How to Pick the Perfect Coffee Spot

Picking a Coffee Spot

Whether you’re exploring a new city or simply looking for a change from your usual coffee routine, finding the right coffee spot can be an exciting adventure. As a coffee enthusiast, you crave more than just a generic cup of joe. You want an experience—a place where the aroma of freshly brewed beans fills the air, where baristas take pride in their craft, and where every sip transports you to coffee nirvana.

In this guide, we’ll explore some essential principles for choosing a coffee shop based on what you can find online. From reviews to latte art, we’ll help you make informed decisions so that your next coffee outing becomes a delightful memory.

1. Google Reviews: Your First Stop

1.1 Overall Rating Matters

When you search “coffee near me” on Google, pay attention to the overall rating. While it’s not a foolproof indicator, a higher rating than the local Starbucks or other chains suggests that patrons generally enjoy their experience at the coffee shop. Keep in mind that individual preferences vary, but a positive overall rating is a promising sign.

1.2 Dive into the Reviews

Scroll through the reviews to get a sense of what customers love (or dislike) about the coffee spot. Look for recurring themes—friendly service, cozy ambiance, or standout menu items. Remember that even the best places may have a few negative reviews, so consider the overall sentiment rather than individual outliers.

2. Google Review Photos: Latte Art or Not

2.1 The Art of Latte Art

Latte art isn’t just eye candy; it’s a reflection of the barista’s skill and attention to detail. When you see three or more pictures of latte art in a coffee shop’s reviews, take note. Here’s why:

Barista Training: Creating latte art requires properly steamed milk. Baristas who consistently produce latte art know their craft well. It’s a sign that they care about the quality of your drink.

Visual Experience: Latte art isn’t just about taste; it’s about aesthetics. A beautifully poured heart or rosette adds to the overall experience. If a cafe takes the time to create latte art, they likely care about presentation.

2.2 What If It’s All Iced Drinks?

On the flip side, if a coffee shop’s pictures predominantly feature iced drinks and the side of their hot drink cup, it’s a clue that their customers don't have opportunities for Instagrammable pictures of their drinks. If their baristas are serving beautiful drinks, reviewers WILL take pictures. Most people love a good iced latte or cold brew, but that will not be 100% of the camera roll of a great cafe. 

3. Beyond the Basics

3.1 Specialty Coffee and Local Gems

Look beyond the obvious choices. Specialty coffee shops often hide in plain sight, away from the bustling streets. Seek out local gems—places where the owner knows your name and the beans come from nearby roasters. These hidden spots often offer unique blends and personalized service.

3.2 Explore Social Media

Instagram and other social platforms are treasure troves of coffee inspiration. Search for hashtags like #CoffeeArt or #CafeCulture to discover visually appealing coffee spots. You might stumble upon a cozy corner with exposed brick walls, vintage furniture, and a barista who crafts latte art like a maestro.

4. The Little Details

4.1 High-Quality Equipment

Some might dismiss it as pretentious, but paying attention to the coffee shop’s equipment can reveal a lot. Here’s what to look for:

• Mahlkönig EK43 Grinder: If you spot this beastly grinder behind the counter, you’re in luck. The Mahlkönig EK43 is a favorite among specialty coffee shops. Its precision ensures consistent grind size, which translates to better extraction and flavor.

• Espresso with a Spoon: It might seem trivial, but serving espresso with a spoon is a subtle sign of attention to detail. It shows that the baristas care about your experience—even down to the little things.

• Manual Brewing Methods: If pour-over, AeroPress, or siphon brewing methods are on the menu, rejoice! These manual methods allow baristas to showcase specific coffee flavors. Look for rotating offerings like “Rwanda” or “Peru”—a small sign of a coffee shop that takes its craft seriously.

• Rounded Latte Cups: Ever notice how some lattes come in cups with rounded bottoms? It’s not just aesthetics; it is a staple of coffee cups that are made for pouring latte art. Cafes that have flat bottoms for all their mugs can still serve great coffee, but this tiny detail might be a fun one to look for in your next cafe exploration.

5. The Roaster Connection

5.1 The Name Behind the Beans

Take a peek at who supplies their coffee beans. Here’s what it reveals:

• Roaster Identity: If you see the name of a specific roaster, do a quick search. Different roasters have distinct styles—some favor light roasts with vibrant acidity, while others excel at dark, bold blends. Knowing the roaster’s preferences gives you insight into what to expect.

• Bean Variety: If a coffee shop’s offerings consist solely of Brazil, Sumatra, or generic dark roasts, it’s unlikely to be a specialty coffee experience. Specialty coffee celebrates the diversity of origins, so look for variety.

• Price Point: Check the price of their beans. A higher price often indicates quality (doesn't guarantee it). Specialty coffee roasters usually invest in sourcing high-quality beans along with paying coffee farmers higher prices for their product. Oftentimes,  those commitments are reflected in the price tag.

6. Social Media Clues

6.1 What They Say (or Don’t Say)

• Bean Geeks: Look for posts discussing different origins, tasting notes, and brewing techniques. Passionate coffee shops love sharing their knowledge.  Generally, any business that has a central product should probably geek out about it occassionally. 

• Roaster Appreciation: If they brag about their roaster, it shows they value their partnership and believe in the quality of the beans they serve.

• Silence Speaks: On the flip side, if their social media doesn’t mention coffee specifics, that’s okay. Not everyone is a coffee nerd. But if they’re silent about their coffee, focus on other cues listed above.

Rigid Checklists are Not Your Friend

Remember, these details aren’t checkboxes; they’re threads that weave together your coffee experience. If you have questions about coffee quality, searching for great cafes or anything coffee related, please email us at  info@amcoffeeco.com. Happy hunting!