it simple and keep it real. There is ample sit & sip space in two separate areas replete with stools, over-​sized comfy chairs, art for sale both on the wall and behind the counter & a good amount of tables. There is even a giant bookshelf packed with hardcover books to borrow and games to play.
The chalkboard menu is full of various coffee house favorites ranging from espressos to smoothies to paninis to pastries. I really hate to use the «S» word, but I think if Starbucks wasn’t overly beige and soulless, this might be what it would be like.
Three blends of Joe were available when I visited. Organic Mexican (medium), Lauren’s Blend (Dark) and Organic Peruvian (Decalf). Everyone’s arrival and departure is punctuated by and old school bell on the front and back door. It’s a nice touch that suits the environment well.
Coffee of The Day — I opted for the Mexican which was tasty and on the bold side. It did the trick without being overly remarkable.
Cost of a small mug of Joe — $ 1.38 but, in all fairness to other coffee places, it is a slightly smaller mug than on average.
Cost of a Refill — 85 cents. Twice at cheap the price.
Ambiance — The vibe is usually a quiet crowd with somewhat audible conversation in the background.
Sample Crowd — Mornings bring a good showing of approaching-​middle-​aged folks slowly downing their beverages and in no particular hurry. The under 40 crowd makes up a smaller segment, but still a good mix of people getting coffee to go, early morning meetings and the like.
Staff — Whenever I visit, the owner always seems to be behind the counter along with a gregarious barista or two deftly operating the various machines behind the counter.
WiFi — Two, count ‘em two, big free Wi-​Fi options available.
Music — Tunes straight from the WFPK music library.
Décor– The décor is quintessential coffee shop. As my dad used to say, what’s not to love? Black and white tile, large counter, sofa and table. A proper setting for just about any of your coffee house needs.
Bonus — Come for the coffee, stay for the food. Days is directly next door to one of the best breakfast/​brunch/​lunch places in the city — Highland Morning. Which makes Days not a bad place to wait while a table opens up. Also note that I’ve found that this make Days busier on weekend mornings.

This is another one of those great coffee shops where you can dig in and get some work done.
I love how it’s not raucous with chatter, though you can have a conversation without greatly disturbing those around you.
It’s the perfect mix between library and restaurant.
Day’s has armchairs and coffee tables — coffee tables in a coffee bar; such crazy talk! — along with tables near outlets. It’s also separated into two rooms, so if there is a chatterbox on one side you can secure a seat on the other.
The staff was helpful when I was trying to find something a little weaker than coffee. They suggested a chai latte, which hit the spot.
They also have sandwiches for those who get a bit peckish while typing, reading or gabbing.
All in all, a very suitable place to perk up!