Location: 1700 First Street, NW (at R Street)
While you may think that with the name, "Big Bear Cafe", cheeseburgers and omelete would top the menu, coffee is serious business here. We visited for the first time on Sunday and found this shop packed and buzzing.
Big Bear is another indie coffee shop founded by ex-Murky baristas, and with success. While a small farmer's market operated on the street just outside, locals streamed in to get their fix. Without a doubt, Sunday is come-and-visit day (if you can hear yourself above the crowds), with only a few laptops tap, tap, tapping away.
The setting here is really special: I thought I had zipped back to New Orleans. No fewer than 7 nostalgic ceiling fans spun (no need for A/C), the floors are raw, recently-uncovered wood, the walls flat black and white. While the baristas struggled to keep up with the lines (the design of the work zone behind the counter is inefficient and un-ergonomic), we sipped on cold, creamy ice lattes. Gosh, I couldn't get myself to order my standard test cappuccino when I was surrounded by creamy lattes! Hubby says I blew my test.
Anyway, while the espresso in my latte was very good (fully extracted and aromatic), they only put one shot in each latte. Consequently, the lattes are like kiddy drinks: too mild. The milk, by the way, is locally produced and out of this world. Having grown up on a dairy farm in the Midwest, quality milk is meaningful to me.
Eco-green is a priority here. Electric power is supplied by wind power (of course, electricity is fungible and all flows into the same grid, but I get the point). Hubby was quick to point out that he was wearing his wind power gearbox ball cap that day... Iced drinks are served in PET cups made from "plants". I have to assume the "plants" referenced are those growing out of the ground, not chemical plants (heh heh). According to the barista on duty, they don't serve iced drinks in glasses because too many were getting stolen. That's too bad. One day our country may get used to returning glasses and cups.
I'd like to return to Big Bear to sample a cappuccino and perhaps savor the environment again, but during the week while it's less busy.
Street parking only, but relatively plentiful. Neighborhood is a bit... well, sketchy, at this time. Recovering, but still sketchy.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Chinatown Coffee Company
Location: 475 H Street, NW, just outside of Chinatown
Chinatown Coffee Company opened just a few weeks ago (July 27) and is off to a nice start. Nick Cho, former owner of Murky Coffee, heads up operations while Max and Katie Brown, experienced small-business owners, serve as owners and directors.
Both baristas working behind the counter during our visit were from the former Murky shop. They were eager to please, and that they did: both my cappuccino and hubby's machiato were superb. Both were "round", fully extracted, proficiently creamy (with trademark floral design in the cream), and thankfully, completely devoid of any burned flavors. However, I would have to say that Peregrine's espresso drinks were a tad more complex. Peregrine wins the taste category by a hair.
Cappaccino = $3.09 I appreciate that the "to-go" menu is separate. Orders from the in-house menu are served in porcelain cups.
Chinatown's shop is small (while long, it's very narrow) and has just 10 or so tables. The sole window at the front of the shop allows only marginal natural light, but the back-space is well lit. Decor is refreshingly minimal and somewhat industrial: exposed brick, bare bulbs, chic / orange wall behind the counter. Free wi-fi is available. While we found the shop to be relatively quiet, it has a nice vibe: hip music at moderate volume, a few conversations ensued around us, continuous hiss of the espresso machine and grinders.
Note that there is no large sign over the door; only a small "Chinatown Coffee Company" logo has been placed on the entry door.
Chinatown Coffee Company opened just a few weeks ago (July 27) and is off to a nice start. Nick Cho, former owner of Murky Coffee, heads up operations while Max and Katie Brown, experienced small-business owners, serve as owners and directors.
Both baristas working behind the counter during our visit were from the former Murky shop. They were eager to please, and that they did: both my cappuccino and hubby's machiato were superb. Both were "round", fully extracted, proficiently creamy (with trademark floral design in the cream), and thankfully, completely devoid of any burned flavors. However, I would have to say that Peregrine's espresso drinks were a tad more complex. Peregrine wins the taste category by a hair.
Cappaccino = $3.09 I appreciate that the "to-go" menu is separate. Orders from the in-house menu are served in porcelain cups.
Chinatown's shop is small (while long, it's very narrow) and has just 10 or so tables. The sole window at the front of the shop allows only marginal natural light, but the back-space is well lit. Decor is refreshingly minimal and somewhat industrial: exposed brick, bare bulbs, chic / orange wall behind the counter. Free wi-fi is available. While we found the shop to be relatively quiet, it has a nice vibe: hip music at moderate volume, a few conversations ensued around us, continuous hiss of the espresso machine and grinders.
Note that there is no large sign over the door; only a small "Chinatown Coffee Company" logo has been placed on the entry door.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Stacy's Coffee Parlor
Location: 709 West Broad Street
I'm sure Stacy's Coffee Parlor works for some, but not for me. Of course, I was hoping it would be espresso paradise since it's a little closer to my house than most other indie's. Dream dashed.
Oh well.
Stacy's is a super-quiet shop off of one of Fall Church's busier streets. It feels like an old, small-town-Midwest ice cream shop. They have 4 couches, eight 2-person tables, bookcases with books to borrow, etc., so it's 1998-era coffee house all the way. It's not a bad place for parents with youngin's to meet up with friends, just not a place to imbibe on serious coffee or to absorb vibe.
I ordered my standard medium cappuccino ($3.27) and while I was distracted checking out the menu and scene, I was rather horrified to see the barista making it into a paper cup instead of a ceramic mug. Sheesh -- that's a bug-a-boo of mine. The guy behind the counter was super nice and apologetic for not asking first (my fault for not specifying... must specify when in the 'burbs).
The coffee tasted lightly burnt, light, drip-coffee-like, rather like Starbucks with a tad of water. Disappointing quality. It very much reminded me of a cappuccino from a hotel lobby that "proudly brews Starbucks", and just about got me in the mood for a work meeting in one of those dimly lit hotel meeting rooms.
Vibe: non-existent. A few folks were working on their laptops, but no one interacted. Classical music played in the background, but was barely audible.
Stacey's also offers Moxley ice cream (though one container was sprouting a lot of ice crystals) and sandwiches.
I'm sure Stacy's Coffee Parlor works for some, but not for me. Of course, I was hoping it would be espresso paradise since it's a little closer to my house than most other indie's. Dream dashed.
Oh well.
Stacy's is a super-quiet shop off of one of Fall Church's busier streets. It feels like an old, small-town-Midwest ice cream shop. They have 4 couches, eight 2-person tables, bookcases with books to borrow, etc., so it's 1998-era coffee house all the way. It's not a bad place for parents with youngin's to meet up with friends, just not a place to imbibe on serious coffee or to absorb vibe.
I ordered my standard medium cappuccino ($3.27) and while I was distracted checking out the menu and scene, I was rather horrified to see the barista making it into a paper cup instead of a ceramic mug. Sheesh -- that's a bug-a-boo of mine. The guy behind the counter was super nice and apologetic for not asking first (my fault for not specifying... must specify when in the 'burbs).
The coffee tasted lightly burnt, light, drip-coffee-like, rather like Starbucks with a tad of water. Disappointing quality. It very much reminded me of a cappuccino from a hotel lobby that "proudly brews Starbucks", and just about got me in the mood for a work meeting in one of those dimly lit hotel meeting rooms.
Vibe: non-existent. A few folks were working on their laptops, but no one interacted. Classical music played in the background, but was barely audible.
Stacey's also offers Moxley ice cream (though one container was sprouting a lot of ice crystals) and sandwiches.
Peregrine Espresso
Owner: Ryan Jensen
Location: 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE (off of 7th) - Capital Hill
Clientele: young Capital staffies and well-traveled Land End types who enjoy the Eastern Market and espresso as it's meant to be
Yeeeee-haw! Peregrine makes coffee as it was intended: with great care and precision. And lip-smackin', too (I thought upon first sip, "ahhhhh, I'm in Italy"). Actually, I could tell by looking at my cappuccino and my hubby's machiato that these were going to hit it out of the park. Nutty, complex, rich, and creamy... complete with characteristic Nick Cho-a-la-Murky florette design in the dreamy foam. They extracted the aromatics perfectly. Jensen brings his Murky training to life at this busy ex-Murky location. Beans are Counter Culture, tea is Rashi.
I rather like that the pricing is rounded to $2.50, $3.00, etc. and includes tax. Menu is simple and focused.
They've done a fine job renevating the shop: raw wood floors, minimalist, neat. 'Tis small and indoor seating limited. Hubby felt rather cramped in this small space. Outdoor seating consists of 6 or so tables (in the sun, so prepare yourself for a little Vitamin D, which isn't all bad). Peregrine is about a half block from Eastern Market, thus busy on the weekends, but tables come available as few linger for long.
Vibe: Excellent. A bit of hustle/bustle, hip crowd, good music, interesting and engaging. Most people chat with friends, some study, some laptop via the free Wi-fi.
Location: 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE (off of 7th) - Capital Hill
Clientele: young Capital staffies and well-traveled Land End types who enjoy the Eastern Market and espresso as it's meant to be
Yeeeee-haw! Peregrine makes coffee as it was intended: with great care and precision. And lip-smackin', too (I thought upon first sip, "ahhhhh, I'm in Italy"). Actually, I could tell by looking at my cappuccino and my hubby's machiato that these were going to hit it out of the park. Nutty, complex, rich, and creamy... complete with characteristic Nick Cho-a-la-Murky florette design in the dreamy foam. They extracted the aromatics perfectly. Jensen brings his Murky training to life at this busy ex-Murky location. Beans are Counter Culture, tea is Rashi.
I rather like that the pricing is rounded to $2.50, $3.00, etc. and includes tax. Menu is simple and focused.
They've done a fine job renevating the shop: raw wood floors, minimalist, neat. 'Tis small and indoor seating limited. Hubby felt rather cramped in this small space. Outdoor seating consists of 6 or so tables (in the sun, so prepare yourself for a little Vitamin D, which isn't all bad). Peregrine is about a half block from Eastern Market, thus busy on the weekends, but tables come available as few linger for long.
Vibe: Excellent. A bit of hustle/bustle, hip crowd, good music, interesting and engaging. Most people chat with friends, some study, some laptop via the free Wi-fi.
Buzz
Owner: Meghan Sullivan
Location: 901 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA
Clientele: khaki-sportin' managers and pro staffers, well-heeled and focused
I would say that Buzz is a bakery first, coffeehouse second. It occupies a beautiful and well-kept space on Slaters Lane, an area recently renovated in Alexandria.
I'm far too frugal to spend $3 on an itty-bitty cupcake or $4.95 on a choco tart (though one such tart was sure lookin' at me), but they are well known for their in-house-baked goods. So, I didn't imbibe on the sugar goodies. They also have panini and other such savories available.
Coffee drinks default to ceramic cups unless otherwise requested. This was my second visit to Buzz and I found the coffee drinks to be pretty bad, unfortunately. Consistent to my first visit, my routine order of a medium cappuccino came in a ~12 oz cup ($3.25), had kinda crappy foam, and tasted watery and burnt. The barista was a young college girl on her summer break. While attentive and helpful, I don't think she received good training in the coffee arts. Ugh, a waste of good coffee molecules.
Most customers were working hard in their laptops on the weekday afternoon I visited, but a few were reading magazines or otherwise enjoying rare free time. Seating is well available during the week, a bit tighter on the weekends.
Awesome outside, shaded seating area. This is a nice place to watch the Alexandria folks drive by or walk to Rustico, the restaurant across the street. Parking available behind the building, if you are lucky enough to score one. Additional street parking readily available.
Location: 901 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA
Clientele: khaki-sportin' managers and pro staffers, well-heeled and focused
I would say that Buzz is a bakery first, coffeehouse second. It occupies a beautiful and well-kept space on Slaters Lane, an area recently renovated in Alexandria.
I'm far too frugal to spend $3 on an itty-bitty cupcake or $4.95 on a choco tart (though one such tart was sure lookin' at me), but they are well known for their in-house-baked goods. So, I didn't imbibe on the sugar goodies. They also have panini and other such savories available.
Coffee drinks default to ceramic cups unless otherwise requested. This was my second visit to Buzz and I found the coffee drinks to be pretty bad, unfortunately. Consistent to my first visit, my routine order of a medium cappuccino came in a ~12 oz cup ($3.25), had kinda crappy foam, and tasted watery and burnt. The barista was a young college girl on her summer break. While attentive and helpful, I don't think she received good training in the coffee arts. Ugh, a waste of good coffee molecules.
Most customers were working hard in their laptops on the weekday afternoon I visited, but a few were reading magazines or otherwise enjoying rare free time. Seating is well available during the week, a bit tighter on the weekends.
Awesome outside, shaded seating area. This is a nice place to watch the Alexandria folks drive by or walk to Rustico, the restaurant across the street. Parking available behind the building, if you are lucky enough to score one. Additional street parking readily available.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Murky Memories
Before I jump into commentary about current coffee houses, a eulogy for Murky Coffee, which closed in May 2009:
Murky was my "Office #3" (home office was "Office #2, and the real office, well, "Office #1"). Since I worked in an open office environment with many distractions and interruptions, I utilized my other 2 offices when I really needed to crank on developing new solutions, Powerpoints, or seriously work down the email backlog.
Murky came with serious caffeine: 3 shots in the medium iced latte or cappucino. And so my productivity skyrocketed by at least 300%. They brewed Counter Culture beans, and even set out used grounds for use in home gardens (my azeleas thank you).
Most of the Murky audience worked in their laptops, some developing web sites, some law students studying or writing papers. Despite the multitude of laptops, the vibe level was high, music diverse and hip, and the coffee a consistent 10 out of 10. I could never come close to the creamy, dark complexity at home.
Murky was truly into creating consistently great cups of coffee.
Murky had its quirks: sometimes closed early for private events with little notice, condemned upstairs seating area, credit card connection down for months, weird Tidy-bowl-like smell from bathrooms, pieces of ceiling would fall in, etc. I could generally overlook these as Murky was a rarity in its priority it placed in quality of coffee brewed and qualification of its baristas.
I understand that Murky closed due to increases in building rent (or equiv), and that Liberty Tavern folks will renovate the space. Murky's owner has just started a new coffee venture in Chinatown. I'll give that a try in the coming weeks...
Murky was my "Office #3" (home office was "Office #2, and the real office, well, "Office #1"). Since I worked in an open office environment with many distractions and interruptions, I utilized my other 2 offices when I really needed to crank on developing new solutions, Powerpoints, or seriously work down the email backlog.
Murky came with serious caffeine: 3 shots in the medium iced latte or cappucino. And so my productivity skyrocketed by at least 300%. They brewed Counter Culture beans, and even set out used grounds for use in home gardens (my azeleas thank you).
Most of the Murky audience worked in their laptops, some developing web sites, some law students studying or writing papers. Despite the multitude of laptops, the vibe level was high, music diverse and hip, and the coffee a consistent 10 out of 10. I could never come close to the creamy, dark complexity at home.
Murky was truly into creating consistently great cups of coffee.
Murky had its quirks: sometimes closed early for private events with little notice, condemned upstairs seating area, credit card connection down for months, weird Tidy-bowl-like smell from bathrooms, pieces of ceiling would fall in, etc. I could generally overlook these as Murky was a rarity in its priority it placed in quality of coffee brewed and qualification of its baristas.
I understand that Murky closed due to increases in building rent (or equiv), and that Liberty Tavern folks will renovate the space. Murky's owner has just started a new coffee venture in Chinatown. I'll give that a try in the coming weeks...
Getting Started....
We've lived in the metro DC area for nearly 5 years now, and continue to search for "our coffee shop". I've visited many, and plan to visit all indie shops in this area if I can. And during every drive home from one I blogged the critique in my head. But... I didn't have a blog to write to.
Until now.
I hope this blog becomes an open conversation within the coffee community; I welcome feedback and the experiences of others. With the experience of many comes great knowledge!
Prior to our move to Fairfax, VA we lived in Houston, Texas, home of the beloved Cafe Brasil. We practically lived there on weekends, despite the 30 minute drive from our home, and Brasil truly became our third space. We read, flipped through our magazine backlog, studies, made notes, watched people, chatted, and listened to the diverse conversations around us. We have not found an equivalent just yet.
The closest replacement was Murky Coffee in Arlington, but hoe... it closed in May. Despite its grunginess, weird smelling bathrooms, and required skill of jumping into an empty chair like a gazelle (was always packed, which was a positive indicator), the coffee was top notch and the wi-fi speedy.
I have revived my search....
Some criteria:
- Outstanding quality of coffee served
- Offer servings in real ceramic cups (not solely paper cups)
- Interesting clientele (for people watching and... socially acceptable eavesdropping)
- Reasonable seating (packed house OK, so long as a seat becomes available every now and then)
- Pleasant / interesting place to hang out and contemplate
Until now.
I hope this blog becomes an open conversation within the coffee community; I welcome feedback and the experiences of others. With the experience of many comes great knowledge!
Prior to our move to Fairfax, VA we lived in Houston, Texas, home of the beloved Cafe Brasil. We practically lived there on weekends, despite the 30 minute drive from our home, and Brasil truly became our third space. We read, flipped through our magazine backlog, studies, made notes, watched people, chatted, and listened to the diverse conversations around us. We have not found an equivalent just yet.
The closest replacement was Murky Coffee in Arlington, but hoe... it closed in May. Despite its grunginess, weird smelling bathrooms, and required skill of jumping into an empty chair like a gazelle (was always packed, which was a positive indicator), the coffee was top notch and the wi-fi speedy.
I have revived my search....
Some criteria:
- Outstanding quality of coffee served
- Offer servings in real ceramic cups (not solely paper cups)
- Interesting clientele (for people watching and... socially acceptable eavesdropping)
- Reasonable seating (packed house OK, so long as a seat becomes available every now and then)
- Pleasant / interesting place to hang out and contemplate
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