Caffeinated Culture

Nevada coffeehouses provide culture coupled with art, a bite to eat, and, of course, coffee.

By ERIC CACHINERO | November/December 2012

There’s something comforting about the aroma of coffee. Whether it evokes a calming nostalgia or entices us with new discovery, its appeal captivates a broad audience. Nevada coffeehouses cater to these captivations by offering a number of unique artistic venues, appetizing meals, and endless ways to provide a caffeine fix in traditional and innovative ways.

COFFEE ON MAIN

Planting roots in Carson Valley as a kiosk in 2003, Coffee on Main has since expanded, causing quite a stir in the coffee-loving community—and it has the accolades to prove it. Voted Best Coffee in Carson Valley for four years in The Record-Courier, Carson Valley’s hometown newspaper, Coffee on Main knows what its customers enjoy.

With two locations—one in Minden with a drive-up and a walk-up window and one in Gardnerville with indoor seating, couches, and free Wi-Fi—Coffee on Main caters to the entire spectrum of coffee lovers. Coffee on Main brews Alpen Sierra coffee—roasted locally in Minden—and serves fresh quiche, scones, muffins, and brownies from its in-house bakery.

The Minden location is open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Gardnerville Ranchos location is open Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COWBOY JOE

Gracing Elko with its exceptional menu and unique vibe for 20 years, family-owned Cowboy Joe is sure to send you out the door satisfied. Offering a new and imaginative special drink daily, Cowboy Joe keeps even its regulars guessing. From the Great White—a mocha built upside down and topped with a white chocolate drizzle—to the Leprechaun—a mixture of Irish cream, steamed milk, and espresso with caramel on top—Cowboy Joe’s is keeps its creative coffee concoctions flowing.

Joe’s also offers a large selection of bagels, cakes, and cookies provided by locally owned Great Basin Bakery. Cowboy Joe is open Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

BAKKERS BREW

Conveniently located off Interstate 80 in Battle Mountain, Bakkers Brew appeals as much to travelers as it does to locals. Maintaining the homey atmosphere of Battle Mountain, family-owned Bakkers Brew provides cozy couches as well as a spacious patio for guests to enjoy their organic Italian espresso. It offers a large selection of both cold and hot drinks, and even soft-serve ice cream.

Bakkers Brew also carries a selection of bagels and muffins for those who want to have a bite to eat with their morning coffee. Bakkers Brew is open Monday through Friday 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

COMMA COFFEE

Redefining the traditional coffee-house experience, Comma Coffee provides guests with not only innovative and delicious coffee and food, but also an embracing atmosphere for guests to express themselves. Owner June Joplin defines the comma in Comma Coffee as “the pause… the breath… the break between two thoughts” in a setting where people can feel welcomed and rejuvenated. Comma Coffee offers chess and couches for adults to relax while children can enjoy toys and a fish tank.

Try the Mary Jean Praline—a double latte with crème brûlée and pralines—or, if you’re looking for something more filling, try the Spinach Salvation salad, made with apple slices, dried cranberries, walnuts, red onion, feta cheese, homemade croutons, and sweet ginger balsamic dressing. Comma Coffee is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

THE COFFEE HOUSE

Only open since August, The Coffee House has already made an impact on the coffee and art scene in Henderson. The wide array of art and photography on the walls coupled with on-site painting done by local artists creates a unique artistic vibe at The Coffee House. The Coffee House provides an environment where guests can sip Italian Lavazza coffee while enjoying local talent at one of its popular open mic nights.

The Coffee House offers affordable prices without sacrificing the flavor of the coffee, which is bringing new customers from across the community. As owner Don Watkins puts it, “Even the competition drinks our coffee.” The Coffee House is open Monday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.