Down at The River

The River Coffee Company

Downtown Decatur has long been known as the city’s hub for high-class dining, trendy boutiques, and the kind of bustling energy that makes it “the place to be.” Whether you’re out for a night of fine dining, exploring local shops, or simply taking in the rhythm of Merchant Street, there’s no shortage of activity. But in the midst of that motion, it’s possible for some places to slip under the radar. One such spot for me was The River Coffee Company, tucked away at 101 N. Main Street. You can drive by without even noticing it, and for years, I did precisely that.

Decatur is saturated with coffee shops. It feels like you can hardly turn a corner without stumbling into one. Because of that, I was hesitant to give The River a try. Why would it be any different? Yet when I finally stepped inside, I realized how wrong I had been.

The moment I entered, I was greeted by a warm, tranquil atmosphere that immediately stood apart from the other shops in town. Gentle music floated through the space, calming in a way that softened the weight of a busy day. Unlike the uniform aesthetic some coffee chains cultivate, The River felt like an authentic gathering place. What struck me most was the variety of people inside. No one looked the same, and yet it didn’t matter. The River didn’t seem to care whether you came dressed up or dressed down. It simply welcomed you as you were.

That welcoming energy extended to the staff. Owner Aaron Moma greeted customers with a smile that felt genuine, not rehearsed, and the baristas moved with a balance of ease and attentiveness. In a time when many service interactions feel transactional, The River offered something refreshingly honest.

Millikin senior Finance Major Beth Portman has been a loyal customer since her freshman year. For her, The River isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s been a small but steady part of her college journey.

“My freshman year, I had a business class, and we had to come up with a business idea for a coffee shop. So, we had to look into other coffee shops around, and The River was one that we ended up scoping out,” Beth told me. That initial class project led her back to The River again and again. “I go about once or twice a week,” she added.

Like many students, Beth doesn’t always find her dorm room the best environment for productivity. For her, The River fills that gap. She says, “It’s a great place to study if you don’t like doing homework in your room. It’s perfect, in my opinion. You’re able to sit at a little table with just your computer. You can literally lock in and get your work done with no distractions. Plus, you got a little beverage for motivation,”. 

As she spoke, I realized she was putting into words exactly what I had just experienced. The River offers a study spot that doesn’t leave you feeling isolated, but also not so busy that it becomes overwhelming. It’s perfectly balanced as all things should be.

And for people like me who don’t love coffee, The River doesn’t leave you out. Their menu is full of thoughtful alternatives: teas, lemonades, hot chocolate, and their house-made vanilla cream soda. I took a chance on the soda, and it didn’t disappoint.

Walking out of The River that day, I couldn’t help but reflect on how easy it is to overlook gems that are right in front of us. In a downtown full of flashier storefronts and louder names, The River quietly holds its own by offering something simple but meaningful: a space that feels human. It’s not about being the trendiest shop on the block. It’s about creating a place where anyone, from students to business professionals, can pause, breathe, and perhaps even find a little calm.

So, if you find yourself downtown, don’t just rush past that corner at 101 N. Main, step inside, whether you need a caffeine boost, a study session, or just a reminder that community can be found in the smallest corners. The River Coffee Company is worth slowing down for.