Coffee, unplugged

Posted on January 20, 2009 
Filed Under Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Mission

“The best part of wakin’ up” —and other Folgers-in-your-cup pop culture archetypes— has always suggested the importance of company while enjoying that fresh-brewed cuppa joe. Although many might deject the notion of having their coffee delivered in bed by a decaffeinated but still perky as punch Scott Bakula, the tradition of drinking coffee has always been an intimate affair.

In today’s drive-through mocha-choca-frappa-latte coffee culture, we seem to be singing a much different commercial jingle. With everyone more concerned with where to plug in, the laptop-friendly lifestyle of our coffee houses have gradually put a moratorium on mingling. As Linda Richman might bemoan, what ever happened to coffee talk? And more importantly, what ever happened to a no-nonsense brew?

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Enter Four Barrel Coffee, a new no-frills hub for coffee fanatics that strikes a cool balance of style and substance. Just how “no-frills” are we talking? Well, there’s no pesky Internet to speak of here. Chatting is encouraged, just not the kind that involves your keyboard. The look is a clever mix of industrial chic meets country lodge. Heavy twisted-rope light fixtures and trophy boar heads add a touch of whimsy to the converted warehouse space. Favorite design element: don’t miss the bucolic mural on the floor of the chandelier-lit restroom. The menu is simple and the beans, courtesy of the Portland start-up Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Despite a smart blend of hip design and an expert brew, Four Barrel’s greatest accomplishment yet may be reminding the city what goes best with their coffee— conversation.

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Four Barrel is located at 375 Valencia St. (415) 252-0800. Open seven days a week (Mon–Thurs. from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

—Michael

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Comments

One Response to “Coffee, unplugged”

  1. Alan on January 21st, 2009 9:27 am

    No you dihnn’t just make reference to my 80’s crush, Scott Bakula! Now that is something to coffee-talk around! “Quantum Leap. and discuss.”

    As for Four Barrel, The “no-wifi here” rule is something to be seen. It’s a breath of fresh air (not unlike Bakula taking a big whiff of decaffeinated Folgers in the morning) to see no laptop in site and people having actual conversations.

    I love this place. The coffee’s good too.

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