Mike L.
Yelp
Over the last 15 years or so, I'm pretty sure I've spent exponentially more time in Dogpatch than I did in all of my years prior. With all due respect to the fine folks and businesses that have called this neighborhood home, there just never seemed to be much of a reason for me to come around here. However, as the area continues to change and evolve in that time, it seems like I keep finding new reasons to keep coming back. So, in that sense, it's even more fitting that the the latest one also gives me the opportunity to spend an entire day out here!
Taking over AIna's old space (which was one of my favorite brunch spots in the city), CoffeeShop is a welcome addition. For one, it's nice to see something just as awesome open, but they also fit the area so well. Inside, their bright and minimalist decor gives off a warm and comfy sort of vibe. As for their menu, they've got a solid, albeit mildly typical, selection of coffees and teas, ranging from your basic cup of coffee, pour overs, and espressos to fairly more unique offerings, like Dirty Matcha, London Fog, and Thai Breakfast. In addition, you can also choose from their rotating array of beans that originate from all over the world, including Brazil, Sumatra, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Colombia, and Kenya, which they roast themselves!
-- DIRTY MATCHA - Matcha with a shot of Espresso...$7
I'd had a dirty matcha elsewhere and loved it, so I knew I had to get this when I saw it. I loved the way the two complemented each other - it tasted more like a matcha, but with a slight bitterness from the espresso. Most impressively, it was nicely balanced, as neither one overpowered the other.
-- POUR OVER - Sumatra Beans (Medium Roast - "Fruit Leather, Vanilla, Nougat")...$5.75
I was torn on a few of their beans, so I opted for the barista's favorite. I didn't really taste any vanilla in this, but it did have a slightly fruity and nutty flavor that I liked. More importantly, it had the perfect amount of caffeine - enough to keep my afternoon going, but not keep me up all night.
Since both of my visits here happened to come right after grabbing lunch elsewhere, I passed on getting any of the pastries or baked goodies that adorn their display case. A real, and regrettable, shame, as nearly everything they have to offer looked so good, but it also serves as motivation for me to come back! Seating inside can be scarce at times, but with the weather slowly warming up, I can't imagine a better way to spend an afternoon than sitting at one of their tables outside with a Dirty Matcha in one hand and perhaps a Lemon Curd Cruffin, Triple Orange Danish, or Pastrami Horseradish Pickle Croissant in the other!