Colleen Kulesza
Moscow Coffeehouses
(990 words)
In
a rural town of approximately 20,000 people you might not expect to find
many places to get a fancy coffee drink. This is one element that makes
Moscow, Idaho unique in the coffee house world. The University of Idaho
boasts more than four different cafés. There are numerous shops in town
serving espresso drinks, and at least three drive-thru coffee shacks.
But, if you want to get away from campus cafes or want to sit for a
while rather than get a drive-thru espresso, any of the three
coffeehouses in picturesque downtown Moscow will suit you well. The
prices at each are comparable, and they all serve the basic coffee
drinks as well as numerous non-coffee options. The biggest difference
among them is the atmosphere.
Bucer’s Coffeehouse and Pub
201 S Main St., Moscow, ID 83843; 208-882-5216; Mon.-Thurs. 7am-11pm,
Fri.-Sat. 7am-midnight, Sun. closed.
Main
street Moscow was devoid of cafes until 2001 when Bucer’s came to town.
It is nestled in the northern stretch of the main drag in a narrow
storefront. While it appears small from the outside, the inside
stretches back towards the alley. When you first walk in, the wall of
books, leather bound chairs, and large walnut table might make you think
you are in an old library, but soon the smell of coffee will remind you
of your location. The seating beyond the front room is not as appealing.
At the back of the store, at the end of the long, narrow hallway you can
find seating next to a noisy ice-machine and the employee office. If you
want to be away from the busy front room, it may be perfect for you but
the lack of electrical outlets makes laptop use limited. They also cater
to pipe smokers and offer a room for smoking and a variety of pipe
tobaccos for sale.
Only Bucer’s roasts their own beans on-site in a large roaster found in
one of the seating areas. They are also the only café to make all the
food in house. Their crustless quiche is delicious and comes in both
veggie and meat-eater versions. Other savory dishes fill out the menu.
The pastries are mouthwatering and, of course, the coffee is
outstanding. They have a license to sell both wine and beer, so you have
the option of getting jacked up on caffeine or mellow out on alcohol.
Sister’s Brew Coffeehouse
218 S. Main St.,Moscow, ID 83843; On the corner of Main and 3rd;
www.sistersbrew.com; (208) 882-1324; Sun.-Thurs. 7am – midnight,
Fri. – Sat. 7am – 10pm. Closed on Thanksgiving and December 25th;
occasionally close early for other holidays.
Walking
into Sister’s Brew Coffeehouse is like going home. You can choose to sit
in the dining room or the living room. Large and small tables are well
suited for conversation or studying. Comfy couches that might have come
from grandma’s house or a hip grad student’s studio beckon you to stay
awhile. A small electric fireplace anchors the living room space and
provides heat on cold days. Books, toys, games, and blankets are
available, and you can even nap in the window bay at the front of the
shop. Table lamps, recessed lighting, and twinkle lights along with the
large bay windows provide enough light to function, but also maintain
the subdued, homey atmosphere.
This shop is the newest on the block and was the dream of a family of
four from Texas. The two parents manage the shop with their daughters -
the namesake of the shop - serving as baristas. In line with the family
theme, this café seems to be the best suited for family or large group
gatherings. Many of the tables are large enough for a group of six to
eight people and the couches and chairs can be rearranged to suit large
groups. They offer a free, reservable meeting room as well, if your
group needs a quiet, private space.
Sister’s is the best location for wireless connections. The space was
obviously planned with laptop users in mind as there are numerous
electrical power strips within reach of every seating area. On any
given day, you might see a knitting club, study group, or family with
strollers lounging in the store, sipping a latte, or enjoying a bagel
with cream cheese.
One World Café
533 S. Main St., Moscow, ID 83843; On the corner of Main and 6th;
www.one-world-cafe.biz; 208-883-3537; Mon. – Sat. 6:30am – 11pm,
Sun. 7am – 11 pm.
If
you are looking for a place to hear the latest indie music and see some
abstract art while you sip a hot caramel latte, One World Café is the
place for you. Their corner location is a great spot to watch the world
go by as the two sides of the shop are full-length windows looking out
to downtown Moscow. Small bistro tables and some upholstered chairs are
great for socializing, but not great if you have a couple hours of work
to do on a laptop. Although the free wireless internet has a consistent
and strong signal, a deficiency of electrical outlets, makes long term
surfing impractical.
Of
course, the primary reason to visit a café is for the coffee. One World
offers all the traditional coffee concoctions. In other ways this place
screams individuality and youth. Ask a pierced, dredlocked barista for a
chai and you will get a hot cup of their homemade version of this
comforting drink. Or ask for a latte and expect decorative foam like
you’d find at a barista contest. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and
snack foods. The staff can whip up a homemade spinach salad with
cranberries, pecans and a tangy dressing. The pastry selection, while
not diverse or homemade, provides enough sweetness at the end of a meal.
Moscow boasts one of the best diversity in coffee shops I have seen.
There is much more beyond Starbucks here. Each shop has its own
personality and attracts a unique clientele while offering great
beverages, food and atmosphere. If you are looking for a place to take
your parents during their campus visit I’d recommend Bucer’s or Sister’s
if you want to appear studious and mellow. One World would be the place
to take them if you want to let them know that you have severed the old
apron strings. Regardless of which you pick, you won’t be sorry.