Five Coffee Bars in Sacramento to Try Now

Sacramento coffee culture has come on its own.

We have recently discovered a couple of roasters in California's underrated and often overlooked capital that could rival topnotch roasters in the Bay Area. Living in Northern Nevada, we rave about Four Barrel and Sightglass in San Francisco. But with it being a four-hour drive away, having comparable artisanal cuppas in neighboring Sacramento is a cause of glee. Here are the five spots we've uncovered for excellent coffee.

Temple | Downtown Sacramento

1010 9th Street

This might be a bold statement but Temple is my new favorite coffee in California, even more than Four Barrel and Sightglass. They're using "Dharma Blend" for espresso from Ecuador this season that had cocoa overtones, which I found very delightful.

Their beans are sourced from origin, fair trade (meaning they pay the farmers fair price for their beans), and organic. Not only is it good coffee. It's Good coffee.

And the authority on coffee quite agree. In 2013, Temple's Ethiopia Yirgacheffe ECX nabbed #1 Coffee by CoffeeReview.com. According to Temple's website, they were also named #1 of 17 Coffee Roasters in the United States by CNN and Forbes Magazine.

Temple | Midtown

2829 S Street

This location of Temple has more of a neighborhood feel. It is the type of place people who need to get some good reading done go, and/or sunshine out on the patio. Temple's roastery is located next door.

The Mill | Downtown

1827 I Street

Although not a roaster itself, The Mill serves up Temple's coffee in a an aesthetic, minimalist space. What makes them special though is their "handcrafted nut milk prepared fresh from almonds and macadamia nuts, gently sweetened with dates."

Insight | Downtown

1014 10th Street

We discovered this coffee bar after a wonderful meal at Grange which is practically next door. Like all great coffee, the people behind Insight are passionate, careful and deliberate.

Insight | Southside

1901 8th Street

This is the location of Insight's roastery. It is also the location of many of Insight's classes events such as cupping and home-roasting.

It is fascinating that none of these coffee bars are located in particularly nice neighborhoods. If anything, they tend to sprout in underdeveloped spots because that is where rent is cheap. And it is a curious thing how places as these manage to breathe life into less attractive neighborhoods with only the shadow of a promise that if you build it, they will come.

*

Are you from Sacramento? Do you know the area intimately? Did I miss other hidden coffee bars? Comment below!

#california #travel #welcome #food