Railroad Avenue Coffee: Is Pike County's Best Coffee House in Osyka?

Railroad Avenue Coffee, a classy, casual, and cool coffee shop and community gathering place, is located at 116 West Railroad Avenue S., in downtown Osyka, facing the railroad track and Veterans Park and just south of First Bank's Osyka branch and the local library. Operated by New Orleans exile Dean Kageler (who now calls Osyka his home), the coffee shop is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 7 a. m. to 4 p. m. The coffee house has WIFI and provides a large spacious eating area with eclectic art on its walls, where its coffee drinkers can work on their computers and chill and hang out while sipping their coffee or tea and leisurely eating a breakfast or lunch sandwich.

Chess boards are available on some of the tables for those desiring more ambitious relaxation. This coffee house occasionally features live music, as well. Kageler's coffee house, situated in half of a famous 1902 Osyka Hardware Store with yellow pine paneling and bead boards for ceiling, is a service and gift to his community.

Kageler relates the diverse and interesting folks who make up the Osyka community needed this gathering place, and it is these locals who give it its wonderful vibe. One walks in and feels that vibrant community, and it is as homey and comfortable as any coffee shop in New Orleans or Jackson. Who needs Starbucks or PJs?

The coffee shop serves up delicious breakfast and lunch offerings at affordable prices. Breakfast features include oatmeal, toast and jelly, yogurt with granola, ham and cheese croissant, buttermilk biscuit, toasted English muffin, cereal with milk, and a bagel with cream cheese. Lunch features several tasty sandwiches: peanut butter and jelly, turkey and cheese, ham and cheese, tuna salad (which is much bragged on by locals as the "best"), and the classic BLT.

Also, assorted pastries and desserts are available: cheese Danishes, Macadamia Nut White Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chip with Pretzel Caramel Cookies, Bagels, Croissants, Cinnamon Rolls, and Blueberry Muffins. Most items are between $1 and $8. You should get out if you eat for under $10, very affordable.

The coffee and related coffee/tea beverages were outstanding, served in festive mugs from around the country, which give an exotic flair to the establishment; my coffee mug was decorated with a "San Antonio" logo and the cream containers had "New Orleans" decorations. The bathrooms are also newly constructed and conveniently located in the café. Dean Kageler has created an artistic, cosmopolitan café and watering hole for local folks and those visiting local folks in Osyka to chill and find a home away from home.

Yes, Pike County's best coffee house is in Osyka! Thanks and blessings to Dean Kageler for doing this, and all are encouraged to visit his distinctive establishment soon!