More Than a Latte – Searching for the Best Cup of Coffee in Olympia

Rich, well-roasted coffee beans are the basis of any good cup of joe.
0 Shares

 

By Kira Stussy, Capital High School Intern to Thurston Talk

Rich, well-roasted coffee beans are the basis of any good cup of joe.
Rich, well-roasted coffee beans are the basis of any good cup of joe.

The rust colored leaves surf the gentle gusts of wind as people, young and old, scour for the perfect pumpkin, a steaming cup of freshly roasted coffee in hand. Everything turns orange and brown, jack-o-lanterns scare children off doorsteps, and coffee loosens the ice and warms the bellies of everyone who partakes of it.

Once autumn struts into town, bringing the nippy weather and night frights with it, coffee becomes a staple in the diets of locals here in Thurston County.  Residents guzzle the beverage as if it is the black nectar of the gods, cherishing every sip, all the way down to the grainy grounds. In their morning rush, just trying to simply acquire their daily dose of caffeine, many people end up ordering classics such as lattes and mochas. Despite the fact that those are delectable, during this season of change, it could be a good idea to think outside of the bean.

Beth Anne Koval, a junior at Tumwater High School and a self-proclaimed coffee addict, says that Dutch Brothers is the way to go.  “The people there are really funny to talk to, the coffee is well-made, and they are quick.”  Beth Anne normally prefers a white mocha breve, which is a white mocha but a little creamier.

When asked about a unique drink choice she has ordered she shared, “A zebra breve with raspberry, which is white chocolate and milk, half and half, extra hot with raspberry”. This spunky drink from Hot Shotz (another one of Beth Anne’s favorite coffee destinations) was “elaborate.”  She also described it as “really good but really weird.” Hot Shotz is located in Tumwater and Dutch Brothers have a few locations around the county, one of which is in Lacey. She makes a clear statement that her coffee experience at different shops is not only based on the drink itself but also on the friendliness of the workers.

olympia coffee shops
Enjoying a unique coffee drink, more than just your typical latte, is not just a beverage but an activity.

Another local coffee fanatic, Jamin May, is on an unusual adventure. He has been documenting his “search for the perfect mocha” on Instagram. He travels to local coffee stands and sometimes elsewhere, hunting for the mocha that sings the perfect tune.  “The best that I have had is from Island Espresso, but there are several in the running,” notes May.

He has visited various places including Lacey Forza (he states that they have good coffee), All American Coffee Company (says they have a great mocha, adding that they use local roaster Batdorf and Bronson Coffee and Hershey’s), and Avenue Espresso (great blend). He believes the trick to achieving the right note is the combination of Dillanos coffee and Hershey’s syrup.

Dutch Brothers, another stand that received good reviews from May, was said to have a good mocha and great customer service.   S & J’s Caffe Express, Hot Shotz, and The Filling Station Espresso are also high on the list. Dominic’s, an old favorite of his, has an “excellent mocha and for some reason the Dominic’s coffee seems to have a little extra kick!”

Although he does not typically venture from his beloved mocha, May admitted that the strangest drink he has ever consumed was “two shots of espresso over ice in a grande cup, topped off with ice, then you pour old fashioned chocolate milk over the top, mix it up and enjoy.  This is a very magical drink.” He found this one at Starbucks and appreciated the low cost. Type in “#searchforthebestmocha” on Instagram to check out more of his delicious discoveries. And be sure to read his recommendations and comments on shops near and far.

forza coffee lacey
Lacey Forza has great coffee, according to Jamin May and his quest for the perfect mocha on Instagram.

Across the county, tons of coffee stands and shops alike have their fair share of interesting concoctions that have locals raving and asking for refills. Most of these quaint establishments, sadly, slide under the radar, despite their wild mixtures and fabulous flavors. Cutter’s Point Coffee is yet another local coffee shop that people can only say nice things about. They are known for great customer service, amazing, freshly roasted coffee, and an assortment of drinks to choose from. As fall saunters into Thurston County, bringing sweaters and hot donuts with it, it is time to put away the iced coffee and embrace the unique flavors and tastes of steaming cups of Joe.

Yes, the usual coffee and milk is a delectable and simple choice for any fan of the beverage, but if you ever feel compelled to branch out onto a spontaneous java journey, there is a variety of shops to choose from right here in our beautiful Thurston County. A plus to staying local with nearby shops is that a good deal of them not only brew the coffee and bake their treats and goodies fresh, but they also roast their own espresso beans.

Try one of the multitude of down to earth businesses in the area that provide great service, interesting drinks, and mind blowing flavors that will have you begging for more.

For more tips on great spots to grab a cup of joe, take a look at here.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares