First of all to those comparing Fratello to Starbucks...well they simply have no idea what good coffee is all about. In fact there is zilch comparison except to say that Fratello is at the top and Starbucks is way way way down at the bottom.
Ok having gotten that out of my system, here is my review. We have been using Fratello coffee for a long time and are willing to drive specifically across town to their location just to purchase our supply. Our relationship with them goes back to when the operation was under the direction of their father and called Custom Gourmet Coffee which we initially used in our coffee shop in the mid 80's. At that time we had customers who came a fair ways simply to to buy our coffee - a Columbian Dark variety.
Update to today and the operation is now run by the two sons and they have done a remarkable job is broadening their roast and bean types. Once you have had a fresh cup of Fratello coffee you would be pressed hard to find another cup of comparable taste and quality anywhere. Starting with their espressos, you have a complete line of darkness offered along with decaf varieties which by the way does not detract from the taste whatsoever.
Another plus is that they offer beans from around the world for those who have a particular country sourced bean that they like. We tend to try different roasts from them but our favourites by far are the Coho Organic Freetrade and the French Saigon Dark; the Columbian is always a good selection and for a light roast I would suggest the Outlaw.
I detest the caffeine enriched burnt taste of the Starbucks coffee and I have yet to ever encounter a cup of coffee from Fratellos that even resembles a burnt flavour. If you want to constantly enjoy a good, flavourful, full bodied cup of coffee (must use a french press to obtain the full enriched flavour), do what we have been doing for well over 25 years, head down to Fratello and stock up - you will not be disappointed.
One last work, phone ahead of time because unlike Starbucks et al, they move their coffee quickly so storage is held to a minimum. read more