The 4 Worth Knowing
Four coffee businesses reviewed by hand — ranked, with the reason each one earned its place.
- 01
Copper Kettle Coffee
PasadenaA neighbourhood café pulling shots on a lovingly maintained 1978 lever machine.
A 1978 lever machine, kept honest daily.
- 02
Golden Hour Roasters
Santa CruzSingle-origin lots roasted in a converted rail depot; the washed Ethiopias are the reason to come.
The washed Ethiopias alone justify the drive.
- 03
Morning Bell Café
San DiegoSunrise-to-noon café with a rotating guest-roaster bar.
The rotating guest-roaster bar keeps it fresh.
- 04
Slow Bloom Brew Lab
OaklandPour-over gear, grinder tune-ups, and Saturday brewing classes.
Saturday brewing classes worth the alarm.