It’s a Sunday afternoon, and you have a ton of homework to do. Barking dogs, clattering dishes, and cheering football fans on the TV steal your attention — you just can’t concentrate. Where do you go?
Coffeebar.
Coffeebar is the newest addition to the peninsula collection of hipster coffee shops and has become my go-to coffee or homework destination.
There are currently locations in Menlo Park, Truckee, Squaw Valley, and Reno, and luckily for us, another in Redwood City is opening soon. Though there are multiple locations, Coffeebar feels like anything but a chain. I have been to all but Squaw and can confirm that the consistency between locations is definitely there, with each location still maintaining individual charm.
Always busy, Coffebar’s relaxed vibe and rustic, industrial interior is appropriate for either a long study session or for catching up with friends. There is an abundance of seating from comfy chairs to high-top tables, supporting the busy crowds that come through and ensuring that nobody has to wait to sit.
Another plus is the constant “coffee house” music playing in the background, ranging from ’80s classics to modern anti-pop slaps. There is even a Coffeebar Spotify account with multiple “mood” playlists available.
In addition, the food menu is perfectly suited for any Bay Area resident, providing multiple gluten-free, vegan, and paleo options. It includes everything from burritos, avocado toast, and paninis, to my personal favorite, the paleo bowl, which is made up of sweet potato, caramelized onion, kale, avocado, chicken, and a flavorful tahini. The menu is rounded out by the classic, yet better-than-average array of coffee shop pastries.
Furthermore, the whole menu is supported by local farms. According to their website, “With the awareness of the daily footprint coffee shops leave behind, we do our best to minimize that through sustainable business practices including responsibly sourcing our coffee, partnering with local farms and businesses, and giving back our coffee grounds and food waste to the farms to feed the soil.”
I’m told by my coffee-loving mother that Coffeebar serves superior lattes, topped with cute leaf designs. I, being a self-proclaimed chai latte expert, have determined that the three chai options (house, coconut, and rooibos) all deliver unique and satisfying chai experiences.
Once you’ve ordered, the drinks are delivered to a common counter area for pickup. The staff delivers your food with a friendly smile to your seat, where you can enjoy your whole experience.
Rating: [star rating=”5″]