Bagels & Beans, Amsterdam

Van Baerlestraat 40

1071 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

While it may go against the independent vibe of this blog, Bagels & Beans, an Amsterdam chain of eateries is unique in that each location sources all of its food as locally and sustainably as possible.  They are also the only chain restaurant or cafe I've ever been into that uses a fully manual espresso machine.

Bagels & Beans serves two drinks that I found are unique to this area in Northern Europe. Fresh mint tea and hot milk with chocolate chips.

Askum Coffee, Brussels

Askum Coffee House

Rue des Eperonniers 60, 1000
Brussels, Belgium

www.askumcoffeehouse.com

Coffee culture in Belgium is a bit lacking. Sure many bakeries and cafes have cappuccinos and espressos on their menus and more people order straight espresso than coffee (unlike Americans). But often, that espresso is going to come out of a fully automatic machine and texture and air in the milk foam is inconsistent, if existent at all.

That is why when I came across Askum Coffee House in Brussels I was very surprised. The owner, Askum, does his own micro roasting straight from is tiny store front. He exclusively carries beans from Ethiopia and works in only four or five roast varieties at a time.  His baristas work on a La Marzocco Linea, which is like a Cadillac of espresso machines. And given that I had yet to see a good semi-manual or fully manual machine yet in Brussels, I was heartened. Even better, they know how to work it well!  Good creama, good foam, good drinks!

Boyer's Coffee, Denver

Boyer's Coffee
7295 Washington St.
Denver, CO
(303) 289-3345

www.boyerscoffee.com

I was in a strange part of Denver, south of Thorton, just north of many warehouses. I needed a relaxing place for a small bite and refreshing drink away from the 90 degree heat.

After recently renovating their old school house building, the revamped Boyer's Coffee is a beautiful building with rustic and modern vibes. The coffee is roasted on site and there was so many private and comfortable spots  to relax in. My good companion, Rook the Dog was even treated to a lounge and biscuit so she didn't have to pant outside in the heat.

I managed a quick conversation with the manager about the history of the company. Family owned since 1965, Bill Boyer originally started the company from his apartment. Inside his small abode he roasted coffee for near by offices and businesses. The business has since expanded and now has the cafe and a coffee service to many businesses across Colorado. It is still family owned and the staff do did their best to make everyone feel the family vibe.

The Market, Denver

1445 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80202

In bustling Larimar Square is The Market, equally busy and just as unique and creative.  In addition to the most extensive (if slightly overwhelming) selection of hot dishes and sandwiches, The Market also hosts a cafe bar.

The cafe does the sizing right! Single or Double, none of this vente, grande stuff. And the pastries, especially the cream puff are bigger than your head.  No really, they are bigger than your head.

Since coming here originally, I have brought multiple friends and family to this place when we pass through Denver. It has so much variety that every diet and pallet can be pleased. 

But the atmosphere of the Market is what makes this place truly unique... Merchantile goods of old line the walls and when walking around the sandwich/hot food station, you're in and out and around their working space which makes you feel like you're personally a part of the atmosphere that people come to experience.

Downtown Cafe, Augusta

204 Water St.
Augusta, Maine

The East Coast, without sounding politically incorrect, has some of the oldest architecture in "modern" American history.  And by modern I mean post 1500 and after Mesa Verde.  One of the best parts about the East Coast architecture, is that you'll find every type of business tucked away in an old brownstone.  The Downtown Cafe is no exception. It is located in a historic 1866 building and is a great place to hold a full bodied conversation with locals.

For $3 you can get a great breakfast. They have cinn-fully good homemade cinnamon swirl toast and a pretty good coffee deal too.

Pekoe Sip House, Boulder

1225 Alpine Avenue
Boulder, CO

Years in Business: 9

I was recently in Boulder for the Rocky Mountain Tea Festival.  I wasn't intending to get any coffee and tea from other shops while down there on this trip since I would be sampling tons of tea at the festival.  However, I received a call from my shop that our cup lids were running out and my order would not be there for one more day.  In the spirit of independent cafes, Pekoe helped us out and gave happily gave us some lids.

That being said, they have three locations across Boulder and have been in business since 2003.  We had a Boba Tea and a Mocha Latte.  Both were of excellent quality.  The Boba had a nice crunch and smooth taste.

There is plenty of room and a nice patio to enjoy your drinks on while you much on local Boulder treats.

Bottega del Caffe, Treviso

Via Roma, 15

31100 Treviso Province of Treviso, Italy

0422 583341

Treviso is just 30km north of Venice and is home to cute canals, great shopping, and this wonderful cafe.  Just a block from the Treviso Central train station, this cafe is a bustling spot where locals come in for three minutes to sip their espresso and be on their way.  I however, opted for their Cioccolatte and stayed for a while watching people pass through.

No coffee drink in Italy is more than 6 oz (not like the large 12-24oz things we serve in the States), but it makes for just a perfect proportion of ingredients.  The Cioccolatte is espresso, chocolate, whipped cream, and coconut shavings.  Mmmmm.... good!

Don't forget to get a gelato from the gelateria next door.