Recently, my girlfriend was telling me about a book she read titled A History of the World in 6 Glasses, discussing human history through six distinct drinks. Coffee was the drink of the Age of Reason, a sober and stimulating alternative to the drunken forms of alcohol. Coffeehouses were dubbed "penny universities," where intellectual exchanges occurred and revolutions in modern thought were born.
That was before the battery life of a MacBook improved and all schoolwork became easily accessible via Canva and wireless internet. The remote work revolution following social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic made anywhere your office: a home desk, the couch, and most importantly, local coffee shops. A coffee shop had everything you could ever need: an outlet plug, cool music, coffee and tea, pastries and sandwiches, and the biggest seller, free WiFi. Cities like Austin are known for remote work culture. For less than $10, you can camp out at a table all day. Isn't that amazing?
Collaboration and conversation feel less and less important as people stay indoors after hours. People are still drinking coffee, though. Drive thru chains serving premium sugary coffee drinks are popping up on every street corner in Texas right now. Coffee is a commodity to some. A treat. The highlight of a daily commute. A coffee shop is for work. What is the point of slowing down? What is the point of staying for a little while? What is the point of chilling out? What is the point of talking to strangers? Shouldn't you just mind your own business?
The point is everything.
NoFi is what happens when you reach the boiling point of all of this. Half of the love of coffee, to me, is the routine. The focus. The attention to detail in pulling a shot. The perfect coffee to water ratios, with the brewing process timed precisely to bring out the tasting notes. No Sweet'N Low needed.
NoFi is a little different than your typical space. There are no outlets for guests. They do not offer to go orders whatsoever, and their namesake might give it away, but NoFi has no WiFi. As a coffee connoisseur and someone who loves having intentional moments, I had to make the trek from Austin to experience this self proclaimed "Slow Bar."
You step inside and have two options: the standing only bar or a table. I wanted to learn more and converse, so I chose the bar. The staff is immediately welcoming and accommodating, pouring a glass of water before you even have a chance to look at the menu.
Their menu is simple. They offer pour over coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, tea, and a few specialty drinks like their cocktail style cold brew. It seems to change frequently with new coffees as they become available.
The owner chatted with me about the options, and I knew I wanted to start with a pour over. He recommended September Coffee Company's White Honey. After I ordered, he immediately went to work. He let me smell the grounds before brewing, and you could immediately pick up the lavender notes. In the background, Paul Simon's Graceland played on wax over large speakers at a comfortable volume. The pour over was served at the bar alongside a Banana Mocha Cake pastry I ordered. It is hard to put into words how incredible the flavors were, but it was easily one of the best pour overs I have ever had. I have paid a high price for certain pour overs that were just okay, and none came close to the flavor and joy I got from this one.
I conversed with the staff and another friendly patron, a NoFi regular and coffee fanatic, about everything and nothing at all, from Gorillaz to coffee to life. The staff is very open to talking with you. Without that openness, the concept would fall short. I spoke with the owner about his vision and intentions for the space. He seemed honest and proud. He should be proud. This energy is missing from many current coffee shops. This is experiential coffee. Some guests were playing a masterful game of chess. Another woman was sketching in her notebook. I feared it might feel performative, but as natural sunlight mixed with warm yellow bulbs, it felt honest.
I went for a second drink with the Dak Coffee Roasters' Cream Donut, a perfect espresso counterpart in a cappuccino. No syrups needed, as the rich pastry like flavors balanced beautifully. How is it so flavorful? That is the magic of good coffee. The prices are extremely fair. I paid $8 for my cappuccino and $10 for the pour over, and I would have ordered a third drink if the effects of caffeine were not a concern.
I am penciling NoFi into every visit I make to San Antonio from now on. It is one of the best places I have ever been to in my 24 years of living and one of the best spots I have reviewed on Yelp. I left inspired and mesmerized. Maybe this is how cafes should make you feel. This is where I want my money to go. Experiential and satisfying. One of those places that makes you love life. It feels good to slow down.
It's a touch better than a Keurig... read more