We hit Sonoma County coffee shops to meet with our video crew, socialize, unwind, study, think, read and write. Coffee shops are for being both alone and together: the contrast that makes us love coffee shops the more we visit.
As everyone knows, Sonoma County isn't short of character, nor is it short of coffee shops. So we built a list of our personal top four coffee shop faves -- the key spots for our video pre- and post-production at SoCo Videography. In the spirit of Go Local, we're leaving the Peet's Coffees and Starbucks behind.
#1 Taylor Maid Farms: Best Laptop Hangout
No secret: we love Taylor Maid Farms. We adore its fresh, organic coffee and relish its iced Dragon Eyes tea. This coffee roaster business is a perfect Sonoma County example, emphasizing community, transparency, and quality above all.
But what truly puts Taylor Maid Farms over the top? Its seating. Nearly every seat is equipped with an electrical outlet, and the second floor offers personal desk lamps. Taylor Maid Farms packs close to 50 seats and welcomes you to stay all day if you like. No evil stares from baristas here.
#2 A'Roma Roasters: Best Late-Night Coffee
What makes A'Roma Roasters great? Abundant seating, a large menu, a killer BLT, savory loose-leaf tea, and the most to-die-for cream soda. But I won't lie: I go to A'Roma because it's open late.
A'Roma is unique for its diverse clientele. It's a true taste of Sonoma County, drawing all ages and nationalities. But A'Roma is best fitted for socialization, not study. The spot is always permeating with chatter and a touch of chaos. Bands play on weekends, which are just too loud to dismiss. Plus, you'll have to fight for the electrical outlets.
The shortcomings are hardly shortcomings. They add to A'Roma character, which only secures its place as our beloved weekend spot.
#3 SRJC Library: Best Study Spot
Lately I've been mourning the decay of our public library system, but then I realized -- we have something greater than a public library. We have the SRJC Doyle and Mahoney.
I know, I know. The SRJC is not a coffee shop. Yet to me it qualifies as one: it houses a cafe, local coffee, and loads of seating and electrical outlets. If you never studied at the SRJC, it may not come to mind as an option. But these gorgeous buildings are intended for all of us to enjoy freely.
Here's a quick insider's tip: instead of visiting the cafe, find a nearby kiosk that serves Bella Rosa coffee. It's only one of Sonoma County's finest family roasters, and if you're like me and can't ever visit the Bella Rosa during its strict business hours, this is your ticket to coffee paradise.
#4 Flying Goat Coffee: Best Tactile Experience
Look at those sleek tile floors and those smooth cream counters, then tell me Flying Goat Coffee doesn't allure you. Many of us drink coffee and tea for the romance of it, and Flying Goat heightens that romance. Nothing awakens my senses like enjoying a cup of Flying Goat coffee in the historical district of downtown Santa Rosa. Something about the shop and the presentation makes me feel meditative and alive. I am also in love with their pastries and can't get over their delicious tea presentation on a wooden board.
Honorable Mentions
Our list of top Sonoma County coffee shops is not definitive. You can't determine your coffee match without visiting, so definitely explore, explore, explore: