Great Gig Harbor Coffee Shops
I hope I don’t lose too many readers by admitting this, but I don’t like coffee. I don’t like the taste, I don’t like the smell, I don’t like it grande or venti, vanilla or minty, double shot or extra hot, and I don’t like it with green…sorry.
I may not like coffee, but living in the Northwest I’m surrounded by coffee shops, and even for a guy like me, coffee shops have some great value. Here in Washington, there seems to be a Starbucks on every corner (or 3 if you are at the corner of Olympic and Point Fosdick!), but I’m not really a Star-Mart kind of guy. There are two local shops that both offer distinctive experiences and are both well worth visiting.
Kimball Espresso Gallery is a must visit if you’re in Gig Harbor. They serve my absolute favorite drink in the whole world…the Yoguccino. In their own words, the yoguccino “is the best tasting healthy drink we’ve ever found…only 130 calories and no fat (16 0z size). ” In my words, the Chocolate-Peanutbutter-banana yoguccino is the kind of drink I imagine will be served in heaven. Kimballs also serves as a great local photography gallery and has a very nice seating set-up for meeting with folks.
Just down the hill from Kimballs is Java and Clay. Right on the waterfront across from Skanskie Brothers Park, the atmosphere is wonderful. It is also a great place to bring kids, as they have a clay painting studio that is really pretty cool. A few years ago my wife brought home some pretty neat coasters that she made there. In terms of drinks, the peppermint hot chocolate is a nice treat on the cold days like today.
When you’re in Gig Harbor looking for a good spot to have coffee (or some alternative), try Kimball Espresso and Java and Clay. I’d finish with, “Tell them Matt sent you,” but that won’t get you anything!
December 10th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Those are two of my three favorites here: I also enjoy William and Patrick over near the post office. They make a really good cup of brew, but they’re a drive through as well.
December 10th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
I’ve never tried that one before…is it the drive through next to the auto mechanics shop?
December 11th, 2007 at 1:55 am
For my money the best lattes are found at Kelly’s (most exciting Resaurant)(Tyler being the most excellent Barista), and at the Gig Harbor Medical Park “Occassion’s Cafe” with the artistry of Malory! Tasting and seeing is believing with these two coffee escapes! Stay away from these if you want the bland corporate flavor. Be sure to leave a tip, these guys need it for school.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
We’ll be visiting in January and undoubtedly will want to try out a few of these!
January 18th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
[…] up a chai and a scone for my wife. Generally, I prefer to support the smaller local shops like Kimball Espresso and Java and Clay, but my wife likes Starbucks and it was […]
April 11th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
[…] Kimball’s Espresso–Great place to sit and chat, view their art gallery, and enjoy a yogucinno […]
June 26th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
[…] by the Kimball shopping center, which includes a great Teriyaki spot, Burger King, and my favorite, Kimball’s Espresso. Kimball’s Espresso recently received their state liquor license, and they are serving wine […]