Pacific Roasting Company, Fulton and Hurley

Pacific Roasting Company is tucked back in the corner of a small strip mall with a Goodwill, 24 Hour Fitness and a grocery store. It is really nondescript, with a small sign that is mostly obscured from the street. Unless you went looking for it, you probably won't know it's there. I've noticed the sign a few times but wasn't sure if they were a retail or wholesale outlet.

Pacific Roasting Company is small-batch roasting in store, which makes them relatively unique in the specialty coffee business. There are a few others who roast in store, but not many. They weren't roasting this morning but there was still a very nutty smell of roasting beans lingering in the air.

There were a few things that I enjoyed about Pacific Roasting- they have a nice fireplace (turned off right now) and a cozy area for reading, studying or just chatting. They have free wi-fi and seem to not mind if you actually use it. The one major downside to the decor was the large plasma TV over the fireplace playing Fox News very loudly. Their coffee and tea menu was vast, but slightly overshadowed by the huge neon smoothie menu.

I really wanted to like Pacific Roasting... I really did. Locally owned, controlled local roasting, interesting interior... but overall the coffee did them in. Their "about us" states that they use espresso within 10 seconds of pouring but I watched my shot sit for at least one minute while the barista made another drink for a regular customer. It was quite possibly one of the worst shots of espresso I've ever had. It was bitter and oily, leaving a very medicinal aftertaste. I left wondering if perhaps the shot had been reused or not a traditional espresso blend. Maybe I got the shot the other guy was supposed to get? Their only saving grace was the beautiful foam on my latte and the perfectly steamed milk.

The cold case was filled with some delicious looking sandwiches and salads that made me hungry for lunch. But look up in the bakery case and you're left with a weird selection of Costco muffins. Maybe the baker was sick today or delivery didn't come. But I know a Costco muffin when I see one. There were two other squashed looking cheese danishes. I generally cave to any pastry but nothing in the bakery case was even remotely tempting.

Overall, my review of Pacific Roasting is trying to do it right but they just didn't succeed this morning. Perhaps they are worthy of another visit another day.

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Parking Location

Overall Appeal