I don't typically review places, but after raving to John, the owner, when he was working the counter last week about their unfailingly delicious coffee, I felt derelict in not sharing my opinion more publicly, so: to my tastebuds, the coffee here is simply unbeatable. I like a medium roast, preferably low-acidity Central American bean, and I take milk with it. Understandably, your preference may differ, but I would encourage anyone to try the coffee here. It has a naturally sweet, slightly caramel flavor. At most places, flavor varies with how long the coffee has been sitting on heat. The worst cup I have had at &Grain is still better than the best I have had anywhere else, including what I make at home, even using the same Stumptown Hair Bender blend they use at &Grain. I don't know how they maintain such consistency. Bitterness typically develops the longer brewed coffee is kept on heat. Not my experience here. At any time of day, their coffee is more flavorful than the pour-overs I have had elsewhere.
The coffee would have been sufficient to have me writing this review, but I have to say as well, that their croissants, regular and chocolate, have little competition in the area. Most of the croissants I buy at coffee shops have exteriors that, were they ever flaky, have since wilted before reaching me. The contrast between the flaky exterior of &Grain's croissants and their buttery, softly gluteny interiors is simply heaven. And the chocolate in the chocolate croissants is both ample and not too sweet. I was recommending them to a friend who had once worked in a patisserie. The real measure of quality, I was told, would be the plain croissant. Following that direction, my experience went from delightful to sublime.
I've gotten sandwiches and salads here over the years and they are good, very good, in fact, but my rating is based upon what I've shared above and the experience of interacting with people working the counter and occasionally those in the kitchen, when one of them steps out.
In the exchange I noted above with the owner, I was surprised and delighted by the intensity with which he expressed his commitment to quality. Based on my experience of the coffee and croissants, I shouldn't have been. Still, it was so wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm he brings to his craft.
Not that one more glowing review among so many will bolster business--though I wish good upon all associated with this enterprise--but, if you find yourself one day near the front of a long line with someone holding his phone, showing you this review and asking to cut in line, I hope you will oblige. read more