By Jill Marie Denton. Read Jill’s “Only in Ocean City” series here.
Sometimes going on a walkabout results in more than just a cleared mind. In this particular case, it resulted in the discovery of a delicious frozen frappe.
I found it at 3BB’s newest location in Fenwick, just minutes north of Ocean City’s boundary line in Coastal Delaware. Fortunately, you don’t have to wander far to find it. I’ll tell you right where it is. And if you ask for Brittany Baker, one of the 3BB’s namesakes, she’ll make you a little of the same magic that I enjoyed.
Tucked into the Villages of Fenwick on the southbound side of Rt. 1, the petite café is nestled down a long alleyway of boutiques and eateries. Two tables wait outside for your coffee concoctions, under a hanging sign with the 3BB logo. The ephemeral scent of freshly ground beans guided me through the swinging white door before I could think better of myself.
And here is where my good fortune shined through. Sometimes life hands you a Lamborghini not a lemon. And by Lamborghini, I mean the perfect mecca of caffeine and pastry to quell even the most ravenous journalist. And though this journalist has some unique dietary preferences, they had more than a few options for me at this seaside shop.
The first thing that struck me is that there’s no pomp here, no pretention that makes coffee shops feel elitist and perhaps a little too exclusive for comfort. They have drip coffee that they genuinely take pride in and love selling just as much as their fancier creations. In fact, those beans are locally roasted in Roxana, MD by someone who works in the place and who can guide and explain the process and flavor profiles to you on demand.
They keep it simple and make ordering easy, even going so far as to display explanations to what drinks are made of right by the register. No more ordering a cappuccino and being surprised at how little “drink” there is inside.
Their snacks and noshes are noteworthy as well. Sure, there are sweet pastries, namely donuts baked fresh at their Bethany Beach location, but there are also locally sourced healthier options. Bennett Orchards provides fresh produce and Kristine’s Kitchen prepares their ready-to-go salads, sides and oats. There are acai bowls, gluten-free pastries, drinks made with oat milk (a tough find), Truvia packets on the coffee station and sandwiches for even the most discerning tastes. But don’t forget, they love the basics of their menus too and will guide you toward whatever will make your day.
Fenwick is their second location; their Bethany Beach cafe came first. Their existing customers and new neighbors both welcomed them and their reputation is immediately known if you just listen to the comments of departing patrons. I knew how good the drinks were before I even tasted my own creation.
Pop by and see Jenny, coffee roaster and manager of Fenwick’s location, before you head off to whatever else you have planned. They will caffeinate you and delight you. And I’m really hoping that this article is enough to get that amazing drink I had named after me. It was a frozen blended mixture of protein powder, ripe banana, Ghirardelli chocolate and coffee, topped with whipped cream. No protein powder ‘bleh’ taste, either. Just banana, chocolate and magic that kept me going for hours.
Seriously, ask for The Jill. We can make this drink re-naming happen. Let’s make it happen!
Know of a place I should go next? Leave it in the comments!
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