I love that Oregon is coffee central for the US (ok maybe Washington actually is, but we are definitely in the running) and that everyone is so darn snobby about it, me included. When I drink coffee, I want quality. I don't want syrups and sugar to mask the flavor, I want it to be good in its unadulterated form. And If there's no classy foam art, I legitimately feel let down. This morning I was tired and had a slight headache, so a coffee pit stop was definitely in the stars for me.
My walk takes me right by Ike Box, so if I make a morning stop, it's usually there. Ike Box is large but in a quaint way. It's in what appears to perhaps have been a big old house*, with the first floor housing the coffee shop and an expansive open seating area with comfy cozy couches as well as regular tables and chairs. The rest of the building is meeting rooms and stuff like that. It's definitely not fancy (they don't do foam art as far as I know) and the vibe can feel a little off (a little run down, doesn't get much natural light inside, and just one biiiig room that everyone sits in) but it gets the job done. They recently remodeled their coffee bar area and it really improved the overall look. An added bonus is the fact that they sell various food items like bagel sandwiches and pre-made salads and other treats
Today, the line wasn't long. But when the legislature is in session, watch out! The Capitol is only about a block or two away and all the extra people in town flock there in droves. Even though I was running a little late, I decided I was in a latte mood and would wait for it to be made instead of opting for drip coffee. As I waited, someone grabbed a coffee that wasn't theirs, and it threw the orders off in a way that the barista didn't account for, so mine got missed. After I informed them, they rectified the problem and made my drink, but it was a fairly long wait overall and a little annoying. I couldn't help but think that it would be beneficial for them to switch to the "write the name on the cup" method at least during the morning rush, especially since they are a busy place. Usually the service is fine and pretty quick, so today was a little disappointing.
These fresh hydrangeas caught my eye while I was waiting. I thought they were a nice touch (even if there were a little on the dying side). Plus being in a glass jar made them even better. I think I may have even spied the bush from outside that they were cut from. Speaking of outside, I normally really like walking past Ike Box on my way home because it's a shady area with trees and plants and tables outside and I just like the feel of it. But, they just recently installed approximately a few metric tons (I may be exaggerating) of barkdust and it really brings that calm outdoorsy feeling down a few notches for some reason. Now it just seems suburban or something. I didn't snap a pic of that, so you'll have to trust me on this one.
Despite the hiccup in my order, the coffee was tasty as usual and a nice addition to my morning. I think they use Sisters Coffee*, and even though I love a few other brands a tad bit more, their coffee is right up there. I'm thankful that this place is so conveniently located to fulfill my need for quality coffee :)
I also bought a LivBar for a snack because, you know, eat local! That seems like the urban living thing to do. Plus, fun fact, those bars are made in the same building my apartment is in. It was a tasty urban addition to my morning.
*Please note - this blog does not pretend to be based on facts. I'm too lazy to research things so don't take any of what I say as the gospel truth :)
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