Did you know? The world’s first drive-thru coffeehouse/espresso bar opened 31 years ago in Portland. It was called Motor Moka “Fueled by the Tiger” and it was the dawn of the 90’s when “America had only begun to recognize coffee as a beverage to be appreciated rather than a medicine to be administered” once, twice, or three times daily. (wweek.com)

Today, drive-thru coffee has become a common retail coffee concept nationwide. And while West Virginia has had its fair share of drive-thru coffee chains for a while, in 2017 we were graced with HeBrews Coffee Company, southern WV’s first locally-owned drive-thru coffeehouse, located in Beckley. And just a few short months ago, Manic Espresso in Lewisburg arrived on the scene and now has plans to expand to The Lot in Rainelle.

Both HeBrews and Manic Espresso embrace the capabilities that are exclusively geared toward the drive-thru experience. They each consist of a small structure (HeBrews is a trailer; Manic is a shed) with two drive-thru service windows. You can drive up to the window and order your coffee and food, and as you can imagine, this is super convenient for most folks in the winter months since you never have to leave your vehicle!

“My husband and I recently started going to HeBrews for coffee. We would usually go to Dunkin or Starbucks but we now prefer this coffee place. The workers are very nice and you receive your order quite quickly. Drive thru available and sugar-free options! We’re happy we decided to give this place a try.” – D. Walker

@hashtagwv If ya don’t know, now ya know. @manicespresso #lewisburgwv #espressotiktok #explorewv ♬ Paradise – Bazzi

Located on Robert C Byrd Drive, HeBrews’ menu focuses heavy on espresso drinks, as well as fresh baked cupcakes and other desserts, a hot bar, loaded energy teas, and a dairy bar. The hot bar has breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, and fries and some popular teas are Tigers Blood, Blue Raspberry, and Cherry Lemonade.

This is also a great spot for ice cream as they serve up delicious shakes in a variety of flavors (oreo, smore, twisted turtle, etc.) banana splits, sundaes, brownie madness, and traditional cones. They are open 6 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 7a-7p; Wednesday: 7a-5p; Saturday: 8a-7p.) and located at 3269 Robert C. Byrd Drive. For more information, call them at 304-860-0132 or stay updated on fb @hebrewscoffeecompany.

Manic Espresso is located in the Fairlea Loop (on Rt 219 southbound, in front of Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center) and owner, Rachel Warner, tells us their team is excited to be the newest coffee shop in Greenbrier Valley. Open 7 days a week, they serve up Seattle quality espresso from their full espresso bar. The drink menu also includes a full line of all natural, customizable energy drinks; teas; chais; Italian sodas; frozen lemonades; and smoothies!

There’s also breakfast sandwich croissants, muffins, whoopie pies, chicken salad on croissants, sub lunch combos, and seasonal items all made locally. The food menu is supplied by Taste of Eggcellence, a family-owned catering company based in Sweet Springs (Monroe County).

Seattle native owner coffee shop owner, Rachel Warner, tells us “My goal was to bring REAL, Seattle-style coffee to the GBV and surrounding areas. The training and expertise that goes into pouring a perfect shot of espresso is something that I hadn’t previously experienced locally.  Once you taste how smooth and well-rounded a good cup of coffee is, it converts even those who previously thought they weren’t ‘coffee drinkers’”

Warner goes onto say that she is so grateful for the way the community has embraced Manic. “We have rarely seen the community rally around a local business the way they have with us.  We seriously have the most amazing customers in the world,” Rachel Warner.

“Manic has the best coffee, smoothies, frappes, and much more! Staff is very friendly and fast! We have needed this for so long!” – Tiffany Simms.

Make sure you get some “me time” at Manic Espresso! Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday: 6a-6p; Saturday: 7a-4p; and Sunday: 7a-2pm. Follow them for updates @manicespresso on tiktok and @manicespressowv on facebook and instagram.

– HashtagWV #138 (Dec-Jan 2022)