"River and Roads in Clayton is a neighborhood coffee shop par excellence . A roomy, umbrella-shaded front patio opens to a simply decorated but light-filled space dotted with patrons plugging away at their laptops in peace and quiet; to one side, the staff works diligently in the kitchen in back while keeping their eyes peeled for customers at the counter. Owners Michael and Desiree Keen roast their own small-lot beans in house. They and their crew also make all their own syrups, in flavors like lavender and sage, for both java and Italian soda. They do butter coffees, affogatos, French presses, and two different types of hot chocolate as well as the standard drinks. They supplement a large selection of loose-leaf teas with house-made chai. Oh, and they also whip up custom smoothies. They’d probably make their own water if they could." - Ruth Tobias
