Best of the Best: State Edition

In 2016 Huffington Post published: The Best Places For Coffee In Every State . . . and Washington D.C.

I found this article as I was starting my coffee journey in 2018. At the time I was living in Las Vegas, Nevada and I was absolutely thrilled to know my home state’s best coffee house (Sunrise Coffee) was actually one of my favorite places! For nearly 10 years, I had been patronizing the best of the best in Nevada. Every time I go back to Vegas I make a stop still — I miss it terribly, and I miss its companion locale Mothership just as much!

Now, I left Las Vegas and went on a variety of travel adventures after my departure.

During my travel adventures, I was blessed and lucky enough to go on two separate road trips through the US 🇺🇸. One traveling east and north, another traveling south and west. At some point during my travels I looked at every state I would travel through, the cities and routes available, and decided I should try and see if I can get to the best coffee in other states!

I traversed 13 states in some fashion and in some way during my two road trips. The thing is: the west and midwestern states are pretty large. So, I didn’t get close to 13 coffee shops, but I did see a few and I have to say it has inspired me further.

In Minneapolis, Minnesota–on two separate occasions, a year or so apart, I went to Peace Coffee. The ambiance was incredible. The coffee was strong and aromatic. Their peanut butter cookies were a perfect companion to my coffee.

In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma I visited Elemental Coffee Roasters — and I loved it so much I got some coffee for later! It was in a great location in the city, it had a wonderful layout, and it had just plain good coffee.

In Albuquerque, New Mexico I made a quick stop at one of the several locations of Satellite Coffee. I happen to patron the one next to the university; I loved the ambiance and wanted to stay but I had lots to see and only a bit of time–though I must say my coffee gave me all the joy and energy I needed for my adventures.

So I got to 3 out of 13 states I visited/drove through — technically 4 since I went through Nevada and went back to Sunrise. Still though, not a passing grade.

But sometimes the grade isn’t the end all be all!

I had a great time; I had something specific and different to do when I was driving and traveling, unlike most other to-do lists, and I enjoyed so much I hope to keep going. Travel and have the best coffee in the good ol’ USA 🇺🇸, what could be better? 😉🤗

March 14, 2023 0

Coffee Gallery

Dash Coffee & Bakery–Fremont, California, USA

December 6, 2022 0

Chino, CA, USA: The Flinderstreet Cafe

As previously mentioned, it has been *some* time since I have been able to recommend a local coffee shop.

While any discovery could have been the first–in a while–I had to consider who should go first, and why?

With that in mind, I bring you: The Flinderstreet Cafe.

The Flinderstreet Cafe has been my home-hub for years now. I am able to completely and confidently state that if you are ever in or around this part of southern California, you have to make a stop.

It’s hidden in a shopping center–you gotta go all the way to the back. The shopping center is relatively empty so the space is quiet. Due to the shopping center being so empty, and the cafe being in the back, it is easily missed. Truly, a hidden gem; truly, when discovered, a treasure.

There is indoor and outdoor seating. The Wifi is good; there are plenty of plugs. It’s an ideal date spot and an ideal work space–as well as a great coffee spot, of course!

My absolute favorite drink is the: Honey Vanilla Latte. I have had many versions since, and nothing compares to the one at Flinderstreet Cafe. What to pair with my coffee? Often their cookies–they have a bag of minis, always, next to the cashier. Chocolate chip or snickerdoodle, either way you can’t go wrong.

I have also tried their sandwiches, pastries, and a few other drinks–coffee and non-coffee alike. Everything has been good to great. I think the cakes and cookies are my overall favorite though, but I do have a sweet tooth!

I have met friends here. I have taken my mom here. I have met with work associates here. Every time it was this wonderful secret I got to share; in fact, every visitor was surprised and asked, or did, come back on their own–what a testament to the food, drink, and atmosphere provided.

For the first recommendation, in oh so long, I have chosen The Flinderstreet Cafe because it is an outstanding coffeehouse. It has excellent seating, lighting, customer service, food, and coffee–if you’re ever in Chino, California, USA, be sure to make a stop; you will not be disappointed.

November 29, 2022 0

The Local Coffee Shop

There has been a considerable gap since I last recommended a local coffee shop–considerable gap!

2020: well, 2020 sort of put a stop to going to coffee shops, for obvious reasons.

2021: I had to mourn the closure of some of my favorite shops–places and spaces that had long been loved, or were promising new hubs. The pandemic was a seismic force on the success, availability, and possibility of so many small businesses . . .

2022: Now, in 2022, I have been doing my best to rediscover places–places that had makeovers and adapted to the seismic shifts of our entire society. I have also been exploring new places–places filled with hopes and dreams; places and people taking monumental risks in this economy–admirable risks, risks we should all encourage and support.

Local business is how families and communities thrive . . . and soon enough, I will be sharing some of these amazing places serving, supporting, and sustaining so many families and communities 🖤☕