A Review of Octane Coffee Bar and Lounge in Atlanta, GA

These days, practically anywhere that serves coffee also offers free Wi-Fi to its customers. Numerous cafes and bistros around the Atlanta area are no exception. One that stands out, however, is Octane Coffee.

On Octane's website, they proudly state: "We open early and close late. We're not sure, but we think it has something to do with the coffee." While most coffee shops will make statements like this, Octane is one of the few that lives up to it.

The Menu

Like most coffee shops, Octane serves espresso, cappuccino, latte, mocha, carmelatto, and Cafe Americano (a.k.a. "regular coffee"). What sets it apart from most of its contemporaries, however, is the intense training its baristas receive.

John, the daytime manager, explains that all baristas at Octane are trained for about a month before actually finding themselves at the counter full-time. Therefore, if you're a newcomer to Octane, you can expect any drink made there to be delicious, as well as aesthetically pleasing.

Octane also serves French-pressed coffee (a.k.a. pot-pressed), which is considered by some to be the freshest and best tasting coffee around. While there are many factors that go into the taste of a cup, the size of the grounds and the roasting process both make a major difference.

I've had Octane's French-pressed coffee multiple times, and have never been disappointed.

In addition to their excellent coffee, this hip joint offers a great selection of loose leaf teas made by Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea: Earl Grey, English breakfast, King Crimson, White Peony, and others.

Octane even serves alcoholic beverages, unlike some of its mainstream competitors. Liquor, beer, and wine are all available on the menu.

Also of note: Octane proudly states that "We make all our chocolate, caramel, and vanilla syrup from scratch, and we don't use any artificial flavors." That alone puts them above many of the major chains.

Some Brief Opinions

After talking with several of the patrons, it's clear why Octane remains ever-popular. Keith and Angela, a young couple, are eating a grilled cheese sandwich and a salad, with a latte and beer on the side. "They're all good," Angela comments when finished.

"The iced coffee is good," comments Shanita, a marketing professional. "I come here once or twice a week." Several other students and local residents have words of praise for the coffee and cappuccino as well.

Art is Action!

Like many of the independent coffee shops in Atlanta, Octane regularly features artwork by local painters and sculptors.

Currently, they are displaying the work of Becca Scott, who says: "I create robots and monsters in their everyday lives, drinking coffee, hanging out, playing games...my creations are fun, and whimsical and bright, each with a personality of their own!" Samples of her work are available at her website, included below.

Though a number of different artists have been put on display at Octane, styles tend to lean toward the modern and the avant-garde. Scott's robots and monsters, for example, fit perfectly with the brick walls, gray and black couches, and track lighting characteristic of the shop.

In the past, they have also featured Hayley Gaberlavage, who says she creates "perceptual eye-candy, which draw the viewer in with their unique formality." Her paintings, experimental in nature and highly thought-provoking, may remind one of Picasso or Georges Braque.

Speaking of art, once a month, Octane holds its "Latte Art Competition"; it is merely one venue in this growing creative field. Lest you think that there's a limit to how much art you can create in a latte, simply search for "latte art" on Google, and you'll receive over 1 million results.

On February 18 of last year, according to Octane's homepage, the coffee shop's Ben Helfen earned the 1st place prize at Washington, DC's CoffeeFest Millrock Latte Art Competition

If you happen to live in or near Atlanta, make sure you catch this outrageous event!

Spill the Beans

Counter Culture Coffee is the organization responsible for the growth and care of Octane's coffee beans. Their beans are grown far and wide, in regions ranging from Rwanda to Ethiopia, and Sumatra to Colombia.

For more information on these fantastic coffee producers, simply click the link below.

There's not much more to describe; you'll have to experience Octane Coffee for yourself. Make the trip to Atlanta, and drop by for a hot cup!