Great service and coffee. Roasted on site. Large Casual seating area. The servers were were very knowledgeable not only of the coffee selections but also of the local food establishments. WiFi was good and the seating area was very comfortable. read more

Wow!! Iced Latte with Almond Milk and poured over Coffee ice cubes. Delicious. Cruising from St Louis to Kansas City and this little hidden and cool coffee spot in Columbia, MO was definitely worth venturing off I-70 for. My mate got a hot French press coffee: Ethiopian variety and reports that it's excellent. Great service too. True Coffee Crafters here. :) read more

Fretboard Coffee - Latte with Almond Milk poured over Coffee Ice cubes. This drink just improved our road trip drastically! Xoxo - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

I disagree with Nikki. The donuts are from Harold's donuts, fretboard doesn't have a bakery. Also she didn't even try the coffee. The Coffee is AMAZiNG. The people are super nice. The best part of my day is getting a Cino' from FRETBORT (pronounced the same way beyonce says surfboard in the song drunkin love) read more

I first heard of Fretboard at the Farmer's Market before they opened their brick and mortar location. Had a delightful chat with the owners, and they were so sweet. While they take their coffee very seriously, and have many daunting options for the coffee novice, there was not one ounce of pretentiousness. Once their location opened in the North Village Arts District, I was ecstatic. I'm a huge fan of Artlandish and the Catacombs, they're always on my "must visit" list with visitors who are new to Columbia. While the shop is small, there's a great atmosphere, and the outdoor seating is delightful weather permitting. They also have a rewards card for free coffee, so that's always a bonus. I recommend the dirty chai. read more

Fretboard Coffee is (IMHO) THE COFFEE PLACE of Columbia when it comes to taste, environment, and an all around good time. While it may be a little small on space there is a life there that pours through and seeps into people in such a way that no matter where they are going, they leave with a smile and a spring in their step. This is the first place I go in the morning and often the last place I go before I go home. The reason for that is woven between the characteristics of fantastic service (with a smile I might add!), incredible beans, intricate and fun pour methods for those with differing coffee tastes, and a Passion for coffee that extends well beyond the business aspect of the locale. Feel like being an alchemists assistant? watch a Siphon pot as the caffeine experiment is readied for you. OR maybe you feel like just the right espresso shot to have before you tackle your various endeavors that day....go with the sweet Cubano! Care for the slightest (and i mean slight!) grit paired with immaculate taste? mmmm dem pour-overs are a good place to be... They have never once (and I have been going there for more than a couple months every single day...gotta stimulate that economy right?), again I REPEAT, never once given me a poor pour.....Or for those of you who don't like that kind of alliteration, they have always helped produce a positive experience from my five to ten minute visits to my hours long research/writing/study sessions. This is the first place I bring my out of town friends, and the last place I bring them to before they begin their journey elsewhere. read more

Fantastic local coffee joint! When you order an iced coffee the ice cubes are made of coffee. No watered down coffees there. 10/10 must try!

Love the cold brew mocha! And the baristas are always super kind.

A very small and somewhat hidden coffee shop, with a great atmosphere and a wide selection of brewing methods. You either have to walk down the alley and stairs or find the back parking lot, but it is definitely worth searching for! read more

Fretboard Coffee - Coming down the stairs from the alley - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

A great choice if you're looking for a spot that's a little more low-key. There's so much outdoor seating as well! I usually enjoy the coffee drinks that I order here- especially their dirty chai (w coffee ice cubes), though they are on the more expensive side for Columbia coffee. read more

Atmosphere, service and product is all great. I always try to carve out time to work and read, and I find I'm most productive at Fretboard. It's also close to the Farmer's Market on the weekends, so it's a nice respite from the summer sun. The only issue I can see would be price, but all things considered, you're getting what you pay for. There are a lot of coffee shops in CoMo - this is one of you best. read more

We came to the Fretboard early Saturday morning and were immediately impressed by this unique establishment. The barista took great care to provide us with a quality espresso by making the effect to pull extra shots as we were the first customers of the day. The cold brew was in process in the distillery - we plan on enjoying a glass next time we are in town. Coffee quality high and they roast in house. Don't miss it! read more

Fretboard Coffee - Cold brew distillery- fun! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

Pretty good coffee. While their choices are limited compared to some of the fancier places, the baristas know what's up. And they've got some tasty baked goods. This quirky little place is tucked away in an odd spot below some artsy stores. But it's cool. One of those hidden gems in Colombia that's worth checking out. read more

Great coffee, wonderful space and it's right next to a delicious bakery that will offer up options in Fretboard. Highly recommend!

I don't get to come here as often as I'd like due to conflict of Fretboard's business hours and my work schedule, but when I can I love to stop in for a cup of coffee to compliment my current reading material. The staff are incredibly personable, the coffee is fantastic (though some roasts are definitely better than others! Personal preference though), and the atmosphere is very low-key. Definitely try the siphon pot! Any roast, really. Not only is the taste very unique, it's very fun watching it brew! read more

Great service, cool atmosphere! Coffee was very good, interesting brew technique. Outdoors in feel to the space!

I wanted to love this place so much, and I was really excited to try the house roasted coffee. Finally I stopped there this morning on the last day of my road trip. It was pretty dang difficult to find! Interior and space was very enjoyable! But then I got charged $5 for a "large" iced latte. My thought after being charged that for a cup barely bigger than a 16oz, "oh man, this coffee is gonna be GREAT! totally worth the 5 bucks!" Wrong. I couldn't even drink the thing. The espresso was just downright unpleasant. I ended up throwing it away. So disappointing. read more

The coffee at Fretboard is absolutely top notch! It's not easy to find, and the prices are a little high, but the place has character and is worth the extra few mins finding it! read more

I'm an out-of-towner here in Columbia for the holidays. I've been here twice now and have been extremely impressed, both by the service, and the coffee. The baristas are awesome dudes who really complete the experience. Try the siphon pot for a great brew! Thanks fretboard! read more

What a great place for coffee. The environment and vibe here is so nice and peaceful. Wonderful staff too! I'll be coming back for sure!

Stopped here on a road trip - be aware, this place is for hardcore coffee people. And by that I mean that they don't have any type of flavored syrups or simple syrups for their drinks. The only type of flavored drink they have is a mocha, and that's because they use chocolate milk instead of regular milk, so it's not even that chocolatey. First coffee shop I've ever been to that doesn't offer a vanilla latte. On the upside, they offer coffee ice for your iced lattes, their baked goods are PHENOMENAL, and if you are a purist who likes only coffee and milk, or just black coffee, this stop is worthwhile for you. read more

Excellent coffee in a funky garage and art boutique. My brother has shipped their beans to me at Christmas and this was my first time to get a coffee at Fretboard. The coffee is great and the staff is very friendly. read more

best cold brew in town. and they have decaf cold brew! for when I don't want too much caffeine. appreciate the baristas a lot and the delicious and high quality coffee read more

This is a must visit locally owned coffee stop when in Columbia. There is no bad cup of coffee or method so you just have to choose....

Terrific coffee and a great vibe. Awesome buildout and really authentic, fabulous people. Worth a trip to Colombia just for a coffee break HERE. will definitely be back! read more

Fretboard Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

Great place! Nice, fun style, unpretentious, knowledgeable barista, great coffee. Wish I weren't just passing through. Id definitely be a regular... read more

Super cute atmosphere! Worker was very nice and it seems like a place people frequent. It is hard to find though, so park one street behind where it takes you if you use an app to get there. read more

Dan is the man. Dave is the jam. This place has ruined me in terms of coffee shops. I can't go anywhere else because all I think about is fretboard. If I could live here I would, but alas the world could never be that perfect. Try the Guatemala siphon pot or chemex metal filter. Both good options. Cheers! read more

This place is AWESOME!!! Albeit tough to find. If you are following GPS it will send you to this little courtyard of art galleries. You will see the sign on the pole that tells you what stores are in the courtyard. So you go back in and you don't see it. That is because you have to continue out the back of the courtyard to the alley way make a left and walk to the next courtyard on your left. But once you've found it it totally worth it!!!!! I got a dark roast coffee that was so dark that cream didn't even lighten it. It was so dark that light couldn't escape it. If you look too deeply into it you risk it swallowing your soul, NOW THATS DARK COFFEE!!! It tasted AMAZING!!! My wife had a Breve and said it was the best one she has ever had (which is impressive because she is fiercely protective of our every day coffee shop back in Del). This place is a little tough to find but it is definitely worth the hunt! read more

Great little place to sit and enjoy a cup. I had a tasty pour over and the ambiance is amazing.

This place has quality coffee. What really stood out to me was their coffee ice cubes, if you like iced coffee or lattes but hate watered down coffee this is a dream come true! read more

The atmosphere here is amazing. The barista was super friendly and polite. Unfortunately the beans they roast themselves aren't on par with the aesthetics. read more

Great place to get some work done! A nice guy named Austin was working and he was an absolute pleasure! I was there for a few hours so I got to see him interact and he was exactly what a barista should be! He gave great recommendations, remembered customers from previous visits, and served with a smile. I'm only passing through town, but if I lived here I would frequent this place! read more

If I could drink their Mocha every morning, there would be no such thing as a bad day. As a student, I wish they stayed up later, but that is because I procrastinate. Fretboard Coffee is amazing! read more

Best espresso I've had since being in Italy this summer! Small but very cool atmosphere. Worth the hunt to find.

Fretboard is a much needed addition to the coffee scene in Columbia. I lived in New York City for most of last year and became a coffee tourist. When I returned to Columbia, my palate was completely discouraged by the coffee choices. My old favorites like Coffee Zone and even the the newcomers like Frequency just didn't sate my thirst. But then I discovered Fretboard, and my taste buds were transported back to the NYC coffee scene. I have been loyal to Fretboard since Dave opened a booth at the Farmer's market this summer. I first fell in love with the cold brew, which (if I may quote myself) is "the best iced coffee I've ever had." (Columbia Tribune 2013). But since the weather turned cold, I have turned to his hot coffee and have forgotten all about the cold brew. My favorite is the Bolivia in the french press (a medium roast that is still bold and textured). The siphon pot-brewed Ethiopian is my second favorite--a scientific, clean dark roast that tastes better as it cools. Dave puts care into every step of his coffee from choosing the beans to roasting to brewing (through several methods) to using high quality cream from Ozark Mountain Creamery. The results are undeniably the best coffee in Columbia. The ambiance in the shop is cozy and comfortable, though it may be a little small for some. There's always good music playing (as you might expect from the name). There is an extra room attached to the art studios if you need a quieter space. Just ask. There is WiFi and limited power outlets if you work in coffee shops. The employees are friendly and well-trained. I often find one or two baristas in any coffee shop who just don't pass muster, but Dave clearly shares his love for coffee and knowledge of the process with his employees. Fretboard is still new and growing, but I give it my highest recommendations. I am excited to see what they bring us in the future. (hopefully espresso!) http://www.columbiatribune.com/arts_life/food/small-batch-coffee-roaster-opens-fretboard-coffee-in-north-village/article_cc947338-4645-11e3-aa2d-10604b9f6eda.html read more

After being on a 4 week road trip across Northern America, fretboard have the best beans by far. I was so happy to get back to CoMo to make myself an espresso. In addition to the great beans, the location is awesome and the staff are cool. Drinks and beans are slightly more expensive than Kaldi's, but I am willing to give my money to fretboard due to the exceptional quality of the beans. read more

Such a cute, funky coffee stop! We were driving through and needed a coffee fix. Fretboard delivered delicious, strong coffee! They also have coffee ice cubes for cold brew which is a plus! read more

Interesting place with super legit coffee. The service is great. This place is very unusual for Iowa, and I think it definitely a bright spot . . . In a basement. I recommend checking this place out, especially if you are into good coffee. It is a great place to hang out and read. Hope to get back again. read more

Fretboard Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

Their cold brew coffee was pretty good, I got it with their coffee ice cubes. The only problem is I couldn't drink the last 1/3 of my cup without drinking a ton of grounds. Both me & my husband had the same issue. Which is especially a bummer when you're paying almost $5 for a large that feels like a medium. read more

I may spend too much time here, but I can't help myself. Going to a place filled with friendly faces and conversation is wonderful. The coffee is amazingly fresh with a great taste variety. Fretboard is as trendy as it is innovative. Love this place! read more