by Michael Vyskocil, photography by Nikola Tzenov
American Ice Co. Cafe is a recent addition to the downtown Westminster community. Occupying a historic building that once served as a private residence and a commercial business, American Ice Co. Cafe has quickly gained a loyal customer base since its opening in 2020. Guests will delight in the freshly brewed coffee, handcrafted breakfast and lunch specialties and frosty iced drinks.
Treat yourself to an affogato or Americano, or indulge in a botanical boba or Thai iced tea. Start your day off on a hearty note with the ham, egg and cheese croissant or add some zest to your midday repast with the curry chicken salad wrap.
Besides fueling guests’ cravings for good food and drink, the cafe also quenches the community’s thirst for a place to go for live music and entertainment.
Manager Alisha O’Malley said the open mic and live music events deliver diverse entertainment that appeals to guests.
Held every first and third Tuesday, Open Mic Nights celebrate the talents of performers young and old. “I try to make the experience as comfortable as possible,” she said. “It’s a really friendly environment, and the atmosphere is very supportive for new artists.”
Although the weather right now may not make you think about attending an outdoor performance, O’Malley said that last year’s Saturday afternoon concerts in “the coop” — a repurposed chicken coop that now serves as a performance stage — are something you shouldn’t pass up when warm weather returns. People of all musical persuasions flocked to American Ice Co. Cafe’s backyard in 2021 to hear country, blues, funk and other music genres.
Several popular bands from Baltimore and Carroll counties and beyond performed here, including Ebb & Nova, ilyAIMY, Copper Bets, David Sparrow and Fetcher.
Based on the success of the live music events, O’Malley said that American Ice Co. Cafe is considering adding future forms of entertainment, such as improv, comedy or jazz nights, to their offerings.
Even when the music stops, American Ice Co. makes a pleasant retreat for visitors young and old. Upstairs spaces in the building are regularly used by individuals such as McDaniel College students who seek out the accommodations to study and catch up on their coursework. Individuals and groups can also reserve the space for private events.
O’Malley, who hails from Carroll County and has a background in music, said she feels the cafe fills a niche in the community. “It was the vision of our owner to create a place for people to come, feel welcomed, offer live music and encourage the arts in Westminster,” she said.
As a member of the downtown Westminster community, the cafe participates in Main Street events. Keep an eye on the cafe’s social media feeds for information about Celtic Canter activities this March.
American Ice Co. Cafe
62 W. Main St., Westminster • 443-821-0532 • AmericanIce.Cafe
