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Wow, oh, wow! I tried this place out for this first time this past weekend, and I am happy I did! I was out running errands for work and was about to pass Mocha Moose by (for the 100th time) but decided I should stop and see what this little red hut on the side of Bogus Basin Rd is all about. I pulled up to the window, was greeted by a very friendly gentleman (who I found out was the owner), and then was instantly presented with the question, “What are we having?” To which I replied, “Well I like somewhat sweet, but not really. And I like mocha’s, but not too much chocolate. And I think a hot drink sounds good, but I could still do an iced drink. But I’m open to whatever really.” (That wasn’t helpful at all, Amie.) Unfazed by my indecisiveness, he suggested, “We have a dark chocolate mocha and it’s really good!” “Yes. That sounds amazing. Maybe do half the chocolate.” “Perfect! Would you like whipped cream? It’s homemade!” “No, I shouldn’t…Wait, yes. It’s Saturday–of course I want whip cream!” About 30 seconds later, this beautiful 12oz cup was handed to me with a bit of coffee heaven inside and a gorgeous swirl of whipped cream sitting on top. The dark chocolate was a perfect choice–slightly sweet, ever so slightly bitter, and exactly what my Saturday morning taste buds were looking for. The milk was steamed to perfection–hot but not scorching. The espresso was also delightful–creamy and rich. Unless you’ve worked in coffee before, you might not notice the difference between a good and bad shot of espresso. But if you have, it is very obvious when one is good and one is bad–and this was one GOOD shot of espresso! 5/5 for me. I will be back!

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – Menu with Prices – 3350 La Sierra Ave, Riverside

This isn’t the first coffee bean place I have been to but it’s prob the last. I have been to another location and I think their drinks are just Horrible! To say the least. When I got here, there is basically nobody there. Lights are off but it doesn’t show they’re closed on yelp and there is no sign saying they’re closed! So anyways, the self check out counters are right across from the coffee shop since this is inside Ralph’s! I asked one of the employees and he pages someone and they came, I asked the lady or she worked there. She said yea I use to!! So there is nobody that is working there for some reason and I guess part of it I understand Bc their coffee sucks! I wanted to get a latte with whites chocolate mocha!! I figured they’re like Starbucks, pumps of white chocolate mocha.well maybe not. By the time I went to get yogurt and came back for my drink. The lady was gone and she made me a drink that has dark chocolate!! My drink was just left there! I think it was clear that it should have been white chocolate mocha since we had a discussion about it. Never again!

Colleen’s Coffee Shop – Menu with Prices – 5755 Mountain Hawk Dr #101, Santa Rosa

This was my first time in Colleen’s. My favorite coffee drink is a mocha. Especially a “Mexican mocha”. The spices add a unique depth to the flavor of the coffee. I have had mochas everywhere I can, bakeries, bagel shops, Pete’s, Starbucks, any where coffee was sold. Most of the time the mocha offered wasn’t very good. I mean spooning Nestlé Quick into the coffee doesn’t qualify. Pete’s has been my favorite place for a regular mocha, semisweet chocolate and the right espresso, wonderful. That is until I tasted the Aztec Mocha at Colleen’s. That first sip was magic! So many things happening at once. The rich chocolate ‘melting’ in my mouth, the cinnamon bite was sharp and rich, and the sweetness completed the trifecta of coffee joy. The bread pudding muffin had to wait to be eaten. There was way too much bliss happening all at once.

Regent Coffee Roasters and Brew Bar – Menu with Prices – 249 N Brand Blvd, Glendale

This review is based strictly on my order of their iced mocha latte. First, you can tell a lot about a coffee shop from the mocha they use. I was pleasantly surprised that they make their own mocha, that is ALWAYS a plus..better than disgusting fudge chocolate that other places use. Second, I was greeted by a barista who was sitting on the counter. Like, that’s a tad bit weird for me. So my iced mocha actually tastes decent, which means their espresso beans are of high quality. Problem is that I feel like I am drinking a latte with chunks of chocolate. They clearly did not melt the chocolate, nor did they try to dilute it in any shape or form into the beverage. It’s so bad that my straw is clogged with chocolate pieces. Kinda gross. If they could just figure out how to perfectly add the ingredients together this place would be on the top of my list (maybe top 10, nowhere near top 5). The oat milk that they use is not my favorite either. Oatly is by far the best oatmilk in the market so I get annoyed when coffee shops don’t carry it. Also, way pricier than other places—and I am usually okay with paying top dollar for good coffee- this just wasn’t it. *UPDATING my review based on speaking with the owner*- Pretty happy that the owner reached out to explain the issues I discussed. I love small business and I support them 100%. This isn’t my local coffee shop so it would be unfair of me to write them off from one “unfortunate” experience. I do hope to go back and try the mocha again.

DeNovo Coffee – Menu with Prices – 4880 Louetta Rd, Spring

This morning I went out to run an errand and decided to stop in at DeNovo Coffee (Spring) for a Quick-Pick-Me-Up-Refresher. Checked out their Menu and decided on the ‘Royal Mocha’ (Iced); A Rich Dark Chocolate Mocha. Pulled up to the Window and there she was … ‘ Another Girl in the Window ‘ … with a Great Big Smile on her Cuteness. She explained to me exactly what I was about to receive and it sounds Refreshingly Delicious … and because I was in the Military, I am getting a Military Discount (I Love DeNovo … Thank You). Took no time at all and my Iced Royal Mocha was made and handed to me with a Big Smile. The ‘Another Girl in the Window’ earned the Dollar-Bow-Tie Award, and the ‘Other Girl’ poked her head out and thanked me. This place is Awesome. This is some of the Best Customer Service you will ever see, and the Iced Mocha is Richlylicious Chocolaty Delicious. So, stop in at DeNovo Coffee and treat yourself to a Summer Refreshing Coffee Drink. They have many to choose from … and say ‘Hi’ to ‘Another Girl in the Window’ … and the ‘Other Girl’ also … Check’em out on line and on Facebook; DeNovo Coffee -Spring … and … DeNovo Coffee – Tomball

Southside Coffee Brew Bar – Menu with Prices – 3922 6th St S, St. Petersburg

My friend lives down the street next to this coffee place. She always raves about it so we went on in. It’s small but out so charming. There is four stools inside for seating and a couple chairs outside to sit and enjoy your coffee as well as any of there sweet treats. I talked to Sheila for a bit she was so sweet and very helpful about talking about the menu and the bakery items. I asked Bryan who was making the drinks his favorite drink and he said the Mocha so I got that with coconut milk and a extra shot of espresso. I also ordered a spinach and mozzarella croissant sandwich. While Sheila warmed up my sandwich Bryan made my drink. I waited maybe ten minutes as there were a few drink orders ahead of mind but it gave me time to take in the place. It was really so cute and they were so happy it was the perfect way to start the day. My drink was great robust, full of mocha goodness, plus the addition of the coconut milk gave it a bit of nuttiness. The croissant sandwich was light and flaky the spinach was seasoned and the cheese was melty. I can’t wait to go back and try more of their offerings

Anthem Coffee & Tea – Point Ruston – Menu with Prices – 5005 Main St #105, Tacoma

I was very excited to see an anthem coffee open at Point Ruston. I was even happier when I decided to venture out and try their dirty chai with soy. Essentially it’s chai, soy, and espresso shots. It sounds a little crazy, but it’s super delicious! It is actually my new favorite thing at any coffee shop now. I love that they have these creative drinks, and that I found my new favorite, but I have found that the last two times I have gone there, they haven’t been consistent. Last week, we ordered a mocha and a dirty chai and both were extremely milky. It was hard to taste any coffee or chai. I’m not sure if the espresso shots were made poorly or the measurements were wrong, but they just weren’t good. Also, the coffee is rarely very hot. We gave Anthem another try a few days ago. I really do like the flavor of their coffee and just want our drinks to be like they were when we first ordered them. This last time when I ordered, they asked me if I wanted vanilla or spicy chai. I have never been asked this, and didn’t know what to pick, so I picked vanilla, but I think it was the spicy chai that I like. Maybe some people ask for your preference and other people just make it, I’m not sure. However, consistency is really important. I really want to keep going to Anthem and getting my new found drink, but I want it hot, the espresso shots made well, and the same chai used every time. My partner just wants his mocha with well-made shots, milk, a balanced amount of chocolate, and to get it hot. We will give it another try for sure, but I really hope this next time goes better.

Half Pint Café – Menu with Prices – 537 SE Ash St #108, Portland

Unlike most of the food/drink establishments I visited while in Portland, this wasn’t planned at all. I dropped off our rental car pretty early and then decided I wanted some coffee, so I pulled up yelp and went to the nearest highly rated coffee shop, and I’m glad I did, because I was extremely pleased with it. There’s nothing fancy about the place, it’s just a little coffee shop, but their coffee is top notch, as is their service, as are their prices. I usually get a fancy sugary coffee drink, and they certainly have those, most notably as far as the sort of thing I particularly like drinking, they have a Mexican mocha with a cinnamon and pepper chocolate syrup they apparently make in-house, which I ordered, and then immediately changed my mind and said scratch that, I’ll just have a regular espresso instead – partially because I figured I’m in the capitol of good coffee and I should try to learn to like straight-up bean flavor, and partially because, admittedly, I’d just gone crazy spending money on foodie stuff right and left all week and I liked the idea of saving a couple bucks. The guy working there (not sure if it was the owner? I feel like it may have been) was super friendly and happy to let me do that, even though it was cheaper. Then, as I was sitting there sipping my very good espresso (though admittedly I think I’m just not a pure coffee person – I could tell it was quality, but I just can’t totally get into it), he surprised me with a mini cup of Mexican hot chocolate, because he could tell I was so conflicted and wanted to let me try both of them. Totally not necessary, but certainly appreciated. Unsurprisingly, it was totally delicious, and if I’m ever back in the area and want some coffee (likelier than you might think, given that I have now totally fallen in love with basically everything about Portland), this will be one of the first places I think of, and their Mexican mocha one of the first drinks. Was just the right amount sweet, and just the right amount spicy. So good!

Cafe Makario – Menu with Prices – 2625 Colby Ave suite 2C, Everett

Exceeded my coffee shop experience! Small, dark, very well decorated, it was definitely worth a visit. Experience is even better when you have your two best friends with you! The owner was very meticulous about making cup taste to your expectation and looking beautiful! We ordered the flower latte, peppermint mocha, einspanner and a small order of waffles. The drinks were so dreamy! It was the perfect level of sweetness. The chocolate shavings on the einspanner is to die for! As for the flower latte, it was definitely a different order for me. It was my first time trying a flower latte, but I would definitely order it again. If you prefer a sweeter drink, I would suggest the peppermint mocha or einspanner because with you can definitely taste the espresso in the flower latte vs the sweetness, which I personally enjoy more!

Yellow Mug Coffee – Menu with Prices – 1137 E Champlain Dr, Fresno

I love local coffee shops especially since they are always so adorable. Yellow Mug is especially so with their yellow ceramic coffee mugs for the the casual, dine-in guest and the yellow-accented decor. The owner was especially kind and welcoming, and does co-own the shop with his wife. She actually makes some of the pastries and baked goods that are displayed out front. The owner was very convincing selling us on the *Pumpkin Cheesecake* upon check out. This clearly had pumpkin puree since it was a little more whipped than dense like a cheesecake. Such a rich, divine creation which lit up our eyes with glee. The *Chocolate Chip Cookie* also made in-house was just as delectable. Decently sized and so chunky with chocolate chips in every bite. For my espresso beverage, I went for one of their seasonal choices listed on a separate chalk board. I elected for a large *Spiced White Latte* which was a nice added touch for those who don’t like pumpkin (yes, they had a Pumpkin Spiced Latte). I hadn’t ordered a ‘large’ in some time and there’s is a 20oz. I learned once again how unnecessary this size is for a latte. There’s was especially frothy, almost like a cappuccino. There was a nice ‘spiced’ cinnamon character to it, otherwise it was mostly sweet. Their specialty coffee beverages are the center piece items for their menu board with the Punch in the Face being the most popular. My friend did order this white chocolate mocha which is very heavy with the inclusions of Irish Cream, half & half, and 2 whole shots of espresso. The espresso was well masked because this drink was DIE-abetes! A cute shop for sure with lots of interesting drinks and smoothies too. They even had some brunch food items. I think their baked goods were the star of the visit though!

The Java Shack Menu with Prices 2507 Franklin Rd, Arlington

I really wanted to like this place since it was so highly recommended, but it was honestly the worst coffee I’ve had in a long time – I couldn’t even finish my (very expensive) drink & had to dump it!! I tried their mocha with coconut milk. The rather unfriendly barista told me the mocha sauce was organic and made fresh every day, but it didn’t even taste like chocolate in all honesty. The espresso was also really sour/bitter and I don’t think it would have tasted good even if I had ordered something else.

Bon Beans Organic Coffee, Tea, & Juice – Menu with Prices – 875 E 9 Mile Rd #3, Pensacola

Bon Beans is for sure a coffee shop you can go to every day and not get bored. The baristas offer a great variety of coffee drinks and even more teas. Milk substitutes (almond, soy, or coconut milk) are also offered at an extra price. Make sure to go every Tuesday for BOGO! Out of the numerous coffee shops I’ve been to. Bon Beans stands out for it’s cute and welcoming interior. There are plenty of board games and books to read along with tables and couches to study. The best drink I’ve gotten so far is the cold brew with sugar free vanilla flavoring. I like my cold brews strong and not too bitter; this one was perfect. I would not recommend the dark chocolate flavoring; it did not taste like dark chocolate and instead more like candy and did not hide the bitterness of the coffee well. I’ve also gotten the mocha frappuccino which had a rich milk chocolate flavor; I had hoped the coffee taste would be more apparent. Most recently, I tried the pumpkin spice latte and was not pleased. The latte tasted nothing like pumpkin spice and was exceptionally bitter. Perhaps I have high expectations after having a Starbucks PSL, but I would not recommend this drink from Bon Beans.

Yellowhammer Coffee – Menu with Prices – 3249 Dauphin St, Mobile

Today was my first time at YellowHammer Coffee. I will definitely be a regular customer from now on. The quality of coffee is far superior to other places I’ve been. You can tell they’ve done their homework to get the best taste around. The coffee shop is small with three barstools inside and one small table outside. They also have a drive-through which I am going to get quite familiar with soon. They really know what they’re doing here and can answer all your questions. Searching for the perfect coffee? Search no more, it’s here. The “Nitro cold brew” is super strong and smooth, if you need a jolt of energy this is definitely the ticket. One of my personal favorites is the “Blondie”, it has a mix of vanilla and caramel served hot. This is not something I thought I would like (I don’t normally like sweet coffee)but I absolutely loved it. I’ll be back for more. Of course you can’t go wrong with a regular cappuccino or latte, but for another sweet option the “Mocha frappe” is fabulous and a sure way to wake you up. They make their’s with four shots of espresso, which is perfect (most other places usually only use 1-2 shots). Because of the extra espresso, their’s is a little less sweet than the others – which I prefer. Five stars!