Just off the main street of Milliken is a quaint little cafe which is a must-see for Java junkies and foodies.

Next to Town Hall and local public library roommates, Mill Haus Coffee, 1109 Broad St., offers fresh pastries, salads and paninis created by owners LaNette and Aaron Orebaugh as well as coffee shops, mixed drinks and teas.

Both professionally trained chefs, the Orebaughs have honed their skills over the years working at establishments such as the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in Denver, Inverness Hotels and the Ameristar Casino and Hotel.

It was Aaron and LaNette’s passion for food and their desire for a simpler life in a small town that brought the duo to Milliken.

“I wanted the country life and I love the vibe of a small town,” said LaNette. “This community is amazing. Whenever there is an event, everyone helps and educates the other businesses that are here.

The Orebaugh actively promote small businesses and artists by showcasing a variety of locally made items and products in the cafe’s gift area.

While it was the small town vibe of Milliken that initially attracted LaNette and Aaron to the area, it’s the people who keep them there.

“I have gotten to know so many people in this community,” LaNette said. “One of my favorite things is that we have a few gentlemen, old farmers who come in for coffee in the morning and tell stories. It’s my favorite part – hearing about Milliken’s story and the stories they tell.

Before opening Mill Haus Coffee, the couple focused more on catering. However, they jumped at the chance to open a physical store when the city and the library called.

“Right after Christmas, I got a call from Kristi (the town librarian) and the mayor, and they told me they wanted to expand the library and raise more awareness and that I would be interested in opening a cafe. “, explained LaNette. “I have always dreamed of having some kind of bakery. He has evolved and I love it.

“It’s the perfect combination with the store and the library, and we complement each other well,” she added.

The couple balance out well in the kitchen, with LaNette leading the sweet side of things and Aaron focusing on the savory options.

Despite the various pastries and coffees offered by the shop, it was the paninis that really put Mill Haus on the menu.

“We opened a cafe and became famous for our paninis; everyone is coming for the paninis, ”LaNette said with a laugh.

Rather than using store-bought bread, LaNette makes his own focaccia bread from scratch and Aaron smokes several of the meats for the toasted sandwiches.

“Our pulled pork is fresh. Our pork loin for our Ham Slam is fresh. Our field chicken is one of our best sellers, and my husband makes the chicken for that, ”said LaNette. “The only meat we don’t make from scratch is salami and pepperoni.”

The Mill Haus Coffee offers a set menu as well as daily, weekly and seasonal specials. The store also offers a “secret menu” to be found on its Facebook page.

Some of the unique and tasty menu items include:

• The Milliken Mobster, combining salami, pepperoni, provolone, pickled red onions and basil pesto on focaccia bread and toasted to crispy perfection.
• Kelly the Kid, giving a unique twist to the regular PB&J sandwich by toasting potato bread coated in creamy peanut butter and strawberry jelly, along with slices of fresh banana. Customers can kickstart the decadence by adding bacon for an additional $ 1.50.
• The boutique’s fruit and nut salad, pairing young green leafy vegetables with seasonal fruits, feta cheese, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and pepitas, all topped with a raspberry vinaigrette . Customers can choose to add grilled chicken to the salad for an additional $ 1.
• On “Cinna Saturday” the shop offers fresh cinnamon buns featuring a new flavor each week, such as blueberries with lemon cream cheese frosting, bacon and cinnamon buns topped with a chocolate frosting. maple cream cheese or s’mores topped with cream cheese frosting, chocolate drizzle and topped with toasted marshmallows and crumbled graham crackers.

Guests are welcome to sit inside to read a book, surf the Internet using the store’s Wi-Fi, or use the library’s computer, copier or fax machine, or printer. all for free.

Mill Haus Coffee also partners with local artisans to organize events such as jewelry making or the art of acrylic casting.

The Mill Haus Café is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The boutique is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

For more information on Mill Haus coffee, visit www.culinaryfoolscolorado.com.