Coffee Shops: Tacoma, Washington

Remember the days of the old-fashioned coffee shop, an informal little diner where friends or family could meet to visit, have a bite to eat, and get a bottomless cup of coffee served to them by a friendly, yet sassy, waitress wearing a starched uniform complete with apron and cap? You might have plunk a couple of quarters in a juke box to play your favorite "45s" as the needle would skip over the small scratches. The closest thing to "world jazz" playing was the Andrews Sisters singing "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen"!

And when it came to coffee, no one paid attention to things like the "art of developing the perfect roast" or fair-trade, but certainly would complain if the coffee was too strong!

Who knew back in 1971 when Starbucks opened its first store across from Pike Place Market in Seattle that the coffee shop would become the phenomenon that it is today? In fact, the term "coffee shop" has become nearly synonymous with "Starbucks." And though Starbucks has certainly come under scrutiny for perceived anti-competition practices and some of their other policies, this one company started a coffee craze that has given many others the opportunity to start their own companies, shops or small espresso stands. And one can find a Starbucks coffee shop all over the world-places such as Japan, England, Russia, Portugal, Bulgaria, Poland, or Dubai. We certainly love our coffee.

Coffee isn't something that you have to come of age to drink either. Coffee-based concoctions have become popular with people of all ages. It's not uncommon to see young teens hanging out at the local coffee shop ordering iced mochas with extra chocolate and whipped cream or blended drinks resembling a good old-fashioned milk shake.

Though the old-fashioned coffee shops are few and far between nowadays, you will still find family and friends kibitzing over a cup of coffee or specialty coffee drink in one of the many neo-shops you'll find in every city. Coffee shops are still the perfect meeting place whether for business or pleasure.

In Tacoma, Washington make sure to try these four coffee shops, each bringing a sense of the old and the new to your experience. You'll find the prices all quite comparable to other shops you might frequent, so included are the basic prices for the coffee of the day/drip coffee and mocha, as well as a few other details.

Forza Coffee Company
Westgate Shopping Center, 2209 N. Pearl Street
Hours of Operation:
Mon to Fri 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sun 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Coffee of Day--4 sizes ranging from 12 to 24 oz., $1.60 to $2.10
Mochas-4 sizes, ranging from$2.90 to $4.90
Frappe 16 and 24 oz, $5.50 and $6.50
Other hand-crafted espresso drinks priced comparably
Also carries an assortment of teas, juices, bagels, pastries, sweets, sandwiches, salads, etc.

This franchise chain store has some of the most pleasant, exceptionally friendly baristas anywhere. The tables and chairs are plentiful, and it has a nice leather couch and chairs around a fireplace, which is perfect during a chilly, autumn night. It's also in a convenient location for meetings, as it's not far from the Pearl Street and 6^th Avenue intersection, off of Route 16. Book the Olympic Meeting Room for your next meeting.

Pluses: Quality customer service. Convenient drive-thru window. Free conference room. WiFi.
Minuses: Because of the high ceilings and Italian-tiled floors, it can become quite loud when busy, and isn't very cozy.

Bertolino's Coffee Bar
2421 So. Union Ave., Ste. L2
Hours of Operation:
7 days a week; 24 hours a day

Coffee of Day--4 sizes ranging from 8 to 20 oz., $1.50 to $1.84
Mochas-4 sizes, ranging from $2.40 to $3.65
Frappe--12, 16, and 20 oz., $3.46, 4.05 and $4.40
Other hand-crafted espresso drinks priced comparably
Also carries an assortment of teas, bagels, pastries, cookies, granola, juices, kettle corn, etc.

This is the perfect place for those who are night owls, as Bertolino's is open 24 hours a day. You can lounge on the couch or pull up one of the chairs to any one of the antique tables. You will often find it bustling with students from University of Puget Sound, as they engage in study groups before finals week or tapping out term papers on their laptop computers.

Pluses: Open around the clock. Exceptional customer service. Cozy, warm, and feels like "family". Selection of board games. WiFi. Computer to rent by time blocks, if you don't have your own.
Minuses: When busy, very crowded with only one line. Can feel claustrophobic and noisy when too many people are there.

Tully's Coffee
Bostwick Building, 764 Broadway, Downtown Tacoma
Hours of Operation:
M-Th 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fri 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sun 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Coffee of Day--3 sizes ranging from 12 to 20 oz., $1.65 to $2.08
Mochas--$2.90 to $3.85
Other hand-crafted espresso drinks priced comparably
Also carries an assortment of frappes, bagels, pastries, sweets, sandwiches, salads, etc.

If "people watching" is your thing, then this is the place for you. Located in the historic Bostwick Building in the Theatre District of downtown, this Tully's has found its home in one of the most interesting architectural structures in Tacoma. The triangular-shaped Bostwick was built in the late 1880s, has been a hotel, an apartment building, and over the years has been home to many businesses.

Pluses: Relaxed, cozy atmosphere with incredible architectural appeal and lots of natural light. Kid friendly-tables, toys, children's books. Look across 9^th at Pantages Theatre, and down 9^th toward Commencement Bay. WiFi.
Minuses: Customer service not spectacular; many baristas don't seem to be interested in interaction with non-regulars. One key for both male and female restrooms.

The Mandolin Café
3923 S. 12th
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Thu 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri 6:00 a.m. to 12 midnight
Sat 8 a.m. to 12 midnight
Sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Coffee of Day--3 sizes ranging from 8 to 16 oz., $1.45 to $1.85
Mochas--$2.50 to $3.45
Other hand-crafted espresso drinks priced comparably
Also carries a large wine and beer menu, over 40 varieties of tea, an extensive dessert and European bistro menu

The Mandolin Café is one of those favorite places on earth with an atmosphere rife with vibrancy in color, artwork, and personality. This is a place where you can certainly get a good cup of coffee, but there is always much more happening! They feature live music most every night of week. Each Friday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. they also have Wine Tastings, where they bring in vendors who can answer your questions and where you can explore wines you've not tried before. If you have not been to the Mandolin Café, you'll want to stop in with a friend, or be prepared to meet a new one!

Pluses: Relaxed, eclectic atmosphere with artwork on every wall. Perfect place to celebrate creative energy. WiFi. Large Conference Room. Great customer service. Excellent food.
Minuses: Have not found one yet!

Sources:
Wikipedia
The Tacoma News Tribune