Panera Bread

With a bit of Fall in the air this morning, we ventured out to the Panera Bread at the Madonna Plaza Shopping Center in SLO.  Yes, it is a chain and might not have the local flavor and personality of independently owned coffee houses, but we are running out of those to visit here in SLO.  The advantage of a chain is you know what you'll get no matter where you are.  Sheila found the regular coffee to be quite nice.  You help yourself to light roast, dark roast, hazelnut, or decaf, and the small is $1.99.  Joan had a Pumpkin Spice Latte with almond milk, salted caramel syrup, and whipped cream. It was $4.09.  She describes it as having a rich, smooth taste with a definite pumpkin spice flavor.

Panera has a nice menu of baked goods, pastries, breakfast, lunch and dinner items, as well as fresh baked bread.

 There is ample seating, both indoors and out, including some comfortable club chairs, which we took advantage of.

 Think About It: "If it weren't for the coffee, I'd have no identifiable personality whatsoever." David Letterman

Atrium Express at Embassy Suites

We've found the perfect place to go once El Nino hits this winter!  For a delicious cup of coffee in an outdoor setting that isn't actually outdoors, try the Atrium Express at Embassy Suites at 333 Madonna Road in San Luis Obispo.  It's located just inside the lobby and serves Peet's coffees.  If you're meeting a friend for business or pleasure, consider this unusual and unexpected coffee place.  Several coffee drink options are offered, as well as a variety of teas.  Once you get your coffee, you can sit down in the atrium and enjoy the natural light and pleasant surroundings.  A regular 12 ounce coffee was $2.50.  Sheila found it to be mellow and strong, true to Peet's usual coffees.  Joan had a White Mocha.  The 12 ounce size was  $4.00, and consisted of two pumps of white chocolate syrup, espresso, coffee, and soy milk.  It was so good and tasted like liquid dessert.  So good!
On a side note, we have both noticed the friendly and cordial service we've encountered at every single coffee establishment we've been to so far.  SLO really does deserve its reputation for being a
welcoming community.

 

There is ample 

and spacious seating around a beautiful fountain and throughout the atrium.  

 If you're out shopping at the Madonna Plaza, consider stopping at the Embassy Suites for a great cup of coffee.

 Think About It: Do not let bitterness, whether in your coffee or your life, steal your sweetness.

Splash Cafe

Looking for a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a delicious coffee drink?  The Splash Cafe is an excellent choice for any of these. It's a small gem on Monterey Street in SLO.  They have a nice coffee menu that includes lattes, espressos, and a variety of flavor choices to add to these.  Sheila had a Coastal Peaks Cerro Romauldo City Roast regular coffee, size small, that was $1.45.  It was rich, but not too rich, and delightful. They also offer a dark roast.  Joan had a single small espresso Mexican chocolate latte with soy milk and caramel flavor.  It was $3.50.  Her words at her first sip were "Oh, it is so good!"  She insisted that Sheila try it and when she did, she exclaimed, "It's like drinking mocha ice cream!"  It was cinnamony, chocolatey, and creamy.  Definitely a treat!  Splash Cafe has a very nice breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, to take out or eat there.  They are an artisan bakery.  The pastries, breads, and baked goods look wonderful.  They also make different sizes of  cakes for that  special occasion, dinner party, or just anything.  Its location makes it a popular place for students, tourists, and locals.

There is indoor and

outdoor seating, including bistro tables, bar stools, and booths. 

 Think About It:  "Very little is needed to make a happy life": 
A simple coffee with a friend can lift your spirits and remind you of what is important.

Black Horse on Los Osos Valley Road

We visited the fourth Black Horse in SLO this morning.  This is the largest of all the Black Horse coffee houses.  Each one has its own personality and is entirely different as far as space goes.  This one has lots of indoor and outdoor seating, the tables are spread far enough apart for business meetings or conversation among friends.  It is very clean and quiet.  Like the other Black Horses, it has an indoor/outdoor fireplace.  Sheila ordered a small regular coffee at $1.70.  They offer a smaller than usual option, which was perfect for a delicious morning jolt.  Joan had a wonderfully scrumptious coffee drink called Milky Way.  It had mocha, espresso, chocolate, macadamia nut syrup, and whipped cream.  How can you go wrong with that combination?  You can't!  Joan declared it rich, chocolaty, and said the macadamia nut syrup gave it a hint of nuttiness.  It was $4.25.

            There are many breakfast and lunch options, including baked goods, panini, and salads.

Besides coffee drinks, there are also teas, cold drinks, and drinks especially for kids.











Think About It:  Repeat this to yourself throughout the day:
I think I'll just be happy today.

Black Horse Espresso and Bakery on Broad

What a beautiful morning to sit outside and drink coffee at Black Horse Espresso and Bakery on Broad Street in SLO!  There is ample seating at this place, both inside and out.  Joan enjoyed a coffee drink called "The Thing" which consisted of caramel at the bottom, vanilla syrup, milk, and iced coffee.  The richness really came through this upside down caramel macchiato. It was $3.75.  Sheila had a, wait for it, regular small coffee which was $1.95.  It was hearty and robust.  Joan said her iced drink was perfect for this summery weather.  Black Horse has a great menu of, among other things, paninis for both breakfast and lunch, wonderful baked goods, including pastries, cookies, and cakes.  Parking is free and plentiful.  It is a great place to stop and pick up some goodies to enjoy there, take home, or to give to your favorite host or hostess.

There is an indoor/outdoor fireplace to enjoy in cooler weather.

Think About It:  Think about taking a staycation in your hometown or nearby.  Joan and her husband recently celebrated their anniversary just 10 minutes from their home at the Quality Suites Central Coast here in SLO.  It was relaxing, carefree, and rejuvenating!

Runway Cafe at SLO County Regional Airport

Okay, so this is something different.  Where can you go for a cup of coffee at 5 A.M.?  The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport!  We ventured to the Runway Cafe there this morning.  The airport is located at 903 Airport Drive, off Broad Street, just down from the Marigold Center.  The Cafe is run by Achievement House, which is an organization devoted to providing work experience to local adults with special needs.  It is located just inside the terminal.  No TSA required!  The menu includes several espresso drinks, tea, hot chocolate, and coffee, cold drinks, as well as breakfast and lunch items.  Sheila got her usual regular small coffee, which was $1.95.  The Runway Cafe uses Dark Nectar coffee, out of Templeton, California.   It was very smooth, not at all bitter, and all in all, a delicious cup of coffee.  Joan had a small caramel macchiato with soy milk.  The cost was $3.95.  She said it was extra sweet, which she enjoys, and fully caffeinated.

                               Snacks and gifts are also available at this small establishment.

                                                       Refills are a mere 50 cents!

                          We would both definitely visit this awesome coffee spot again!
Think About It: If you have a chance to take a trip this summer, whether for one day or longer, just do it and enjoy whatever it brings.

Emily's Cinnamon Rolls

Emily's Cinnamon Rolls is best known for its delicious cinnamon rolls, but it also has several coffee choices, which compliment these light and fluffy treats.  It is located at 588 California Blvd., in SLO, of course.  We would definitely go back, not only for the variety of cinnamon rolls, but for the several coffee choices.  They also have teas, juices, milk, and water.  Parking is easy in this small complex close to Cal Poly.  There are a couple of benches and stools to sit on, but most people take their coffee and rolls to go.  We sat on a bench and enjoyed not only the coffee and yes, we had to sample the cinnamon rolls, too, but had a nice conversation with one of the owners, a friendly fellow named Kyle, who is also Emily's dad.  Sheila had a French press coffee, which was $2.  Joebella is Emily's coffee roaster.   It was a great cup of coffee!  Joan had a caramel latte with almond milk and sprinkled with cocoa powder on top which was $4.  She describes it as having a mild caramel flavor which gave it a nice balance of sweet and robustness.  (Is that a word?  It is now!)

                                      Emily's has gluten free products, too. You can also find them at Thursday night's Farmer's Market in SLO, and Friday's Farmer's Market in Avila Beach.

The cheery, colorful decor will brighten your day!

                       Think About It: ➡️