"For decades Mary's stood as a symbol of acceptance and a place to meet like-minded folks in the gay community. In a day and age of a more open mindset, it shuttered its doors. It was repurposed by coffeesmiths David Buehrer and Ecky Prabanto as Blacksmith in 2013. The baristas make a point to ask your name, not just for coffee delivery, but for a friendly connection. Their small kitchen churns out delicious meals, and probably the best BLT we've ever had. The mural on the outside may be gone, but there is an ever-present homage to Mary's on the inside." - Curiosity and Curiosities
"Blacksmith in Montrose not only functions like an Inner Loop version of Cheers—if you spend any time anywhere in the city, you will run into someone you know here—it also pumps out some of the best espresso in the city. And with a nonstop rotation of delicious seasonal pastries and solid breakfast plates and sandwiches to fuel your midday marathon email reply session, grabbing coffee at Blacksmith is a no-brainer." - chelsea thomas
"This Montrose cult-favorite churns out some seriously perfect roasts from Greenway Coffee’s David Buehrer and his merry band of skilled baristas. Sit down with a creamy flat white while devouring a plate of Vietnamese steak and eggs, plus warm, flaky biscuits." - Brianna Griff, Brittany Britto Garley
"A Montrose coffee shop project brought Erin into a new role curating the food menu and set the stage for her partnership with Patrick—he first noticed her U.S. Men’s soccer jersey and asked her out, and when she needed help for a pig-centric event he provided smoker expertise. That collaboration—smoking the pig, hosting pop-ups, and spending long nights together—revealed a different side of Patrick and catalyzed both a personal relationship and a trajectory into barbecue and restaurateurship for Erin." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Vietnamese steak and eggs with house pate, chilaquiles with black beans and queso fresco, and croissants with creme fraiche are just the tipping of the breakfast iceberg at this coffee shop. In addition to its plethora of teas, kombucha, and agua fresca, Blacksmith pours gourmet coffees with beans imported from regions in Guatemala and Colombia." - Brittany Britto Garley, Sean Hekmat