Writer: Merrell McGinness
It fuels early mornings, props up sagging afternoons and sustains all-nighters. Coffee – with its energizing power and intoxicating aroma – is the go-to drink for “get up and go.” But whether you prefer light or robust, frothy or black, where you order it is just as important as how. That’s because in the right hands, the flavor profile of the humble coffee bean can be as rich and complex as a Chardonnay or Bordeaux. Fortunately, Chattanooga is a veritable hotbed of coffee talent, hosting local roasters and baristas that skillfully produce some of the freshest, most flavorful coffee on the market.
Brew with a View:
Stone Cup Roasting Company
330 Frazier Avenue, 423-265-5010
The Buzz: At this eclectic coffeehouse, office workers and tattoo artists alike congregate on the L-shaped leather couch, at the granite-topped café tables or the electric blue church pew – all under a ceiling painted as Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” In the front is an expansive collection of paperbacks to borrow, while the back wall boasts some of the best views in the city through glass garage doors, which are flung open during pretty weather. But what keeps the crowds coming back to this North Shore establishment is the house-roasted java, which is nationally recognized by Coffee Review (the Wine Spectator of the coffee world). To ensure the best cup, every bean is sampled before purchase and the baristas are carefully trained to handle the delicate flavors of their lighter roast espressos. While sticklers for quality, they’re also known for variety, offering 20 drip coffees each day using a single-cup brewing method.
Drink This: East Timor, $2
The Business Hub:
Chattz on Market
1010 Market Street, 423-756-8890
The Buzz: At Chattz on Market, coffee is serious business. Located in the historic Park Plaza Office Building, professionals flock to Chattz for its supremely fresh house brew, which is a blend of beans from Colombia, Sumatra and Guatemala. Where the baristas really shine is with their specialty drinks such as espresso or cappuccino, all crafted in traditional European style, meaning nothing is automated. Their machine is constantly monitored throughout the day, making adjustments for humidity, and cleaned every night so oil build-up doesn’t taint the product. And while Chattz is praised for its efficiency, the inviting atmosphere also encourages lingering with exposed brick walls accented with yellow stucco and warm lighting.
Drink This: Chattz House Blend, $2.08 for 12 oz.
Joe on the Go:
Velo Coffee Roasters
509 East Main Street, 423-718-8161
The Buzz: Bringing new meaning to the term “special delivery,” entrepreneur Andrew Gage personally roasts and distributes all of his artisanal coffee by bike. Covering the downtown, North Shore, St. Elmo and Southside neighborhoods, Gage can haul nearly 200 pounds of java on an attached trailer to retailers, homes and offices. Those who don’t want to commit to a weekly service can visit Velo’s recently opened retail space on the Southside. Offering a seasonal selection of Central American, East African and Indonesian varietals, Gage prefers lighter roasts to maintain the natural characteristics and complexities of each bean.
Drink This: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, $10 for 12 oz.
Coffee with a Sweet Tooth:
Rembrandt’s Coffee House
204 High Street
423-265-5033
The Buzz: Located in the cloistered buildings of the Bluff View Art District, Rembrandt’s is perhaps the most picturesque place to enjoy your java. While anyone can appreciate the scenery, those with an insatiable sugar craving will most enjoy this tucked away coffeehouse. In addition to the expansive dessert case stocked with more than 60 handmade goodies, Rembrandt’s offers specialty coffees such as the banana mocha, featuring rich chocolate and banana Monin syrup mixed with espresso. For the brew-it-yourselfer, Rembrandt’s “coffee altar” features 26 selections from its on-site roasting facility, including flavored selections such as Snickerdoodle as well as exclusive varietals such as Bali Rainforest.
Drink This: Banana Mocha, $4.10 for 12 oz.
Most Exotic Brew:
Pasha Coffee & Tea
3914 St Elmo Ave, 423-475-5482
The Buzz: Located at the foot of the Lookout Mountain Incline, owners Or and Ladonna Cingilli have managed to pack an impressive amount into their compact, corner shop – the only all organic and fair trade espresso bar in town. Pasha offers an impressive selection of loose tea, a full breakfast and lunch menu, and iced coffees using a unique, 24-hour cold press brewing process. But their most exotic brew is Turkish coffee, which is made by boiling water, sugar and powder-fine coffee grinds into a brass container called a cezve. It is then poured directly into espresso-sized cups without a filter, perfect for sharing with friends.
Drink This: Traditional Turkish Coffee, $3.50
Coffee for a Cause:
Windfarm Coffee Bar & Café
1427 Williams Street, 423-702-8081
The Buzz: Windfarm Coffee Bar just might turn your morning routine on its head. Located in a former factory, the space is modern and airy, with frosted-glass skylights and gray steel girders that crisscross the two-story ceiling-remnants from the building’s days as an artist’s studio. All of its coffee is direct trade, meaning higher wages for the farmers and reinvestment in the communities from which it came. But perhaps the most unique aspect of Windfarm is that proceeds from the coffee bar directly benefit the mission of the owner – an urban church called Mission Chattanooga – meaning that warm feeling from your morning coffee can last all day long.
Drink This: Single origin pour over (changes monthly),
$2.25-$2.90