Coffee Shops & Caffeinated Ideas
That’s a trick question.
It’s always appropriate.
If you crave it, drink it.
If you want it, get it.
Just as it is noon somewhere (have your alcoholic beverage) . . . there’s a coffee break happening somewhere, so have your coffee!
Pretty much . . .
Across civilizations, throughout millenium, all over the world, people have consumed coffee.
Coffee is everywhere.
There are specific reactions, images, and ideas when someone says: Turkish coffee, Thai coffee, or Kan Kohi.
There are definitive opinions on how best to make coffee: traditional drip coffeemaker, Keurig, French press, Aeropress, and more. Which one brings out the flavor? Which one is most convenient? Which one can I afford?
There are a multitude of flavors–and the flavors seem to increase with each passing year and season. From Hazelnut to White Chocolate to Toffee. From Pumpkin Spice to Holiday Blend.
All these flavors can be amplified and morphed through an endless array of toppings–think whipped cream, cinnamon, and mint.
And if that weren’t enough, coffee can be served at breakfast or after dinner. It can be served hot or iced. It can go with a meal, it can be your meal.
***
Coffee is not a singular drink. It doesn’t look the same, taste the same, smell the same, or feel the same–not in Italy, Egypt, and the United States. Hell, one local coffee shop in California will have a great coffee menu and serve superb coffee, and just down the street, another coffee shop will do the same, but in a completely different fashion. The coffee is different, but it’s still outstanding.
This is the reason coffee feels like the superior drink of choice.
In its history, its cultural manifestations, and roots in every society, coffee stands apart from all others. In its ability to be utterly delicious, while also being exceptionally versatile. Coffee, again, is in a category all on its own.
In terms of the merits of coffee, the merits are manifold and multifaceted. So, raise your mug, cup, glass, or thermos–you’re drinking coffee, arguably the most recognizable, wide-ranging, and delicious of all drinks in the world.
Cheers!
Welcome to my favorite part of the world: the Bay Area.
I have a deep love, unconditional love really, for the Bay Area, specifically San Francisco and Berkeley.
I consider the Bay Area more than home, it is heaven on earth.
One day . . . when I’m a millionaire . . . I’ll live there. For now, I’ll just visit and encourage you to do so as well.
***
When you visit San Francisco, and I know you will, and you really have to, I recommend a stop at Home Cafe.
***
Enjoy the hills! Enjoy the outdoors! Take the Muni, get a Lyft, or walk over to Noriega St. and 20th Ave. It’s part of the experience.
***
You’ve arrived.
It’s a small venue and there is no outdoor seating.
I went on a Saturday morning and had to take my food and drink to-go. It was packed–line out the door.
As the line moved, I noticed long tables, seats next to big windows, and a fun policy: no devices.
While no one is going to kick you out, I saw someone on a laptop, this establishment encourages conversation. I appreciate that, and it plays well into this idea of “home.”
Food.
Well, it’s not pictured because I took it to-go, and I opened it up, and I tasted it, and then I devoured it. I’m not sure how I breathed I ate so fast.
What did I get? Condensed milk toast.
I feel like San Francisco is the only place where toast could be marketed and purchased as a meal. I would say I fell for it (I bought toast?), but honestly it was an amazing dessert, or large pastry. So amazing, when I opened my container I couldn’t stop to take a picture or consider anything but shoving it into my mouth.
Now, this trip was made possible by one of my best friends who lives in San Francisco. She got some toast as well, but hers was the special of the day. We both shared some of our toast with her baby. Her baby loved every bite–every bite we managed to share with her. So that’s three great reviews on the toast–that means get some toast!
And what goes with toast?
Coffee.
If you look at reviews online, one thing people keep saying is: drinks are great for Instagram!
Well, as important as pictures may be to some, and I understand presentation is crucial, let’s face it: it needs to taste good.
And this is where Home Cafe won my heart all over again. I ordered their famous birthday cake latte. Presentation and Instagram worthiness: A+. Then, the first sip.
It was sweet, but not overdone. It had a creamy feel to it. It wasn’t exceptionally strong, but from what I gather it’s not meant to be a strong elixir of coffee or caffeine. It was just delicious.
I’m not a chugger of coffee, I usually allow it to cool for about 5 minutes and then I sip for a good 30 minutes. That did not happen. I drank this quickly. It was simply a perfectly balanced drink. Truly delicious. I craved it every day after our visit.
My friend? She got a coconut almond latte. She enjoyed her drink as well, but I think birthday cake latte wins. We did not share any coffee with her baby. We did however drink our coffee and eat our toast at the San Francisco Zoo. That’s right: the zoo!
Home Cafe has an intimate venue, Instagram worthy coffee, delicious coffee, insane toast options, and a great location–just four miles from the zoo.
So, with all of that in mind, the next time you’re in San Francisco: get some coffee, and toast, at Home Cafe–and if there’s nowhere to sit, or if you want to drink and eat with a pretty neat view, head over to the zoo! And when you’re done at the zoo, go back to Home Cafe–let me know about the rest of the toast!
coffee grounds:
The first definition is interesting. To state that it is a “waste product” is debatable, check out “What can you do with coffee grounds?” for added insight.
We’re back in Sin City!
As you know, I am the biggest fan of Mothership. That love is deep. That love is also very closely connected to Sunrise Coffee House.
Why? Well, they’re owned by the same people!
Yes, down the street from Mothership, is actually the mother (brilliant word choice I know).
Now, is it a duplicate? No. Each coffee establishment—here, connected, or otherwise–always has its own standouts, its own merits, its own vibes.
What differentiates Sunrise?
First, Sunrise has a drive-thru, so if you’re in a rush, you don’t need to get out of your car.
Secondly, it’s bigger. It has ample space on the inside and the most wonderful outdoor seating area. It is one of my favorite places to sit on a sunny day–and there’s lots of those in Vegas. The inside, due to spacing, has more options for seating as well. There are tall tables for standing or high-sitting. There are normal tables. There are a couple of couches, and even a little nook right when you walk in.
I appreciate the varied seating, sometimes you need to put your feet up and sometimes you need to stand. Sometimes you want to sit indoors, sometimes you want to go outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Sunrise has it all.
The size of Sunrise allows for more plug options. In fact, they have set up a few powerstrips to make it even more work/ device friendly. It’s a simple touch that makes for a more conducive work visit.
In addition to these added features, like Mothership, they have outstanding pastries–because Mothership makes them! I don’t need to tell you how much I love their baking. Just remember, it’s the best. And, everything is made fresh daily so come early, once it’s gone, it’s gone for the day.
On top of pastry options, Sunrise serves actual food. It’s not a restaurant, but the menu has a few basic breakfast and lunch items.
Not only has everything I’ve tried been delicious–simple things like a bagel to more complicated items like the hot mess bowl–but there are vegan and gluten-free options. Healthy and delicious: that’s a winning combination.
And the coffee? Well, it’s exceptional. My favorite is a hot Hazelnut Latte, and since I have the option of a large, it’s always large. It’s the best Hazelnut Latte I have ever tried–anywhere. I’ve also had their Nutella Latte, Butterbeer Latte, and Vanilla Latte. Everything is tasty. However, the most ridiculously important find: iced coffee.
When I order an iced Hazelnut anywhere else, I’m not a fan. Unless it’s just regular iced coffee, flavors seem to ruin my drink. And, to be honest, iced coffee was just okay.
I used to think that I didn’t really care for iced coffee, and certainly didn’t like it in flavors, which is incredibly unfortunate when it’s 115 degrees outside–for four months. I could drink it, but it wasn’t anything I ever craved or devoured. Then, a friend met me at Sunrise and ordered one. They encouraged me to try it, they said it was great, and to just trust them.
Curiosity peaked. I had faith. I took the plunge.
Sunrise Coffee House makes the best iced coffee I have ever tasted–specifically, the best iced Hazelnut on the planet. I have never come across an iced coffee I could chug, drool over, crave . . . until Sunrise. All of their drinks are great, everything I have had has been delightful, but the greatest find for me: an utterly outstanding iced coffee.
Sunrise is a great coffee shop. It is top-notch. It’s in Las Vegas, it’s family-owned, by a Las Vegas native. It has a large drink menu full of delicious options, appetizing food options, a gorgeous outdoor seating area, plenty of plugs, varied seating for whatever your mood, mouth-watering pastries . . . and plenty of parking. And if it that’s not enough to convince you, then read this: The Best Places for Coffee in Every State–that’s right, in Nevada, it’s Sunrise.
. . . Time for some Hazelnut coffee y’all . . .
black coffee:
Note: as I researched black coffee, it stunned me that definition #1 was the most prominent. I had always thought #2 was the only definition.
Mr. Lynch, I completely agree.
Cups and Comments 