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| - There are three of us seated back here at the Smooth Brew Coffee patio. One of us writes diligently onto a leather-bound journal, well worn. One of us types incessantly on a computer keypad, back-spacing often and peering earnestly off into space. One of us - the only leftie - writes in wobbly lines across the unlined media of a spiral-bound sketchpad.
The patio is white concrete rectangle pads with grey brick borders, clean. Aqua blue café tables with matching seats compliment maroon posts and a Prussian blue fence. Hearty bushes with brilliant flame-colored bellflowers adorn the fence in regular intervals of six or seven feet. A wind has been blowing through Phoenix for days. It creaks the canvas covers above our heads.
There is a large mug directly to the right of me. The thick foam of a latte floats atop creamy liquid. A sprinkling of cinnamon converges to a moist, dark mound in the center of the trembling foam. A breeze takes one of Leftie's pages, sends it scattering to the ground. She catches it just in time. Checking the clock, I lean back and take a long, slow breath through the nose.
INSIDE
Inside, furniture litters a spacious room, neighbor to the parade of local art that lines the walls. A large menu, handwritten in colorful chalk, decorates the space behind a roomy bar. Quirky, crafted chandeliers hang low above large round tables, but the light that fills the room is from outside. It cascades in through large glass windows without apology.
Business cards and papers clutter tabletops, clip to dividing walls, butt up to books and one another, enumerating details of local businesses, upcoming events, and other news. (This somehow without becoming sloppy or offensive.) Pastries, fresh and titillating, stand on prominent display. Cheerful baristas smile and nod and welcome waiting guests.
ABOUT THE FARE
The menu here is extensive. It features a litany of coffee beverages you simply won't find anywhere else. My choice of the day was a Horchata Latte. Typically I wouldn't spring for a sweet drink (especially in the morning), but this choice was a good one and the latte hit the spot. The food menu is equally impressive with multiple (exceptionally affordable) options.
I ordered the Green Eggs and Turkey Sandwich, served on a whole wheat English muffin with roasted red pepper and melted provolone cheese with a dash of pesto. At just barely more than $3.00, I considered this little breakfast sandwich a win!
Smooth Brew Coffee doesn't stop at breakfast food, either. They also offer an impressive line of smoothies, Panini sandwiches, "Jitter Free" beverages, and the aforementioned pasties, which appear to be baked fresh daily here on-sight.
ABOUT THE SERVICE
Service was outstanding. Originally helped by Kat, my drink was made by Michael at light speed. My food was delivered to me on the patio and Kat made a point of coming out to check on me and my two neighbors regularly. She wasn't the only one, either. Leah came by as well, gathering a fresh-baked loaf from the back house and offering water if any of us wished it.
(Kat even brought out a large mug full of water and a cup full of something sweet for Leftie's little dog, who's name was Pete.)
In terms of convenience, Smooth Brew is one of the few good coffee spots offering locally-roasted coffee options across a broad-spectrum menu through a drive-thru window. This is a cool feature that I could see myself using pretty frequently if I lived and/or worked nearby.
CONCLUSION
The sense of this place is very much like home. The service and sincerity of the staff astonished me. I can't help but be grateful for the pleasure of great service from good people - it's no small gift. I'll plan to return on the basis of that alone.
I am pleased to give Smooth Brew an enthusiastic Five Stars on all relevant points, and I most certainly WILL be back, and soon! If you haven't yet been to Smooth Brew Coffee, it's well worth an add to your list.
Choose a beautiful spring morning like I did and relax on the patio out back. Or visit any other time of day and pick a quiet, comfy seat inside amidst the art and lively bustle of the staff.
A NOTE TO THE STAFF
Kat, Michael, Leah - thank you for working so hard to make your guests feel at home. Your effort is noticed, and sincerely appreciated. Thank you for being genuine and kind people and for allowing that to shine through in your work (even when it's early on a weekend morning). I'll look forward to seeing each of you (and your beautiful smiles) again very soon. :)
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