Look: we’ve loved Fox in the Snow since it first opened in 2014 in Italian Village. What started as a mob when they opened their doors has only slightly mellowed out into a low-level, continuous mobbing of their original shop and their German Village and New Albany additions. It’s safe to say Fox in the Snow is one of Columbus’ best coffee shops, bakeries, and breakfast spots.
Just looking at the vines climbing all over the building reminds me of how much the place has grown to become a mainstay of the city’s culinary fabric. (Compare the vines in the photo above with my first my first photo!)
So I’m here to just re-state the obvious: we love Fox in the Snow. Here’s a few reasons why.
Each location has its own charm, but Italian Village, as the original, has a special place in our hearts. The place features loads of big windows, lots of natural light, a view into the kitchen, and a small patio.
1. Those Display Cases
Regulars to Fox in the Snow will be familiar with the bakery display cases under glass. There’s a menu with pricing on the wall, but items are unlabeled to invite questions and conversation with the staff.
It’s also just a simply beautiful sight (if you get there first thing in the morning) to see the trays loaded with cinnamon rolls, biscuits, tarts, galettes, cookies, brownies, cakes.
There’s any number of winning combinations when it comes to their coffee (hot or iced) and sweet or savory offerings.
We’ve spent many-a happy morning with friends and family over coffee and breakfast at Fox in the Snow.
2. The Egg Sandwich
Probably Fox in the Snow’s most famous item is the egg sandwich. It has no right to be as good as it is.
The egg sandwich layers a creamy and fluffy square of souffled egg, Swiss cheese, candied bacon, arugula, and a tangy Dijon mustard on ciabatta.
It’s every bit as tasty as it is beautiful. Sandwiches are made to order and delivered to your table on a small cutting board.
3. The Blueberry Galette
I’m going to take a moment to call out my personal favorite item on Fox in the Snow’s menu: the blueberry galette.
Blueberries are my favorite fruit, and they’re put to good use on a crispy and flaky hexagonal croissant dough dusted with sugar, with a generous layer of vanilla cream covered with blueberries.
It’s terrific all on its own but is especially good paired with a cappuccino.
4. The Coffee
On top of its superb bakery items, Fox in the Snow excels at its coffee service. Owners Lauren Culley and Jeff Excell met while working at a Blue Bottle Coffee in New York, and Fox in the Snow grew out of their love and experience with combined coffee shops and bakeries.
Fox in the Snow uses coffee from Tandem Coffee Roasters out of Portland, Maine.
Their menu ranges from espresso and related drinks (I’m partial to the cappuccinos there), plus brewed coffee, pour overs, hot chocolate, chai, iced coffee, and a delicious New Orleans iced coffee.
5. The Changing Seasons
As if the standard menu wasn’t enough reason to entice you, their seasonal offerings give you a regular excuses to stop by. Just a few favorites past and present…
The tomato tart makes an appearance in the late summer, and is up there with one of the best things they make.
The newer apple crostatas have become a fall staple.
These pumpkin tarts are for all the fans of pumpkin pie out there.
These strawberry galettes have shown up in different forms over the years. They’ve fashioned them into a vanilla cream-filled strawberry diamond that’s become a year-round item.
And I’m always on the lookout for these amazing egg tarts.
Last fall they debuted these little pumpkin cakes.
As well as thick slices of cinnamon sugar toast.
This is the contented look of a guy who has his cappuccino and egg sandwich.
Fox in the Snow Cafe
1031 N. Fourth St.
Columbus, OH 43201
Web: foxinthesnow.com
FB: @foxinthesnowcafe
IG: @foxinthesnowcafe