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Permalink Reply by Matt Swenson on September 15, 2011 at 2:33pm

I just spent a week up in that area at the start of the month...Here's my report...

 

-Moxie Java is the biggest chain in town.  They operate quite a few.  Very corporate feel.  Average coffee.

-Dawson's is a much better local shop that roasts their own coffee.  LM machines.  Good quality coffee/espresso.  Probably the best quality I've experienced while in Boise the few times I've been there.

-Big City is a really great shop conceptually, but they need definitely need some coffee work.  They steam eggs with the machine (i think that's "their thing"?) and serve 4-5 oz espressos (???).  Not sure if they roast their own, but they at least have a private label.

-There is also White Cloud roasting.  Don't know much about them, other than seeing bags being sold in a local shop there.

-There is also Thomas Hammer Coffee.  Haven't been in there, but they have a prime location downtown right by the Saturday market.

 

Those are all the shops I am familiar with aside from starbucks and tully's there.  I hope that helps your search or can at least help which shops to target in your search...

 

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Permalink Reply by Kendra Aanestad on September 18, 2011 at 5:41pm

Thanks, Matt!  That definitely helps, and re-affirms some of my observations.  Did you ever try Flying M Coffeehouse? It's pretty hip, do some good latte art, but I had an americano there that tasted a little too on the bitter side, maybe overextracted?  I think they roast their own... not sure.  Haven't tried Dawson's.  That will be my 1st stop when I move to town!  Thanks for your help :)

Matt Swenson said:

I just spent a week up in that area at the start of the month...Here's my report...

 

-Moxie Java is the biggest chain in town.  They operate quite a few.  Very corporate feel.  Average coffee.

-Dawson's is a much better local shop that roasts their own coffee.  LM machines.  Good quality coffee/espresso.  Probably the best quality I've experienced while in Boise the few times I've been there.

-Big City is a really great shop conceptually, but they need definitely need some coffee work.  They steam eggs with the machine (i think that's "their thing"?) and serve 4-5 oz espressos (???).  Not sure if they roast their own, but they at least have a private label.

-There is also White Cloud roasting.  Don't know much about them, other than seeing bags being sold in a local shop there.

-There is also Thomas Hammer Coffee.  Haven't been in there, but they have a prime location downtown right by the Saturday market.

 

Those are all the shops I am familiar with aside from starbucks and tully's there.  I hope that helps your search or can at least help which shops to target in your search...

 

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan on October 27, 2011 at 3:34pm

Welcome to Boise! 

My wife and I have lived here for 2 yrs and are still looking for good espresso.  You are exactly right, bad technique, over roasted coffee and over extracted shots.  I have worked in the industry for a few years now and have seen the progression of many micro roasters, shops, kiosks, etc... everywhere but Boise.

I haven't met anyone here that knows what I'm talking about when I say "3rd wave" or something as simple as "pour over" or "brew by the cup". 

 

Anyway, try Rembrandt's in Eagle.  My take is decent coffee but their espresso is inconsistent, pretty good food and baked goods.

Salt Tears off of State St is connected to a co-op art gallery. They have made from scratch everything and use DOMA coffee.  My Americano the other day was actually pretty good.  I will go back and grab an espresso and see if they do a traditional cappuccino soon.

I have had some decent drinks from Flying M but it's hard for me to get past pre-grinding for espresso.  Usually when I see the doser full of coffee grounds I leave and find something else, but here we take what we can get.

Anyway... it's not all bad.  Java has a couple cool shops, Dawsons has good coffee but the same over extracted espresso as everyone else.

Let me know if you find anything else.

Cheers!

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Permalink Reply by Kendra Aanestad on November 11, 2011 at 1:47pm

Thanks for the advice! I will def check out Salt Tears, and of all the shops I have stopped at so far, Rembrandts had the best espresso.  And Full Circle Exchange seems like a pretty cool company.  AMAZES me that NO ONE does a pour over drip bar! Hard to find even french press and loose leaf teas.  I went to Perks of Life in Eagle and it was decent but they brew their shots in to those stupid little metal pitchers.  I see this so often. Don't you want to visually see your shots?  This area needs a business that truly focuses on the coffee. And is passionate about all the different methods of brewing. So many more options out their that produce a better cup. Why is it that most roasters think they need to roast their espresso blend to a French Roast? Gotta keep up with the times in this industry. Boise seems like such a forward thinking, open minded community. Surprising people aren't demanding more from their coffee shops. Loving this area, though, hoping to be pouring some capps soon!

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