Photo Credit: Patrick Kolts for Find. Eat. Drink.

By Barista David Buehrer

I wanted to create a concise list of coffee places I love that are absolutely amazing, but may not currently get a ton of press. I’ve left out shops that focus both on food and coffee and instead, I went straight to the great little secret spots we baristas hold dear. So here we go in no particular order. They are all No. 1 in my book.

ANN ARBOR | The Espresso Bar

Run by the venerable Sanford Clydus Bledsoe 3. I highly recommend this spot to anyone traveling through the Detroit metropolitan area. Sanford is arguably the most underrated barista in the entire country and his team produces some of the best coffee alongside the best conversations. You can find The (Espresso) Bar inside Literati Books, which is also awesome. Get an espresso and ask Sanford about local government (or don’t).

204 South Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
T: 734.707.1327 | www.haveanicecoffeetime.com

Joe | Photo Credit: Patrick Kolts for Find. Eat. Drink.

NEW YORK CITY | Joe Pro Shop

While Joe has multiple locations in the city, there is something incredibly special about their Pro Shop. It is essentially a curated home brewing retail store with a full espresso menu. While Joe roasts and offers some of the country’s best coffees through their own company, at the Pro Shop you can find retail coffee bags for sale from roasters all over the globe. Try something new here, and pick up some gear and coffee for the house.

131 West 21st Street, New York, NY 10011
T: 212.924.7400 | Website

Photographs courtesy of Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters

SAN FRANCISCO | Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters

For what it’s worth, I find most coffee companies in San Francisco feel like venture capitalists just throwing up a laughable sum of money on a tired concept. But Wrecking Ball really stands out as being truly hospitable and energetic with a unique point of view. Roaster Trish Rothgeb is considered one of the most studied coffee roasters on the planet. I recommend asking the barista on duty what Trish is excited about and order that. They also have iced cappuccinos, so definitely get one of those.

2271 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
www.wreckingballcoffee.com

ST. LOUIS | Sump Coffee

Sump is this magical shop in St. Louis that feels as if it were built by the Lords of Dogtown. Equal parts cool, geek and hardcore, the buildout at Sump is one of the most considerate bar designs I have seen to date. They do regular culinary popups as well, and I would probably spend all my time there if I lived in the Tri-State area. Order anything served without milk for the true Sump experience and, if it's available, get the Sump version of an Arnold Palmer.

3700 S Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118
T: 917.412.5670 | www.sumpcoffee.com

NEW ORLEANS | SOLO Espresso & Cherry Coffee

To mention one without the other would be heresy. These two independent shops in New Orleans keep the dream of entrepreneurship alive. Both owned by inspiring women named Lauren, I’d say the spirit of quality is shared by these two powerhouses, just as they share their first name. I love each place equally and they are both mandatory stops on any trip to New Orleans. Order anything and support the American Dream.

SOLO EXPRESS
1301 Poland Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117
T: 504.408.1377 | www.soloespressobar.com

CHERRY COFFEE
2207 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
T: 504.527.077

About David Buehrer

David Buehrer has been brewing and serving his entire working life (14 years). He opened Greenway Coffee Company in 2008, where he roasts and distributes high quality coffee and tea to various coffeeshops, restaurants, and bars, including Underbelly, Coltivare and Paulie's, in addition to his storefront Greenway Coffee and Tea. With a pedigree that ranges from being a national barista competitor to hosting TEDxHouston, David has made a name for himself inside and out of coffee. David is also a partner in Blacksmith, which has frequently been named one of the best coffee shops in the country.

GREENWAY COFFEE & TEA
5 E Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77046
T: 832.382.3466 | www.greenwaycoffee.com

BLACKSMITH
1018 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006
T: 832.360.7470