Blue Bottle

What seems like just an ordinary alleyway in Oakland, CA is actually producing some amazing coffee. Over the years, Blue Bottle has been at the forefront of specialty coffee. Owners James and Caitlin Freeman have built their reputation based around this vow “I will only sell coffee less than 48 hours out of the roaster to my guests, so they may enjoy coffee at peak flavor. I will only use the finest, most delicious, and responsibly sourced beans.” To this day, they continue to exceed all of our expectations. Beautifully thought out design is the theme of every Blue Bottle, each location having their own unique quirks and vibes. This Blue bottle location looks small from the outside, but is chalked full of surprises on the inside. Featuring a roastery, a kitchen, a cupping room and tons of fun little merch, pictured below. There was no shortage of elbow nudges and nerd out moments between my husband and I over all the curated details.

Using the tried and true espresso machine, the Linea by La Marzocco, the baristas were serving Hayes Valley, Blue Bottle’s classic espresso blend. With its warm brown sugar, comforting chocolatinessss and zesty orange flavors, it is like a sunset over the city skyscrapers. It's always a delicious well rounded shot for any espresso based beverage.

Their menu consists of lattes, cappuccinos, batch brew and a few specialty drinks. One being the Cascara Fizz, named after cherry syrup they use to flavor it. Not made from just any cherry, it’s made from the fruit that the coffee bean itself comes from(which we’re totally nerding out about) along with Pelegríno and garnished with fresh lemon. We ordered a cappuccino with oat milk that was creamy to the last drop and a mocha with whole milk that was full of rich, decadent chocolate flavor. Both topped with beautiful latte art hearts. We also ordered an iced almond milk latte that was beautifully marbled before the drink was fully combined together. Blue Bottle also makes their own food. They had pastries and a cooler full of grab and go snacks, such as chia pudding and yogurt. We ordered a chocolate cookie that was to die for! Literally. We also had a croissant that was golden brown, flaky and delicious, it tasted heavenly. Altogether, it was the perfect combo for a quick coffee and snack before an evening out.

Simplicity is this shop’s vibe. The ceiling-to-floor windows throughout the building give small glimpses into the tasting and roasting rooms, it almost feels like your walking through a museum while waiting in line. The shop is small in size, which is perfect for a grab-n’-go coffee spot. They have a few small tables for those who wanted to stick around to enjoy their coffee while looking through the all-glass walls, watching the world slowly move by. There are also a couple of tables outside to enjoy the fresh air or the chill of the morning. We sat at their outdoor tables to enjoy a little bit our drinks and some sun before we continued on with the rest of our day. All around, Blue Bottle is always a great experience no matter what you are in the mood for.