While on the hunt for local free-wifi locations, I stumbled across this coffee place in Dover. After spending all day at Dover Newsstand on Friday, Rob and I decided to give Espresso-N-Ice a shot on Saturday. Dover Newsstand has a casual feel while this place has more of a trendy café feel. It was much more modern and sleek inside with plenty of tables and space.
The place was very comfortable to work in, quiet even though there were other patrons. Rob and I had a nice time just sitting, playing on the internet… But oh, the internet. So this is tricky. When you pay for your order, you have to request an internet slip. It gives you a certain amount of time according to what you ordered. For the first order, Rob and I each got a slip for an hour. We thought maybe it was just what he rang us up for (since I had to go back up not realizing the whole internet-slip thing) and maybe it would keep working. But no, after an hour, we were out of time. This kind of annoyed me but we had been debating on a second round of lattes so up I went and this time, I ordered less but we got 2 hours each of internet time. Weird. On the bright side, if you order in, you get your drinks in real mugs with cute designs on top
We also ordered some biscotti and they were delicious! Rob tried the coconut while I got the cranberry-pistachio. These may be worth the whole trip and annoying internet thing.
Espresso-N-Ice also serves smoothies, sorbet, ice cream, etc. (hence the ice part). You can even get protein added to your smoothie. It wasn’t a long menu but nice to know.
Overall, I enjoyed hanging out there! The atmosphere of the place was the best part and its warmer than Dover Newsstand (good in the winter!). I was really irritated about the internet thing though. I should be able to use it as long as I want if I bought something. I don’t know if they will just give you another slip if you go up and ask though. Also, they are closed on Sundays which we found out too. The lattes were seriously amazing though. They were about the same cost as Starbucks. I definitely think I will go back but its not going to be a regular haunt due to the internet issue. But if I’m just looking for a great coffee drink, Espresso-N-Ice is the place to go!
Espresso-N-Ice
1030 Forrest Avenue
Dover, DE 19904
(302) 744-9844
http://espressonice.com/
Edit: Note that Sean, the owner, commented below on the internet ticketing! Apparently you can ask for more time! Definitely a great place to go in Dover!
I have never heard of getting internet, based on what you order. kinda crazy. But those lattees look AMAZING!!!!!!
I love the cups and designs! How fancy! The internet is odd…they should have the time on the menu! That way you know what you’ll be getting!
I am wondering if they would have just given me a new slip with more time if I had asked. Hm…
I think the internet thing is kind of cool. Ever go into the Starbucks and not be able to find a seat because everyone is there with their computers? I’ve been to Starbucks where people sat down, took out their lunch and thermoses out of their backpacks that they brought with them from home! They’re in the business to sell coffee and things, the internet is just a bonus. I’m sure I’d be annoyed too though if I was using it and it suddenly cut out!
Hello Angela,
This is Sean (owner) from Espresso-N-Ice and I remember when you were here. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to our coffee shop. I have to admit that the internet tickets are VERY annoying. Unfortunately we were left with no choice.
The first year we were open we simply gave out a password (changed it weekly) to customers as they came in. It was a big hit… Area business owners would have meetings here, others surfed they web and other shops (to go unnamed) started to offer free WiFi (our WiFi) and all for the price of one bottle of water or cup of coffee a week. We even had people bring in printers (yes plural) surge protectors etc… As Michele stated above, it got to a point that paying customers could not get a seat or the network speed was so slow they simply left. It was then we implemented the ticketing system.
As for why your second slip was for 2 hours… Simply put, you were a customer (someone who came to enjoy what we have to offer and make use of the internet while here). And yes we would have given you another slip if you had asked :).
Until your next visit,
Sean
Hello Sean! Thanks so much for commenting!!! I have to admit, Espresso-N-Ice is my go to now for espresso-drinks in the area (though I don’t go so often to be considered regular, haha).
Thanks for clarifying the internet thing. I was just totally thrown off the first time I was there (and I always do my reviews after a first visit). Completely understandable. I can’t believe it got that crazy! But you found a great fix and glad to know I can ask for more internet time too. Though with my coffee habit, I might as well get another latte while I’m up at the counter 😉
~Ang