My take on this new, bustling addition to the city of San Dimas, Calif.
I like my coffee bold—like super bold.
My ratio for an average 12-cup pot is down to a science: 1.75 cups of coffee per pot of water. Not to mention, I don’t mess around with those pre-grinded beans, lest I lose the earthy tones of the Don Francisco Bold Roast. Instead, I buy whole beans so I can grind them right before I put them in the brewer.
Strong coffee is my thing, so when I visit a café that boasts in their Mega Twix Candy Bar Latté, I often wonder what it is about their normal brews that they are hiding.
While Klatch Coffee has these treats available for those who need to satisfy their sweet tooth, their mainstage drinks are anything but Starbucks remakes.
Drink Options
The featured drink on their online menu was an Oat Milk Cappuccino on Tap. This simple drink is exactly what it sounds like. There are no gimmicks.
Like other cappuccinos, Klatch Coffee’s cappuccinos feature one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk and one-third foam, making this drink a perfect option for those who enjoy a medium to bold flavor and need a milk alternative.
When I arrived at the San Dimas location, I ended up skipping out on their featured drink. Instead, I endeavored to create an iced latte of my own to see if their custom drinks are worth the $6 price point.
So, I asked for an iced latte with half-decaf shots, oat milk (which was an extra $0.90) and hazelnut syrup. To my surprise, the flavor of the espresso was rich and earthy, totally complemented by the nutty notes of the hazelnut syrup.
On the downside, the pour over of the drink was not as smooth as I would have preferred. There were miniscule bits of sugar or some residual matter from the oatmilk, perhaps, present in the drink. I did not really mind them, but it did change the texture of the drink. If you prefer a super smooth sip, then I would recommend skipping out on any milk alternatives to play it safe.
A major plus, however, was how quickly the drink was crafted. Within a few minutes of ordering I was given my drink and choice of food, which I will now discuss.
Food Options
Klatch Coffee has more wholesome foods when compared to other chain cafés such as Coffee Bean, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and the like.
While they have the typical standards such as bagels, chocolate chip cookies and croissants, Klatch boasts in their more original creations that elevate the chain above its competitors.
The food creation I purchased was avocado toast. What intrigued me about the toast was that it was topped with cucumbers, an addition that is abnormal for toast in general.
I had never considered mixing avocado and cucumber before, especially with salt, pepper and chili spices, but it worked! The avocado’s ripeness was just right, which is important for me since I have an allergy to avocados (I still indulge in them), and the bread’s toastiness was just right.
Overall Thoughts
So, should you go to Klatch Coffee? In my opinion, it is an absolute yes. There are few other café venues where you can receive quick, friendly service with a wide array of delicious treats to try.
The Beat @APU 