Recently on Instagram I saw a post about a new coffee chop in Martinez called States Coffee & Mercantile. Living in Berkeley, it’s easy to think the denser parts of the Bay Area are the center of the Universe (it’s like New Yorkers forgetting about outer boroughs or the rest of the state). I was kind of surprised that Martinez might have a hot new shop. In pursuit of adventure and the truth, we trekked out there this morning to see what it’s all about.
States is in Old Town Martinez, an area with lots of little shops and what not. The Farmer’s Market had the street one block over closed, which was a pleasant surprise. The shop is located in an old brick building that looks like it was probably an old mercantile. The decor is a really well done blend of industrial and old school rustic. It had all the design cliches of a third wave coffee shop -- exposed brick, cement floor, wood, exposed metal, white accents and walls, plants -- but it didn’t seem forced. The whole place was quite organic. The mugs were all handmade stoneware. They had a display against a wall full of goods from many different states - all along the themes of handmade craftsmanship with wood, wool, leather. I was intrigued by the skateboard. The shop was really inviting.
The most inviting thing, other than the abundance of natural light, was the staff. The two guys working the small counter were really attentive and greeted everybody who walked through the door. A refreshing blend of enthusiasm and hospitality that many coffee shops these days seem to lack. We got pour overs (Chemex) of the Bolivia and the Ethiopia, which they brought to us at the table. (Another perk of a small, and open shop.) Joe also got a vegan chocolate coconut doughnut. Joe said the Bolivia was one of the best cups of coffee he’s had in recent memory. It was delicious. A lighter roast with a pretty full body and very smooth to drink. The Ethiopia was a bit lighter, with more citrus overtones, and also quite good. We sipped and I regaled Joe with stories out of When Saturday Comes, which I just picked up this morning. I was overly caffeinated towards the end of my cup, but I couldn’t stop myself from finishing it. It was so good I didn’t want to waste it.
We looked for a place to bus our our mugs, but a regular told us just to leave them on the table and the guys working there would pick them up. Sure enough before we were out the door, they were already on their way to the kitchen. We made sure to pick up a half pound of the Bolivia to relive the experience at home.
I see more trips to Martinez in our future.
Shop: States Coffee & Mercantile (Martinez, CA) Drink: Ethiopia, pour over, black Companion: Joe, Bolivia, pour over, black