Coffee Shops in Utah

There's something about walking into Coffee Noir on 200 South that feels like stumbling into a secret the neighborhood's been keeping. Maybe it's the way morning light filters through the trees onto the spacious outdoor patio, or how regulars from the nearby senior center sit at the same tables as University of Utah students cramming for finals, everyone united by the smell of freshly roasted coffee that owner Ben Lanoha insists on brewing to perfection. "My favorite little coffee shop away from the busy city, but close enough to be convenient," one customer describes it—and that just about sums up why this East Central neighborhood gem has quietly become one of the best coffee shops in Salt Lake City. The Filmmaker Who Fell in Love with Coffee (and Film Noir)Ben Lanoha's love of film noir isn't just reflected in the name Coffee Noir—it's woven into the very identity of this small, clean, well-lighted place he created in the heart of Salt Lake's East Central neighborhood. But before Lanoha was crafting the perfect espresso pull, he was working as an independent filmmaker, directing award-winning films. The transition from cinema to coffee might seem unusual, but there's a narrative thread connecting both passions: storytelling, attention to detail, and an obsession with craft.After training at the American Barista & Coffee School in Portland, Lanoha followed his taste buds and his convictions all the way to a small roaster in Topeka, Kansas that would change Salt Lake City's coffee scene. He selected PT's Coffee Roasting Co. as his supplier—winners of Roast Magazine's 2009 Roaster of the Year award—introducing one of the nation's most respected specialty coffee roasters to Utah's coffee culture. It was a decision driven by principle as much as palate: PT's sources artisan, organic and sustainably produced beans grown under a shade canopy, preserving habitat for all manner of creatures, and engages in Direct Trade—a system that exceeds the Fair Trade price by a minimum of 25 percent.This isn't just coffee with a good backstory. PT's has earned over 50 ratings of 94 points and above from Coffee Review, including the No. 1 spot on their Top 30 Coffees of 2022, and has been featured in Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and other national publications. When you order a cup at Coffee Noir, you're drinking beans from one of America's most acclaimed roasters, sourced through relationships that prioritize both quality and ethics.What Makes Coffee Noir the Best Coffee Shop Near University of UtahTucked at 1035 East 200 South in the East Central neighborhood, Coffee Noir occupies a sweet spot—literally and figuratively—between downtown Salt Lake City and the University of Utah campus. "Located walking distance from the University of Utah and downtown Salt Lake City," as one reviewer notes, it's become the go-to study spot for students who want exceptional coffee without the chaos of campus cafes or the pretension of downtown's trendier spots."I've been in a couple times before but finally decided to try doing some studying and homework here," one student writes, echoing what's become a pattern: people come once for the coffee and keep coming back for the atmosphere. The cafe features great free high-speed Wi-Fi, making it perfect for relaxing inside or out while working away from home. But here's what really sets this neighborhood coffee shop apart—it draws not only students and neighbors but has become a favorite of regulars from a nearby senior center. Where else in Salt Lake City can you find three generations sharing the same coffee shop peacefully on a Saturday morning?The outdoor seating situation deserves its own paragraph. "Little shop tucked away in the university district with ample amount of outdoor seating perfect for the spring and summer seasons," one visitor describes it, and they're not exaggerating. The café's pet-friendly policy has made it a popular gathering spot for dog owners and their furry companions, transforming the patio into an unofficial neighborhood gathering place where you're as likely to make friends with someone's golden retriever as you are to overhear interesting conversations about quantum physics or local politics.The Coffee and Menu: From Dirty Chai to Breakfast BurritosLet's talk about what you're actually going to drink and eat here, because that's what keeps people coming back week after week."They've the best dirty chai in the city!!" declares one customer who's been there over 10 times, and the enthusiasm is warranted. "The staff was very kind - dirty chai and tomato mozzarella croissant were delicious!" another reviewer confirms. The dirty chai—espresso mixed with chai tea—is prepared with house-made techniques that make it stand out from the usual coffee shop offerings.But the specialty drinks go beyond the expected. "It was so awesome! The guy working there was so rad and their lavender Italian soda is to die for!" writes one enthusiastic customer. When you're feeling indulgent, opt for the house-made coffee-flavored whipped cream when topping your drink—it's one of those insider details that separates a good coffee shop from a great one.For the espresso purists, the lattes are consistently praised. "The latte is my litmus test of any coffee shop. Lattes here are phenomenal and the atmosphere is hard to beat," writes one discerning customer. And if you're ordering a white mocha, multiple reviewers agree: "They have a good white mocha" that hits the spot.Now, about the food. "They have a breakfast burrito that's yummy, but simple…but where pastries are awesome!" one local writes, capturing the straightforward appeal of Coffee Noir's food menu. "I recommend the sausage, egg and cheese croissant, and lemon poppyseed scones," suggests another regular. The breakfast burritos are simple, satisfying, and perfect for grabbing with your morning coffee before heading to campus or starting a day on the slopes.The treats from Lonepine Bakery are a delicious addition to the menu, bringing in some of Utah's best artisan baked goods to complement the house-made offerings. From flaky croissants to fresh scones, the pastry case offers the kind of quality you'd expect from a neighborhood spot that takes its coffee this seriously.One charming detail that regulars love: the coffee stirrers are pieces of pasta, which is better for the environment. It's the kind of thoughtful touch that shows Lanoha's commitment to sustainability matches his commitment to quality. East Central's Community Coffee HubWhat makes Coffee Noir essential to Salt Lake City's coffee scene isn't just what's in the cup—it's the role it plays in the East Central neighborhood. "I work in the care facility next to them, and whenever I need a pick-me-up, I always buy myself a little treat from them. I look forward to chatting with the staff, and I love the atmosphere the owner has created," shares one neighbor, capturing how this coffee shop functions as more than just a caffeine dispensary."I always find myself wandering to the back of their shop and checking out all the creative posters they let the community post," the same reviewer continues, highlighting how Coffee Noir serves as an informal community bulletin board and gathering space. This is exactly the kind of neighborhood institution that Salt Lake City needs more of—places that bring people together across generational and social lines."This is now a regular weekly spot for a group of friends who get together and talk shop," one customer explains, and you'll see variations of this scene playing out throughout the week: study groups, business meetings, first dates, and those perfect solo mornings where you just need a good book and better coffee.The staff deserves special mention. From the moment you step inside, the welcoming atmosphere and attentive baristas ensure a pleasant experience for all. "The service is always so friendly and efficient," notes a regular, while another describes the experience as feeling "like family". In an era when many coffee shops prioritize speed over connection, Coffee Noir manages to deliver both.Location also matters. Situated on the 200 South corridor between downtown and the University of Utah, Coffee Noir serves as a natural pit stop for anyone heading up to the Cottonwood Canyons for skiing or hiking. It's become an unofficial pre-adventure coffee spot where you can grab a quality breakfast burrito and exceptional coffee before hitting the mountains.Planning Your Visit to Coffee NoirAddress: 1035 E 200 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84102 (East Central neighborhood)Hours: Monday-Friday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday-Sunday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM What to Order: The dirty chai (customer-verified best in the city) Sausage, egg and cheese croissant Lemon poppyseed scones Any latte with house-made coffee-flavored whipped cream Lavender Italian soda Simple breakfast burrito with your morning coffee Good to Know: Saturday mornings can get busy, so be prepared to wait outside, but the great outdoor seating makes it worthwhile Pet-friendly outdoor patio—bring your dog Free high-speed Wi-Fi for remote work or studying Plenty of street parking available Perfect pre-ski stop before heading up the canyons Reasonable prices and punch card rewards for returning customers Instagram: @coffeenoir Why Coffee Noir Matters to Utah's Coffee SceneIn a city rapidly filling with third-wave coffee shops and national chains, Coffee Noir represents something increasingly rare: a neighborhood coffee shop that prioritizes community connection and coffee quality in equal measure. Lanoha deserves extra credit for not only enhancing the neighborhood but introducing a terrific new coffee supplier to Salt Lake City when he brought PT's Coffee to Utah over a decade ago.The film noir-inspired name hints at Lanoha's artistic background, but there's nothing noir about the atmosphere—it's warm, welcoming, and full of natural light. It's the kind of place that makes you slow down, whether you're a University of Utah student between classes, a senior center regular meeting friends, or a remote worker seeking a change of scenery."Coffee Noir is the cozy kind of spot where you can get a cup of coffee and finish off that paper or project that needs to get done. The owners and baristas are very friendly and the coffee's always so good," sums up one satisfied customer. In the end, maybe that's all we really need from our neighborhood coffee shops: excellent coffee, genuine hospitality, and a space that feels like it was made for everyone.Next time you're near the University of Utah or driving through East Central on 200 South, do yourself a favor and stop in. Order the dirty chai, grab a croissant, and settle into the patio with a book. You'll understand immediately why locals consider Coffee Noir one of Salt Lake City's best-kept coffee secrets—and why it deserves to be shouted from the rooftops instead.

You'd walk right past it if you didn't know where to look. There's no flashy storefront, no sidewalk sandwich board screaming for attention. Just a modest sign outside the Axis Building on 200 South that says "Cupla Bakery & Café" with an arrow pointing down. Down the stairs. Into a basement. And that's exactly where some of the best coffee in downtown Salt Lake City happens. The moment you descend those stairs into Cupla Coffee, natural light floods in from street-level windows above. There's a bookshelf wall curated with care, a bench made of artificial grass, and the kind of concrete-meets-hardwood industrial warmth that makes you want to stay awhile. "This place is so good I went back the day after! I like its chill atmosphere it's perfect for reading a book or getting work done. And the staff is friendly," wrote Samantha Lemon in a five-star review. It's the kind of space that convention-goers stumble upon after bad hotel coffee sends them searching the streets near the Salt Palace Convention Center. And when they find it, they're genuinely surprised—both that it exists and that it's this good. The Twin Sisters Who Left Park City to Build Their Own Roastery Identical twins Abigail Purdie and Bethany Heath didn't exactly take the traditional path to owning a downtown Salt Lake City coffee shop. Raised Mormon in Southern California, they weren't even supposed to drink coffee according to their childhood faith. But once they tried it, they fell hard for the ritual, the craft, the community that forms around a good cup. After seven years working for a Park City roaster, the sisters found themselves barely seeing each other despite working in the same industry. Their only time to catch up? Those exhausted phone calls driving home after long shifts. Anyone who's worked in coffee knows the pace—the early mornings, the constant motion, the strange intimacy of making someone's morning routine perfect when you're running on fumes yourself. One day changed everything. Beth was working at a coffee shop when one of her regular customers came in and told a story that made the twins realize: if they wanted to spend time together while doing what they loved, they needed to build something of their own. In 2017, they made the tough call to leave Park City—where they'd spent a decade becoming fixtures in the coffee scene—and headed downtown to try their hand at ownership. They chose the name Cupla, the Irish Gaelic word for "twin," a nod to their heritage and the fact that they were born under the sign of Gemini. The universe seemed to be telling them something about duality, partnership, doing this thing together. What Makes Cupla Coffee Different: High-Altitude Roasting and Signature Drinks Here's something most people don't think about: Utah's elevation fundamentally changes how coffee tastes. Because the mountain air is thinner and drier, Cupla can roast their beans using less heat, which means less chance of scorching. The altitude allows them to properly develop the bean flavors using less heat, resulting in a consistently perfect brewed cup of high-elevation coffee. Beth handles the roasting at their Cottonwood Heights location, working in small batches with organic, fair-trade, shade-grown beans sourced from plantations around the coffee belt—Brazil, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Madagascar. The sisters rotate their offerings seasonally, which means you're not drinking coffee that's been sitting around. You're drinking something roasted fresh, probably within the last few days. Their signature drinks have developed cult followings. The Scottie features butterscotch syrup and is topped with a white pepper sprinkle. Yeah, you read that right—white pepper on your latte. One customer asked the barista for her number one recommendation, "and she tipped me off to The Scottie. 'It's cracked,' she said, and true enough it was, assisted by the cracked pepper on top. Who knew?!?" Then there's the Mount Caramel and the Snickerdoodle Latte, which has customers coming back specifically for that cinnamon-sugar nostalgia. "We ordered a Vanilla Latte, Root Beer Latte, and Snickerdoodle Latte. All three drinks were terrific. Even though they were flavored, they weren't over-sweet and the coffee beans shined thru," one TripAdvisor reviewer noted after discovering the downtown location before a conference at the Salt Palace. For the keto and paleo folks, there's The Cupla Bullet—grass-fed butter, MCT oil, cocoa powder, and heavy cream whipped into your coffee like liquid energy. And if you're not into coffee at all, their lavender lemonade and turmeric chai have their own devoted fans. The Brunch Menu That Keeps People Coming Back The bacon egg and cheese croissant with avocado. If you take nothing else from this article, remember that dish. "The bacon egg and cheese croissant with avocado was 11/10 Lavender dirty Chai 11/10 this is the first place in Utah that has had the best drinks The scone was perfect 11/10," gushed one customer who clearly wasn't holding back their enthusiasm. The sisters bake all their own pastries, catering specifically to alternative diets—gluten-free, vegan, keto, paleo, low-sugar. "Love Cupla Coffee! The twins know what they're doing. They roast their own coffee and they do it well! It's also the only place I know in salt lake area that has keto treats (cookies, cheesecake, cupcakes!)," noted a regular who'd been searching for options that fit their dietary needs. The brunch menu features breakfast burritos (get yours "Cupla style" with cheddar cheese fried onto the outside), frittatas, bagels with lox, avocado toast, and seasonal bakery items. Everything pairs perfectly with whatever you're drinking, whether it's a simple drip coffee or one of their more adventurous specialty lattes. From Downtown to the Slopes: Cupla's Three Utah Locations After proving the concept worked in that quirky basement space downtown, Abigail and Bethany expanded strategically. In 2020, they opened in Cottonwood Heights at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon—perfect positioning for skiers and snowboarders heading up to Brighton, Solitude, Alta, or Snowbird. "LOVE Cupla Coffee! The owner went out of her way to make us the best coffee & food! Super comfortable, cute atmosphere," wrote Emma D. about the Cottonwood location. Then in October 2021, they came full circle, opening their Park City location in Kimball Junction. "Park City is where we found our love for, and ultimately nurtured and grew our passion for coffee," Bethany told a local outlet. After managing Park City Coffee Roasters for years, returning to open their own shop there felt like coming home. Each location has its own personality but maintains that same welcoming energy. All three are dog-friendly with patios where you'll find furry friends lounging while their humans sip lattes. All three offer free WiFi for remote workers and students. And all three maintain that "home away from home" vibe that Abby and Madi—their superstar barista at the downtown location—somehow create naturally. Why Cupla Coffee Matters to Utah's Third-Wave Coffee Scene In a state historically known more for abstaining from coffee than celebrating it, the specialty coffee movement in Salt Lake City represents something bigger than caffeine. It's about carving out space for a different kind of Utah identity—one that embraces craft, quality, and the slow pleasure of a well-made drink. The coffee scene in Salt Lake has been evolving for many years, quietly surpassing everyone's expectations. Cupla sits right at the heart of that evolution as a locally-owned coffee roaster that refuses to compromise on sourcing, refuses to mass-produce, and refuses to treat customers like transactions. The sisters participate in Pride Month events and Twin Day celebrations. They've built their business on sustainability principles—small-batch roasting reduces waste, and they exclusively source from ethical, fair-trade plantations. They've created a space where the Mormon kid curious about trying coffee for the first time feels just as welcome as the third-wave coffee snob analyzing tasting notes. Planning Your Visit to Cupla Coffee Downtown SLC Downtown Salt Lake City Location: 77 W 200 S (basement of the Axis Building) Open Monday-Sunday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM The downtown location is a short walk from the Salt Palace Convention Center, Temple Square, City Creek Center, and the Delta Center. It's easily accessible by TRAX public transportation, and there's plenty of street parking nearby. What to Order: First-timers should try The Scottie or the Snickerdoodle Latte to experience their signature style. If you want to taste the quality of their roasting, get a simple drip coffee or flat white. For food, that bacon egg and cheese croissant with avocado is non-negotiable. And if you have dietary restrictions, don't hesitate to ask—they've likely got options you won't find elsewhere in downtown SLC. Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings tend to be busy with the convention and business crowd. If you want a quieter experience for working or reading, aim for mid-afternoon. Weekend mornings attract a more relaxed brunch crowd. Other Locations: Cottonwood Heights: 3418 Bengal Blvd (perfect pre-ski stop) Park City: 1476 Newpark Blvd, Kimball Junction (minutes from ski resorts) Follow them on Instagram @cuplacoffeehouse to see their daily specials and seasonal menu additions. The Bottom Line In a city filled with corporate coffee chains and tourists seeking familiar comfort, Cupla Coffee proves that the best experiences often require going down a flight of stairs into a basement you almost missed. Abigail and Bethany Purdie-Heath built something rare: a downtown Salt Lake City coffee shop that feels like it actually belongs to the neighborhood, where the coffee is roasted with the kind of care that only comes from people who fell in love with the craft and decided to make it their whole lives. Whether you're grabbing a quick americano before a conference at the Salt Palace, settling in for a remote work session with a Cupla Bullet, or discovering your new favorite breakfast burrito, you're participating in something the twins created specifically so they could hang out together while serving great coffee. And honestly? That's the kind of origin story that makes everything taste better.

Walk into 801 Coffee Roasters on a weekday morning, and you'll notice something different about the espresso shots being pulled behind the bar. The flow is slower, thicker, almost syrupy. That's because owner Alex Harrison isn't serving your standard espresso—he's pulling ristretto shots, a concentrated brewing technique that transforms the entire coffee experience. "We were pleasantly surprised to find a nice assortment of locally made and brought in breakfast items and delicious roasted in house coffee," one visitor noted after stumbling upon this Capitol Hill gem. And when they tried those New Zealand meat pies? They were so good they had to order a second one. From 21st Birthday Dinner to Downtown Salt Lake City Coffee Roastery At his 21st birthday dinner, Alex Harrison's mother made a suggestion that would change everything: start his own coffee company. It wasn't a wild idea—Alex had spent years working in local coffee shops, expanding his knowledge and honing his craft since he was 19. By the following weekend, he'd bought a truck, met with a health department representative, and trademarked his business name and logo. 801 Coffee Roasters was born. The name wasn't arbitrary. In Utah, the 801 area code carries weight—it's a badge of local pride, a way of saying "this is ours." Alex leaned into that identity hard, even creating an annual celebration on August 1st (8/01) that's become a tradition for the shop. But beyond the clever branding, there was a deeper mission driving the young entrepreneur. The roasting business was created in the hopes of spreading coffee knowledge around the globe, with the aim to both teach and learn from businesses and individuals in the community. What started as a mobile coffee truck covering every inch of the Salt Lake Valley—from downtown to Draper—evolved strategically. Alex realized he needed a larger audience to promote his specialty coffee and brand. So he expanded: farmers markets, local events like Shred Fest SLC, charity fundraisers. By early 2018, the roasting side grew when they began supplying local restaurants and coffee shops, which really improved marketing and consistency. By 2020, the demand had grown enough to launch an e-commerce site, sharing their beans with customers across the country. Then came the brick-and-mortar location at 550 N 300 W, right in the heart of Salt Lake City's Capitol Hill neighborhood—a historic area known more for government buildings than third wave coffee culture. Which is exactly why it works. The Ristretto Experience: Specialty Coffee Salt Lake City with Serious Technique Here's what most people don't know about ristretto coffee: it's not just a smaller espresso. At 801, they pull what's known as a "Ristretto Shot," which means the grind is finer than your average espresso shot. In turn, the shot pulls at a much slower rate and with a thicker consistency, which increases the flavor potency. Think of it like this—while a standard espresso shot uses a 1:2 ratio of coffee to water (say, 18 grams of coffee producing about 36 grams of espresso), a ristretto restricts that water to create roughly a 1:1 ratio. The result? You're getting a more concentrated extraction that emphasizes the sweeter, less bitter compounds in the coffee. The finer grind compensates for the shorter extraction time, ensuring that enough desirable flavors make it into your cup in those precious 15 seconds. When you order a latte at 801 Coffee Roasters, you're not just getting caffeinated—you're experiencing a different flavor profile entirely. The ristretto base creates drinks that taste naturally sweeter, with a fuller body and less of that harsh bitterness you sometimes get from over-extracted espresso. And if you're wondering whether you can actually taste the difference? You absolutely can. Latte art is their way of showing customers that they care about coffee in every aspect—how it tastes, how it smells, sourcing direct-trade beans, roasting locally, brewing properly, and presentation. Walk up to the counter on any given day and you'll see intricate rosetta patterns and hearts being poured into flat whites and cappuccinos. It's not showing off—it's attention to detail, proof that every variable from bean to cup has been considered. The menu keeps things focused but interesting. Yes, you'll find your standard espresso drinks—lattes, cappuccinos, cortados—but there's also cold brew when the Utah summer heat kicks in. And then there are those New Zealand meat pies and quiche that keep showing up in customer reviews. They're not trying to be a full restaurant; they're creating a complete experience where good food complements exceptional coffee. One customer summed it up perfectly when describing their visit: "Everything was just how you want a relaxing, comfortable coffee shop to be." Coffee Culture Progression in Utah's Capitol Hill Salt Lake City's specialty coffee scene has grown considerably over the past decade, with roasters like Publik, Jack Mormon, and Millcreek Coffee establishing themselves across the valley. But Capitol Hill—the neighborhood wedged between downtown and the University of Utah, home to the state capitol building—has remained somewhat underserved when it comes to craft coffee roasters. That's where 801 Coffee Roasters finds its niche. They're not competing directly with the 9th & 9th corridor or the downtown Main Street scene. Instead, they're bringing third wave coffee culture to a neighborhood that's a mix of historic homes, young professionals, and state workers looking for something better than the office breakroom pot. The Marmalade District location (named for the fruit trees that once filled the area) puts them within walking distance of local apartments and condos, close enough to I-15 for commuters to make a quick stop, and just far enough from Temple Square to feel like a local secret. The team wanted to serve their quality coffee to a larger audience while maintaining connections with the community. And the community has responded. Staff members are welcoming and fun to chat with, sharing the story of how the business came to be and what their hopes are moving forward. That's the kind of thing you don't get at chains—the sense that the person pulling your shot actually cares about the progression of coffee culture in their city, that they're invested in creating something that lasts. It's worth noting that this growth comes at an interesting time for Utah's coffee scene. In a state historically known more for its teetotaling culture than its café society, the explosion of specialty coffee represents a shift. Young Utahns, both LDS and non-LDS, are embracing coffee culture as a gathering space, a way to build community around craft and conversation. 801 Coffee Roasters embodies that evolution—celebrating local pride (hence the area code) while participating in a global coffee movement. Planning Your Visit to 801 Coffee Roasters Address & Neighborhood: 550 N 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 You'll find them in the Capitol Hill/Marmalade District, just north of downtown. The location is easily accessible from I-15, with street parking available along 300 West. You're about a 10-minute walk from the Utah State Capitol if you're exploring the area, and less than a mile from Temple Square. What to Order: The Ristretto-Based Drinks: Start with a cappuccino or flat white to really taste the difference the ristretto technique makes. The natural sweetness and concentrated flavor shine through in milk-based drinks. Fresh Roasted Beans: They roast in-house and sell bags to take home. Current offerings include beans from Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ethiopia—all direct-trade. New Zealand Meat Pies: Multiple customers have mentioned these specifically, with at least one saying they ordered a second because the first was so good. Quiche: A solid savory option if you're stopping in for breakfast or lunch. Insider Tips: One regular customer noted they're "glad you guys come to ARUP every Sunday," suggesting the mobile truck still makes appearances at various locations around the valley. Check their Instagram @801coffeeroasters for current hours and any special events. The space itself is designed for both quick stops and lingering visits—whether you're grabbing a coffee on your way to work or settling in with your laptop for a few hours. And if you show up on August 1st (801 Day), expect special drinks and a celebration of that local Utah pride. Connect: Instagram: @801coffeeroasters Phone: (385) 295-4560 Email: alexharrison@801coffeeroasters.com Website: 801coffeeroasters.com (for online bean orders) The Bottom Line In a city where specialty coffee roasters are multiplying faster than you can say "single origin," 801 Coffee Roasters stands out not by being the loudest or the trendiest, but by focusing on craft, community, and a brewing technique most shops don't bother with. The ristretto shots aren't a gimmick—they're a statement about doing things differently, about prioritizing flavor intensity and sweetness over volume. One observer noted that what sets 801 Coffee Roasters apart from other coffee shops is the quality of their beans—importing them directly from the farm to ensure a higher quality and more essential flavor profile. That commitment to sourcing, combined with the in-house roasting and technical precision of their brewing method, creates an experience that feels both approachable and elevated. Whether you're a Capitol Hill resident looking for your new daily stop, a coffee geek interested in tasting the difference between ristretto and standard espresso, or just someone who appreciates when a local business gets the details right—801 Coffee Roasters delivers. In a neighborhood dominated by government buildings and historic architecture, Alex Harrison has built something that feels genuinely alive: a space where coffee culture, local pride, and community progression come together, one concentrated shot at a time. Stop in, order a ristretto-based latte, grab one of those famous New Zealand pies, and taste what happens when someone takes their 21st birthday dinner conversation seriously enough to build something real.