Brumby’s Coffeehouse and Pizzeria in Bellville, Ohio

Brumby’s Coffeehouse and Pizzeria, is located on Main Street in Bellville, Ohio, in what was once the San-Dar Smorgasbord building. Not one to eat out much when I was younger, I don’t remember dining at the former restaurant but San-Dar was kind of a legend, drawing busloads of visitors from as far as West Virginia.

The current owners, Bret and Kathy Gandee bought the property in 1999 and the established pizza business in 2000. So why the combination of pizza and coffee? As Bret puts it, the property just “looked like a coffeehouse”. And coffeehouse it is.

Those familiar with the San-Dar will be hard pressed to find any remnant of the establishment inside or out. Brett has lovingly renovated the property, removing the drop ceiling to expose the original tin ceiling, and taking out the false facades on the front of the building to allow more light in the property and show off the beautiful decorative columns. The warm brick walls and dark wood floors pair perfectly to create a comfortable and cozy coffee shop, a place where you want to linger with a close friend while sipping a Pumpkin Spice Latte or the Milky Way Frappe- which may just be my new favorite specialty drink.

Brumby’s also offers a special feature you aren’t likely to find in other small town coffee shops- a Roaster Room with a coffee roaster. This allows them to roast their own coffee on site ensuring superior flavor, enhanced aroma and guaranteed freshness.

Not only does Brumby’s provide an intimate atmosphere to catch up with a close friend, you’ll also find it’s perfect for groups. Meet up with friends and enjoy a slice or two of the Incredible Mr. Ed’s pizza, Brumby’s version of the deluxe pizza, loaded with pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, sausage, onions, mild banana peppers and green and black olives. For those on a special diet, Gluten-Free pizzas are also available.

I passed up the pizza on my visit in favor of a Steak and Cheese specialty sub, which was very good. I also got a taste of the new-not-even-officially-added-to-the-menu pastries. The cherry turnover was amazing!

Brumby’s is open six days a week, serving breakfast items, pizza and their specialty coffees. Customers may order online or through the smartphone app and pick-up is available in the back of the building without entering the coffee shop for those that choose not to linger.

The coffeehouse also hosts live music and entertainment.  You can learn more by watching Brumby’s Facebook page for updates or keeping an eye on the Music & Entertainment section of their website.

For those not familiar with the area, Bellville is a small quaint town. Shoppers will enjoy browsing Hursh Bellville Drug or one of the neighboring antique stores, and families may prefer to take a walk on the nearby bike trail. During the winter, you’ll also find free ice skating on the square- just remember to pack your own ice skates.

Plan to visit Brumby’s? Here’s what you need to know:

Brumby’s Coffeehouse and Pizzeria
Address: 96 Main Street Bellville, Ohio 44813
Phone: 419-886-3700
Hours: Closed Monday
Tuesday-Friday: 7 am to 9 pm
Saturday 9 am to 10 pm
Sunday 12 pm to 9 pm.
Brumby’s currently offers pick-up service only, but plan to phase in pizza delivery services in the next couple weeks.
Website: http://www.brumbyscoffeehouse.com/index.html
Social Media: Follow Brumby’s on Facebook and sign up for their newsletter for Updates, News and Specials. Simply shoot them an email with the word “Newsletter” in the subject line to brumbyscoffeehouse@gmail.com.