Brewspiration

Just a world traveler looking to brew inspiration 

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Coffee in Paradise

1. Arvo

Location: 675 Auahi St, Honolulu, HI 96825

Hours: M-F 7:30am to 5pm + weekends 8:30am to 5pm

My order: Loaded avocado toast w/o feta + cold brew w/ coconut milk

Atmosphere: I am originally from the beautiful island of O’ahu - an island who recently starting expanding in the business of independent coffee houses. So what is the buzz about coffee from the islands, anyway? I don’t know if it is the scent of salt water and coffee beans or the friendly island hospitality, but enjoying coffee on O’ahu is a unique experience. One of my favorite coffee houses on the island is Arvo - a locally owned cafe with delicious dishes, such as decadent toasts and beverages. My favorite pairing from this coffee house is their loaded avocado toast (minus the feta for my vegan/lactose intolerant friends) with a cold brew with coconut milk. It is the perfect snack for any time of the day - between a post-hike snack or an afternoon pick up, there is no wrong time to Arvo. Aside from their food pairings, another aspect about this coffee shop that I will always return for is the environment. From the outside, you are greeted by friendly faces and plant-life - an atmosphere that you want to share and take-in with loved ones. Being at Arvo reminds me of what I have always appreciated about growing up in O’ahu, and again, what I will always return home for.

2. Olive & Oliver

Location: 412 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815

Hours: Everyday 6am to 9pm

My order: Cold brew with coconut milk

Atmosphere: This coffee house has the perfect location - on the outskirts of the beaches of Waikiki, O’ahu. It is located inside the Surf Jack hotel, and is equal parts coffee bar and boutique. Everything from the coffee cups to the espresso machine is cute, not to mention their island inspired decor. After ordering my cold brew with coconut milk, I sat next door at the hotel pool and went into full vacation mode. It was the perfect afternoon pick me up, and the owner’s of this coffee house meets boutique own a few boutiques on another part of the island, as well. Good to see their business is expanding, and toward one of my favorite things to enjoy - good coffee.

3. Island Brew Coffee House

Location: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Ala Moana Mall

Hours: M-S 7am to 9pm + Sunday 7am to 7pm

My order: Iced almond milk latte with lavender

Atmosphere: Upon my return to the island, I had to visit the newest location of Island Brew Coffee House. While I was living on the island, the first location of Island Brew Coffee House was opened. It was my favorite coffee house to visit - firstly, because it was right around the corner from my house and secondly, because they had delicious vegan-friendly desserts. One of my favorite pairings was their vegan lavender cake with a iced lavender latte - absolutely delicious, and definitely did not skimp on the lavender. The new location in the mall has a similar environment, and is a perfect getaway from shopping. I appreciate that both locations are consistent with making delicious coffee, and having a welcoming staff. This is my new go-to coffee shop anytime I find myself returning to the islands for a day of shopping. However, their location on the east side of O’ahu will always be my favorite. (Separate blog post to come <3)

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Timeless Coffee

Location: 4252 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611

Hours: M-F 7am to 7pm + weekends 8am to 8pm

Vegans and dairy intolerant folk alike, lets take a moment to appreciate Timeless Coffee in Oakland, California. A fellow coffee enthusiast and I drove to the east bay on a whim one morning, and we came across an absolute gem. From their assortment of freshly baked cookies to glazed donuts and birthday cake, every thing they dish out at Timeless Coffee is equal parts dairy free and delicious. No animals harmed in the making of their delicious concoctions. When I first moved to the bay area, I was expecting that every coffee house would be a mecca of vegan treats. This isn’t necessarily the case. Most coffee houses have one or two options, others have none at all. After all, it is a minority of people who are dairy-free in the bay area. The gluten-free diet has definitely made more of an appearance in coffee houses I have visited. Suffice to say, Timeless Coffee definitely has a monopoly on the delicious home-made vegan treat community. There are days when I am craving a delicious vegan treat with my coffee, and the only place I want to go is Timeless Coffee.

If the whole vegan, dairy-free, baked good mecca isn’t something that you are particularly interested in - Timeless Coffee is still worth the visit because their coffee is simply, timeless. I posted my top five coffee houses in San Francisco prior to visiting Timeless Coffee, but they definitely would have made the list. My favorite type of coffee is coffee that is perfect as is. Not feeling inclined to add sugar and milk alternatives to my coffee is when I know the coffee is truly delicious. I also really like the atmosphere at Timeless Coffee - it is kind of steam punk meets industrial, and there is a good amount of seating area to accomplish just about anything you need to. Morning coffee date? Yup. Finishing up your novel? Perfect. Even when it’s busy, it doesn’t feel busy and it’s never too loud. Maybe it really is, and I’m just biased because my judgement is clouded by the white noise of vegan treats. Big possibility. Anyways, check them out - Have a cup of coffee (several), indulge in a vegan baked good (several), and check out one of my favorite areas of Oakland, California.

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Andy Town Coffee Roasters

Location: 3655 Lawton St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Hours: Everyday 7am to 5pm

I have already included Andy Town Coffee Roasters in my post about my top five favorite coffee houses in the bay, however I think they are worthy of their own segment. What do I find so alluring about this coffee house? For starters, it reminds me of being in my island home of O’ahu - as every coffee house comes with the natural aroma of sea-salted coffee. Just about everywhere you visit on the Hawaiian islands is surrounded by the ocean, and there is nothing more peaceful than salt water, the ocean breeze, and a cup of coffee. The service at Andy Town Coffee Roasters reminds me of being on the islands, where everyone treats you like family and everything is more laid back. When I walk through the doors of Andy Town Coffee Roasters, all movement immediately takes a few speeds down. The environment is calming, and it definitely takes you out of the fast paced chaos that is sometimes becoming of the city. Not to mention, their coffee is anything but ordinary.

With that being said, the service is anything but a few speeds down - it is consistent and my beverage is usually prepared by the time I finish paying. There are three key aspects I think most people expect with good service, and those are: friendliness, product, and how fast their product came out. On every occasion, I have always had great conversation, delicious coffee, and an overall excellent experience at Andy Town Coffee Roasters. This is where I go if I need an escape from the city, or if I just want to be surrounded by the good company of the ocean and the coffee enthusiasts working there. Speaking of which, aside from their signature drink: the Snowy Plover, their traditional coffee beverages are equally delicious!

Tell me about their signature drink, the Snowy Plover: this is such a unique, delicious, and perfect by-the-sea coffee beverage. It starts with sparkling water, espresso, home-made brown sugar syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream. I have said this before and I will say it again, they are dishing out the root beer floats of coffee beverages. For the majority that need to start their day off with caffeine, this is the perfect adult twist of our favorite childhood beverage. For those who want something traditional, I would recommend trying out their dry cappuccino. I asked the barista to make me his favorite drink with almond milk - and out came the most delicious dry cappuccino. This was the first time I tried a cappuccino, and it had the most perfect layer of steamed milk and frothed foam over their smooth espresso!

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Coffee of Japan

My experience in Japan was unprecedented - an entirely new and unfamiliar cultural experience, authentic, and a country very passionate about coffee. I visited about five coffee houses while I was in Japan, each of them with their own personality and coffee flair. While the love for coffee is a universal one, the experience of enjoying a caffeinated beverage in Japan will be unlike anything you have experienced prior. The common trend of coffee houses in Japan is that they are humble, but have an experience and product worth returning overseas for. I appreciate the taste for simplicity in Japanese design, it brews inspiration without being overwhelming. Extraordinary and straight to the point.

1. Coffee Shozo

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Hours: M, W, TH, F 9:30am to 7pm + weekends 11am to 7pm (closed Tuesdays)

My order: Iced Americano

Vegan Alternatives: No (order black coffee or bring your own alternative milk)

Atmosphere: Just about every restaurant, boutique, and coffee house in Japan is small in size and quaint in character. This coffee house is on a charming side street of one of the most bustling cities in Japan. Everything about this coffee house is comforting - from the simple design of wood, plant-life, and small windows decorating the exterior. The interior is small, and there is everything from baked goods, merchandise, and a limited seating area. However, on a beautiful day in Tokyo, there is nothing more relaxing than to enjoy their outdoor seating area. The location of this coffee house is ideal for grabbing your coffee and exploring the many boutiques and restaurants in the area. The only downside to a majority of the independent coffee houses in Tokyo is that they do not offer alternative milks. If you are lactose intolerant or dairy free for any reason, I would recommend buying almond or soy milk prior then adding it yourself or ordering black coffee. Visiting Japan definitely forced me to step outside of my confined box of espresso, almond milk, ice and sugar. I enjoyed the authenticity of their iced Americano - which was equal parts smooth with a very intense aftertaste. I would definitely return to enjoy this beverage.

2. Cafe Kitsune

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Hours: Everyday 9am to 7pm

My order: Iced Americano

Vegan Options: No (order black coffee or bring your own alternative milk)

Atmosphere: This coffee house is in walking distance of Coffee Shozo, but with a completely different atmosphere - one with bamboo chutes lining the entry way and an abundance of plant life. They had several different options for seating, but when you walk toward the back of the store, it looks like you just walked into someone’s dining room area. There are low wooden chairs and table tops, a few paintings, and small windows bringing in the natural light. It was very Asian inspired, and when I think about getting coffee in Japan, I think about Cafe Kitsune. Their logo was simple and to the point, and they had coffee mugs, tote bags, and of course their delicious coffee. Their iced Americano was delicious on its own, smooth and strong without kicking you in the face. There was no need for creamer or sugar, it was simply delicious on its own.

3. February Cafe

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Hours: Everyday 8:10am to 7pm

My order: Black coffee

Vegan Options: No (order black coffee or bring your own alternative milk)

Atmosphere: This coffee house was in walking distance of the hostel I stayed at, and it was a perfect gem in the district of Taito. It seems to be that the common trend of independent businesses in Japan is that they are humble, but will have an experience and product worth returning overseas for. The exterior of the February Cafe was lined with bikes, a few tables, and a sliding door into such a quaint interior. It felt like I was in a forest with a counter top that supplied delicious coffee. I ordered their black coffee, added my own almond milk, and sweetened it with their home made sugar. The sugar was to die for, and I definitely purchased some to bring home with me. They had breakfast options ranging from granola and yogurt to their signature toast which can be ordered savory or sweet. Overall, it was the perfect neighborhood coffee house.

Last, but not least - I have to tell you about the coffee festival my friend and I stumbled upon while exploring Tokyo. It was called the Tokyo Coffee Festival, and there were vendors sampling their coffee from Germany, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan (among other countries). It was literally a world-wind of coffee, and they featured coffee from the coffee houses I reviewed above as well. The festival also had a farmer’s market with vendors selling the most delicious fresh fruit, tea, flowers, home made chocolate bars and baked goods, vegan food, and puppies for adoption. You heard me correctly - If I lived in Japan, I could have adopted a dog, picked up my fresh fruits and vegetables, purchased a bag of coffee beans from Germany, and been on my way. It was the perfect one stop shop for all your daily necessities, and the best part about the experience was that all of the vendors wanted to be there. Everyone was happy, enthusiastic about their product, and more than willing to help you learn about how their culture made their coffee unique. As you can probably tell, I was very taken by Japan. If my career allowed it, I would move there in a heart beat. 

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So you think you’re rad?

Location: 232 N 2nd Ave, Upland, CA 91786

Hours: M-F 6am to 10pm + weekends 8am to 10pm

Welcome to Rad Coffee in Upland, California. I visited this coffee house while I was visiting family in Southern California. If you find yourself in the area, it will definitely be worth your while to check out Rad Coffee. I grew up with punk rock, and it is something that has always encouraged me to be creative, step out of the box, and be anything but ordinary. Suffice to say, Rad Coffee is delivering the most punk rock of caffeinated beverages. They are known for their innovative and borderline outrageous (in the best way possible) caffeine creations. I tried their sea salt caramel cold brew with soy milk, and it was the absolute perfect combination. Can you really go wrong with sea salt, sweetness, and cold brew? Not really.

If you’re in the mood for a blended beverage or maybe you’re on the road with someone with a sugar habit - they have options for you as well. I was tempted by their drink called “the Cookies and Scream” just by appearance alone. It is coffee blended with Oreos, cookie butter, and topped with blue whipped cream and cookie crisps. You heard me correctly - blue whipped cream. While most of their drinks can be made dairy free, unfortunately their delicious and daring blue whipped cream cannot. However, you can always order this drink without the whip, and confirm that the other ingredients are dairy free as well. It really doesn’t matter what you’re in the mood for, because they have a drink for every coffee mood.

My favorite aspect about this coffee house is the atmosphere, because if you grew up with punk rock it takes you back to the first couple bands you started listening to. If you didn’t, it is a unique and authentic experience that introduces you to one of the most iconic genres in music history. The walls are covered with flyers from old shows, and artwork such as the Milo as a coffee mug pictured above in reference to the song “Coffee Mug” by the Descendents.

Top 5 Favorite Beverages at Rad Coffee

Heavy on the Espresso

Bones Brew: two espresso shots, cold brew concentrate, organic vanilla, and a splash of cream

The Great White: four espresso shots, cold brew concentrate, organic almond, white mocha, and caramel sauce

Cold Brew

Cold Brew Chocolate Milk: cold brew with organic and vegan friendly chocolate sauce

Blended & Bad ass

Cookies and Scream: coffee blended with Oreos, cookie butter, and topped with blue whipped cream and cookie crisps

Frankenstein: matcha green tea with mint, chocolate chips, and topped with Oreos

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Top 5 Coffee Shops in the Bay

1. Sight Glass Coffee

Location: 270 7th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Hours: Everyday 7am to 7pm

My order: Iced almond milk latte/vanilla cold brew 

Food: Baked goods + granola

Vegan Alternatives: Usually one pastry option/almond milk

Atmosphere: Aside from their coffee, the atmosphere at Sight Glass coffee is the primary reason it is my favorite coffee house in the bay area. Although there are several locations in San Francisco, I prefer the location on 270 7th St. because the space has a unique industrial feel. Although it is an open space, with high ceilings and large windows, there is a comforting and home-like feeling at this location. I enjoy the tight-knit atmosphere of most coffee houses, but there is something refreshing about being in an open space. It is my favorite environment for creative-flow, and there is always the white noise of coffee beans roasting in the background. My go-to beverage at Sight Glass is their iced almond milk latte. Their espresso is less acidic, which pairs perfectly with almond milk. When I am craving something slightly sweeter, I order the vanilla cold brew. It is delicious, and it curbs your sweet tooth without putting you in a sugar induced coma. Anyways, this coffee house is just about as authentic as it gets - delicious coffee, no flavored syrups, and a friendly staff.

2. Andy Town Coffee Roasters

Location: 3655 Lawton St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Hours: Everyday 7am to 5pm

My order: Iced soy latte

Food: Baked goods

Vegan Alternatives: Almond + soy milk

Atmosphere: I am very taken by Andy Town Coffee Roasters, because they are in walking distance of the ocean. This coffee house has a comforting and humble space - with a relaxed environment and an outside seating area. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee during a sunny day in the bay area. I could sit outside for hours, taking in the smell of salt water and enjoying my iced soy latte. I enjoy visiting this spot when I need peace and quiet to do some light reading or writing. This coffee house is very popular, however it is usually not too busy and very quiet. The environment is very stimulating for creativity, and it is the ideal getaway spot in the bay area. Their signature drink is the Snowy Plover, and it is the root beer floats of coffee. It is an iced beverage with sparkling water, espresso, their house-made brown sugar syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream. Like I said, the root beer floats of coffee!

3. Verve Coffee

Location: 2101 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114

Hours: Everyday 6am to 8pm

My order: Iced almond milk latte

Food: Baked goods

Vegan alternatives: Almond + soy milk

Atmosphere: The first location of Verve Coffee I visited was in Santa Cruz, California. Honestly, they make the best iced almond milk latte I have ever had in my life. I would have been willing to drive the 60+ miles to curb the craving for this beverage, but thankfully they recently opened a location in the city. Both locations have a very welcoming environment - modern with large windows and a variety of seating options. Aside from their coffee, one of of my favorite aspects of Verve Coffee is actually their logo. I am just as much a collector of coffee house souvenirs, as I am the actual coffee. When I can, I like to take home something from coffee houses that really make an impression on me. They have everything from t-shirts, hats, totes, coffee mugs, and of course, coffee beans and products for brewing. 

4. Four Barrel Coffee

Location: 375 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Hours: Everyday 7am to 8pm

My order: Almond milk latte

Food: Baked goods

Vegan alternatives: Almond milk

Atmosphere: Four Barrel Coffee was among one of the first coffee houses I visited in the bay area, and it definitely made an impression on me. When I first walked into their location on Valencia St. I was immediately taken in by the atmosphere. It has a very inviting cabin-like feel, and it is the perfect spot to enjoy a hot beverage and do some reading or writing. Their coffee is a bit more acidic than I’m used to, but it pairs excellently with their home-made almond milk. You heard me correctly, home. made. almond. milk. To a caffeinated vegan, the only thing more satisfying than home-made espresso is home-made alternative milk. Talk about the perfect combination. I like being in this space, because it reminds me of being outdoors or in a cabin in the woods. It is such a warm and inviting feeling, one that feels like coming home after a long day of work.

5. Blue Bottle Coffee

Location: 456 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Hours: Everyday 8am to 7pm

My order: Cold brew with almond milk

Food: Baked goods + granola

Vegan alternatives: Almond + soy milk

Atmosphere: To put it simply, if you’re going to fall in love with a chain coffee house, please make it Blue Bottle Coffee. I have been to Blue Bottle Coffee around the world, including several locations in Japan and the states. Regardless if you visit a Blue Bottle coffee at the Shinagawa Station in Tokyo or among the students in Palo Alto, California your experience is going to be authentic. The space of their location in Palo Alto, California reminds me of a Victorian home. Their is something charming about the patterned tiles, arches, and the gold borders lining the ceiling. This location is near Stanford university, so you are always surrounded by intellectuals and creatives alike. Not to mention, their coffee and service is consistently excellent.

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Tell me about Brew

I fell in love with coffee when I was about 18 years old. I was starting my first adult-job for a health insurance company, and coffee quickly became my daily vice. I was infatuated by the brewing process, the different types of coffee beverages, and how just about every coffee house has its own personality. I was charmed by the coffee industry, and after starting my new career as a flight attendant, I have experienced caffeine on an entirely new cultural level. It is a universal love-affair, and it inspired me to start a collection of the coffee houses I have visited around the world. Disclaimer: I am still learning about the specifics of coffee, so for the meantime the purpose of this blog is to act as a guide to different coffee houses in the bay area and around the world.