Coffee Roundup

As you may have seen on our Twitter and Instagram feeds, I (Nathan) drink a lot of coffee. A lot. And I drink it at home and out. I've been around coffee a long time, my Dad used to get a bag of blue mountain beans every month, and always had a espresso pot on the stove after every meal. When I was old enough (around 9), in my school holidays, I would work at my uncle's deli in Mile End, making coffees, frothing milk and generally being a menace. This is where my love of coffee comes from. And this love has continued throughout my teens and now thirties, where coffee is the standard reason to get out of the office, ice breaker when meeting someone new, or reason to catch-up.

So there are a lot of places I have tried, a lot of places I like, a lot I don’t and a lot in between. So in this round-up  I am sharing with you my thoughts on the Adelaide coffee scene as I know it. There are still lots of places for me to explore and try, lots more beans to be bought and espresso’s to be made. If you have other suggestions, comment at the bottom of the post and I will make sure I get to them!

So firstly, I am going to explain my ratings / grouping system. In order to come up with the rating on a location, I need to have visited at least twice, and have ordered a espresso and/or a latte. To determine how a coffee location is rated, I have considered the following - consistency, skills & variety. For example, a lot of the three chop locations will be super consistent, always knowledgeable / skilled and have at least one single origin & alternative brewing method.

I have decided that rather than give it the traditional chop’s rating, I am going to simply put each place in a grouping, explained below. 

One Chop – Less than acceptable, avoid them when you can, unless you are about to rage from a lack of caffeine. Then consider if there is nothing else close by. Be careful, you may purchase and tip straight into the sink (otherwise known as a sinking).

Two Chops – Acceptable. You will generally get a coffee that will pass, but not excite, nor will it disappoint and result in possible sinking. Generally has a common coffee bean, and a basic trained barista.

Three Chops – Above acceptable. Choose one of these locations at all times if possible. You'll get great coffee, you have the option of different blends, custom beans, different serving options, and you'll always be pleased. Usually a well trained barista behind the machine.

So, based upon this rating, here is my scoring of all the coffee places I have been in Adelaide. I will be sorting these into two groups: CBD and Suburban, then grouping them according to the chop rating. I will be adding to this list pretty frequently, so make sure you come back and check out my updates!

THREE CHOPS


CBD
Coffee Branch
The branch is, and for me always will be, the Coffee shop that brought Melbourne style coffee shops to Adelaide. Since it has opened, it's been the go-to standard CBD location to get a great coffee. In being this, it's always busy, and this can be the only downfall, sometimes, it's just not hot enough. Other than that, get there when 'From Scratch' patisserie is hanging around out the front and get some of that goodness while you're there.

Hey Jupiter - it may not be known for it's coffee, but they sure make a good one. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be as good as it was, and it made a fantastic finish to an awesome lunch. Also, the rolls are brilliant, a great 'adult' sandwich! Great service too. There is a good range Au Matin Calmé pastries too. Don't go past it if you are anywhere near Rundle St.







Avila - Avila is a not a super popular coffee shop, but they do make a great coffee. It's situated on Hindmarsh square, next door to the Griffen's Head. It's never super busy, and the barista will always take time to have a chat with you about the coffee, or any questions you may have about their Campos beans (also available for purchase). It's also a nice place to sit out of the way of the hustle and bustle of the other CBD locations.

Little Seeds - Out the front of the Adelaide City Council building on Pirie St, you'll find a little pop-up called 'Little Seeds'. It's one guy (Dave) (and sometimes his girlfriend) and a coffee machine. That's all. He makes a really good coffee, and it's always on the mark. You'll never have to wait too long either as it's not that well known. If you are in the area, give it a try, the ACC has also supplied some benches  for general meetings where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine with your coffee. It's a great way to break up a busy morning at work.  

Fiefy's - In a small area, slightly hidden from Pirie St (near BTS) is Fiefy's, a definite CBD gem. Most morning's you'll find a decent crowd getting a great coffee on the way to their offices over on Flinders St. Fiefy is an award winning barista, and it shows through in her coffee. She has her own bean selection (CoffeeSnobs - also sold onsite), with a smooth, slightly nutty taste. And, as a three chop rating stipulates, she is consistent and smart, willing to take the time to have a chat if it's not too busy. Next time you're wanting to go for a walk, want somewhere different, head to Fiefy's!

Hello, Yes is a very recent addition to the Adelaide coffee scene. It's a hidden gem, just off Waymouth Street on Eliza Street. It's in a revamped warehouse, so you'll need a keen eye to spot it. They serve locally roasted De Groot Coffee, Scullery Made Tea from the Barossa, and Georgia has the skills to use these great products for an awesome coffee. Add to that an awesome fitout & home baked bagels, you've got yourself a winner.

Larry & Ladd - What do you get when Superman has a baby with Wonder woman? Wonderman or Superwomen even? In this case, its Larry & Ladd, a collaboration between Bar 9 and Coffee Branch. Located in the middle of Regent Arcade, they have again brought great coffee to an area that was lacking in any good options. The setting in the arcade is great, using their own 5 Senses blend of beans, paired with Tweedvale milk, the delivery from the Barista’s and that matt black Synesso is super consistent. Hungry? Pair it with a fancy toasty toast, cheese and pickles being my favourite.




Suburban

Bar 9 - Bar 9 is, for me, the most progressive coffee shop in Adelaide. Ever since they opened, they have always had the best barista's, the most coffee making options, the most variety in beans, and have made the best coffee. I can go there three / four times a week, and know I am going to get the same quality product and I haven't been disappointed yet.

Yes, I have a few three chops, but, this is my fave in Adelaide. They have a dedicated area for tasting and selling beans (and now tea), they have great food, and the most consistent product in Adelaide. I haven't talked about the food much, but it's always great. More on that in other food posts!





Coffee Barun - The Barun is my local. I've seen it grow from the tiniest of shopfronts, to being turned away most Saturday's for lack of seating. This is because the coffee is great, the beans are great, and the food is great. It's a triple threat. Or something like that.
The coffee is super consistent, with a taste that is definitely 'The Barun'. You can taste it every time you get one. The place is pretty busy these days, and that can have it's negatives, so make sure you book if you want to eat, and allow some time to get your coffee if you are taking away.
All of the staff are super smart, and are always able to educate about the beans they have on offer too. Make the effort to take a drive there one weekend, and you will enjoy it!





Paddy's Lantern - Paddy's is my home away from home when it comes to a regular coffee. My current role means I spend a lot of time out near Greenhill Rd, and I am always looking for an opportunity to get out and have a coffee. Paddy's not only meets this requirement, but they make an awesome coffee. It's tucked away on Gilbert St, so it doesn't suffer from the same line up and consistency issues that the more popular places have. It's so tucked away, that the first time I met a really good mate there for a morning coffee, I watched him drive past three times trying to find it!

Paddy's also have a decent range of food, using local Adelaide ingredients like Mylor Sourdough. They also sell their house beans, a blend that they are updating all the time. I also love their coffee options, on a hot day, nothing beats a Ben Cousins or a Disco Dave for the soy drinkers! This is my go-to place for introducing people to coffee other than Cibo, as it's the best introduction to how good a speciality coffee can be. Ok, rant over - this is the longest of my reviews so far, I think that show's how much I enjoy the coffee here!

PURE Boutique Coffee Bar - Pure is definitely a suburban location! On Jetty Rd at Glenelg, it's a venue that's very popular. Predominately, they use 5 Senses beans, but, if you're lucky, you'll get some Barossa Coffee Roasters on the specials board! I do like to come down here, on a Sunday afternoon or a weekday 'day-off' and sit and relax with a decent coffee.

They have a huge variety of brewing options & beans to purchase, and some very helpful Barista's too. I always like to get some beans here when I need them, I've got Barossa beans here a few times - Pure is the easiest place for me to get them!

If you are looking to get a great coffee in the area, or wider area (I've driven 20 mins out of my way more than once to stop here), it's a great option. Don't be put off by the perception that everything on Jetty Rd is touristy, this is a great coffee bar.





Whipped Bake Bar Cafe - One of my favourite weekend drives is a cruise down to Semaphore. Generally, the drive is focussed on food and coffee, and I love to go to Whipped for coffee especially. I've enjoyed watching, and being a part of, Whipped's growth, seeing them go from being a nice cafe, to now, offering speciality coffees, such as the pour over pictured, made from their house roasted beans. They use Tweedvale milk and do love to support other local SA produce in their food (which is great too). So if you are looking to try somewhere in the ever growing Semaphore precinct, give Whipped a go for great coffee, a super brunch or a fantastic cupcake.

Coffee by the Beans - I remember the first time I tried Coffee by the Beans was on the way to Glenelg, when I stumbled upon an A frame sign along Henley Beach Rd. Intrigued, I went on in and was pleasantly surprised. Since then, I have made many trips to Glenelg, Marion and the Airport to grab their coffee. I've had a few bags of their beans at home too. The staff here are super pleasant, they remember your name, bubbly characters and love to talk coffee. A great selection of coffee hardware too, with plenty of advice on its usage. Next time you head west-side, pop in and say hello!

Unnamed cafe (Wellington Square, North Adelaide) - In the old Wellington Square Cellars site is a great little cafe, which when I visited to complete my roundup of the coffee, was yet to be named! There is a great little write up of the cafe here, but what you really need to know is that the coffee is great. Well worthy of three chops. The roast is Rowland's own selection of beans and varies slightly depending on what he is tasting at that point in time. You can also buy beans (of which I was given a custom blend based upon how I drink my coffee at home) and have a great discussion on coffee with Rowland. The food is great too, with a small menu and some great daily specials. I've really enjoyed coming here, as its just a different feel to any other coffee place I've been to recently. Keep your eyes open or you might miss it!