Shelby D.
Yelp
Living in fairbanks brings many simple joys, one of which is going to a good sized cafe on Saturday mornings with your little family for coffee and treats. The only downside is the food and drinks have become more expensive over the last couple of years, making it not quite able to fit it into our budget as often as we would like. Probably because they had purchased large equipment that didn't end up being used, and need to make up for in sales? But that's speculation.
When you walk inside, there is merch for the store along a path that leads you to a large glass case full of goodies. They serve everything from sandwiches, kosher dogs (really good), and pot pies to cookies, delicious specialty muffins and cupcakes, German chocolate cake, chia pudding, and a soup of the day. But they really shine when it comes to their flatbread pizzas! They typically have about 5 different kinds, depending on the day and time of the day.
Almost every time, my son (7 now; but ages 3-6 when we would go) would order a hot chocolate. I have ordered the White Mocha, the Mocha (both hot and iced), the blended mocha, a white mocha with tiramisu syrup, white mocha with coconut, and just about any other variety of white mocha. My two go-to drinks the last year of living in Fairbanks ended up being blended mochas and mango peach tea. My husband loves to try the different coffee of the day, and will indulge in 20oz caramel mochas from time to time.
The blended mocha:
This is an ice blended with the coffee drink itself; a frappe. Depending on who the barista is making it, the chocolate flavor may either be rich or on the lacking side. If you prefer a rich chocolate flavor (like I do), ask for extra chocolate flavor!
The hot chocolate:
It's creamy, but not unlike your standard hot chocolate. Nothing terribly special, but perfect for the kiddos.
The caramel mocha:
Depending on who the barista is, it may have more of a caramel flavor. This is a good standard caramel mocha, typically not resting too far on the sweet side.
The flatbread:
All super good! They are a personal size, about 8". But good to share with somebody on a coffee date.
The kosher dog:
My pregnancy go-to snack while stoping here! They only make a certain amount each day, so when they run out it is a bummer.
The service:
Having had a friend as a barista there for a time, the service used to be better and more personal. But after she moved on to a new job, the baristas I encountered were hit and miss. I've had really nice girl baristas make my drink to perfection! But the male baristas I've had have been sub-par with little enthusiasm or care for the products they serve. I had a male server throw a mix of food I had ordered into a to-go bag without them being wrapped individually or placed carefully, and the food smashed together making it messy and hard to eat. The staff has hopefully changed since I was there last.
Overall, it's a good cafe with good coffee and a relaxing atmosphere. You will quickly become a regular here!