Mike L.
Yelp
In the past, there have been plenty of times where I've found my way to a place rather serendipitously, but I don't think any of those occasions were as fated as this. On a random walk through the neighborhood one night, we happened to pass by ZOE Coffee and and commented about how cozy it looked, but kept on by without thinking much else about it. Fast forward to just two days later and I found myself scouring through the Yelp app in search of a coffee shop that was open at 6:30 in the morning. Little did I know that the the promise of coffee and breakfast tacos would bring me straight back to here!
Stepping inside, I was surprised how this place looked smaller than it did from the outside. Yet, at the same time, I was impressed by how there's still decent amount of seating across the handful of counter seats, tables, and bench seating. Similarly, the menu here is rather modest, albeit with a rather interesting mix of things to choose from. While their array of coffees and teas are a bit more straightforward, their slate of aguas frescas all sound so refreshing and their food options are rather tantalizing, from their namesake breakfast tacos to their pupusas and pan dulce!
Since it's literally what drew me here in the first place, it was a given that I was going to get one of their BREAKFAST TACO ($6) to go with my DRIP COFFEE ($3.50), despite how tempting their pupusas sounded. Sadly, there were only two options to pick from (meat and vegetarian), but, thankfully, the former had what I wanted anyways - Bacon, Potato, Egg, and Cheese. Now, while it may not have been much to look at (both in size and aesthetic), this was great! The taco is super filling, as it's packed from end to end, and everything complemented each other really well. What's more, their house-made tortillas were pretty solid, too (I worried they'd get mealy all wrapped up). The only thing I wish was different was that the bacon had been crispier (sausage or chorizo would've held up better).
Along with my tasty breakfast taco and delicious coffee (bold and robust), the other highlight of my trip to ZOE Coffee was how friendly this place is. Not only was the worker super nice and patient with my slow, less than coherent answers to her questions (did I mention I was here at 6:30am and hadn't had coffee yet?), but my order came out really fast as well. I just wish this place had longer hours! A little odd to say considering how they seem to be one of the only neighborhood coffee shops in the area that are open at 6am, but I was bummed out when I tried to come back another day for an afternoon pick me up and saw that they closed at 1pm. I guess that just means I'll have to make a point of coming back another morning, though preferably a little later than the first time I was here...
FOUR AND A HALF STARS rounded down for now.