West End Espresso and Tea

On this brisk December morning we visited West End Espresso and Tea, located at 670 Higuera Street in SLO.  It is in downtown San Luis, near the creek.  There is a small parking lot next to it, which is a convenient feature.  Sheila had a regular medium roast coffee which was very delicious and not the least bit bitter.  It was $1.95.  Joan had a peppermint mocha.  It had one shot of espresso, a light peppermint syrup, and mocha powder, as well as being topped by a generous portion of whipped cream.  She said, "I would order this again!  It is closest to a hot chocolate in coffee I've ever tasted.  It would be perfect for people who aren't that into coffee, but like hot chocolate."  It was $3.75.

The window seats avail themselves to the warm morning sun.  There are also tall tables, some comfy chairs, and regular tables and chairs for enjoying a conversation over coffee or tea or one of the many baked goods that this establishment offers.  There is also some outdoor seating.

 This is Joan's peppermint mocha, a definite holiday coffee indulgence.  The stove in the corner provides a warm and homey touch.

West End offers 35 varieties of loose leaf tea and 25 coffee varieties. Something for everyone!

 As in many of our local coffee places, local art is displayed on the walls.  West End, formerly known as Rudolph's, was the first coffee house established in downtown, SLO, in 1979.

Think About It:  "The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves." Helen Keller

Peet's Coffee and Tea

The stormy weather this morning did not stop us from our coffee crawl.  We decided to visit Peet's in downtown SLO at 1075 Court Street.  One of the great things about this coffee place is its location.  We sat inside, which we found to be cozy and warm, but on a more outdoor friendly day sitting outside is wonderful.  The people watching is supreme.  Today our friend Susan, another retired teacher, met us there.  Joan had a caramel macchiato with soy, which was $4.40.  It had a light caramel taste and was extra frothy.  Sheila had a regular black coffee, medium roast, which was $1.90.  It started with a slightly bitter taste, which soon mellowed out.  The clientele at this time of day, 9:00 A.M.ish, was varied.  Downtown employees, local characters, and retirees made up the bulk of this morning's coffee drinkers.

               The outdoor seating includes several tables with umbrellas in this Court Street setting.

 Think About It:  Joan and Sheila suggest slowing down during the holiday season and taking time to enjoy friendships over a cup of coffee.   

Disclaimer: We are NOT twins.:)

Linnaea's Cafe

Today we went to Linnaea's, an iconic San Luis Obispo coffee house, which was established in 1984. It is located in downtown SLO, on Garden Street.  Walking in, it is much larger than it appears from the street.  There is a variety of seating options, including indoor and outdoor, in a lovely garden setting.  You can sit in the front window, which isn't a window at all, or you can choose to sit at a table in the front or in a good sized middle room, where local art is showcased.  The garden has many chairs and tables, a pond, and lush greenery.  Do check out Linnaea's website, for a calendar of events, which includes poetry, music, and story telling.  As they say, "Linnaea's is more than great coffee, it's a community."  We certainly found this to be true.  It's a very pleasant place to sit and sip and chat.

                         Linnaea's is known for their vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch fare.

 Patrons include all ages: students, artisans, local residents, and a sweet flock of sparrows ensconced in the garden area.

Sheila's regular black coffee was $1.89 and was smooth, with no bitterness, and very enjoyable.  Joan had a small caramel latte, with one shot of espresso, and almond milk.  The caramel was house made.  It was $4.50.  She said it was not so sweet, due to the almond milk, which brought out more of the coffee flavor.
Think About It: Don't overthink it!

Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe

We ventured out on this crisp Halloween morning to sample the coffees at Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe, located at 1804 Osos Street.  The atmosphere reminded us of sitting at a friend's kitchen table for a good cup of coffee and even better conversation.  There was a mixture of clientele, including retirees, college students, morning walkers, working people, and families.  It was refreshing to see only one customer working on a computer. Everyone else was enjoying socializing over coffee, tea, or a meal.  Sally Loo's has a variety of breakfast and lunch options, as well as baked goods.

 Joan got a latte with soy and chocolate ganache syrup made on the premises.  It was $5.00.  Joan says it's the ideal drink for coffee drinkers who love chocolate.  She also purchased a chocolate croissant for "her husband."  Sure, Joan!!  Sheila's usual black regular coffee was full bodied and rich, and the price was $2.43.

Sally Loo's has lots of seating choices, including benches, tables, theater seats, comfy chairs, and some outside seating.  Check out the unique side table made from old books!

Think About It:  We took our Think About It today from this sign posted at Sally Loo's.  "Surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you."

Nautical Bean Coffee House & Bistro

Today we visited Nautical Bean Coffee House and Bistro, a lively family owned establishment at 11560 Los  Osos Valley Road early this morning.  It was very busy with a wide variety of clientele, including families, college students, people on their way to work, and retirees.  It has indoor and outdoor seating, convenient outlets for your electronics, couches, and counter seating as well as tables and chairs.  Sheila had her usual regular small black coffee, which was $1.75.  It was "triple flavored chestnut roast" and had barely a touch of sweetness to it, which made it a real treat.  Joan had a small pumpkin latte with soy and whipped cream.  It was $3.90.  She said it was really good and "Tastes like Autumn!"

                        Exposed brick and local artwork make this setting warm and inviting.

There is a wide selection of syrups to flavor your  coffee.      The menu includes salads, wraps, sandwiches, breakfasts, and baked goods.

 Think About It:  Don't go back and don't fast forward.  Live in the moment.

Kreuzberg Coffee Company

Our coffee crawl today took us to the Kreuzberg Coffee Company at 685 Higuera Street.  We would describe this unique venue as Berkeleyesque.  It consists of a large indoor space with very eclectic seating choices, including couches, mismatched tables and chairs, and lots of nooks and crannies to sit and enjoy your coffee or tea drink, or an alcoholic beverage, which they also serve.  Sheila's 8 ounce regular black coffee was strong and satisfying.  The price was $2.00.  Joan had a small cafe au lait with caramel syrup, and she added some sweetener to it.  She said she would definitely order it again anytime! The cost was $3.50.
Think About It:  Trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

                                                      Outdoor seating is also available.

Unusual window seating is a fun option.

                A separate lounge area with bar is a relaxing respite after a day of work or school.

 Interesting artwork and decor (note the upside down lamp) make Kreuzberg a one of a kind coffee experience.

                    The menu includes all day breakfast, salads, pasta, sandwiches, and pastries.

Bello Mundo Cafe

Today we visited Bello Mundo Cafe in beautiful downtown SLO.  It is located at 980 Monterey Street.  It's a small establishment, but big on hometown friendliness, service, and ambience. Sheila had her usual black coffee, which came in a unique mug.  It was strong, bold, and satisfying.  It was $2.75.  Joan had an Americano with homemade almond milk and vanilla bean syrup.  Joan said it was very strong but smooth, and not overly sweet.  She said it would be a great start to a busy day.  It came with a tiny yet delicious almond biscotti.  The cost was $3.50.  Bello Mundo uses beans exclusively from an all female owned company in Nicaragua, called Equator.  The bean, called Las Mercedes, has a chocolately, caramel, traditional roast flavor. 

                            The menu includes pastries and sweets to enjoy with your coffee or tea.

                                                View from outside seating at Bello Mundo.

 There are some tables and chairs inside as well as outside for a relaxed coffee experience.
Think About It:  We thought this quote was a great "think about it" for today.