Sometimes, the only way to truly experience a place is to spend a lot of time there. Like, an entire afternoon.
I did exactly that last Saturday by spending at least five hours in one of downtown Knoxville’s newest additions: the Coffee and Chocolate coffee shop.
But this wasn’t the first time I’d visited the shop, located on 327 Union Avenue just around the bend from Market Square.
My fiance and I swung by on that occasion because we had never come across the store before then. That, and we’re both coffee fanatics.
That first trip gave us a chance to try an excellent chocolate and cheesecake concoction (whose official name escapes me) and the coffee.
Both were tasty — my fiance wasn’t that impressed with the dessert however, I’m more easily swayed — though the coffee wasn’t that far in quality or freshness than that of The Golden Roast, located near the UT campus.
Also, I was a bit miffed that the barista couldn’t tell me where their coffee was sourced — this happened on both trips I made to the shop. Instead I was told to ask the absentee owner.
But atmosphere is very nice with sparse decor, and a very urban feel.
There aren’t very many tables, so be prepared to stand or enjoy your coffee and treat elsewhere.
And since Coffee and Chocolate offers free wireless there stands a good chance most of the tables will be filled by the Internet-hungry crowd. I definitely fall into that group.
Since my fiance and I met in a coffee shop, we’re both exceptionally picky about these places. In fact, we believe you can judge a city based on the quality of its coffee shops.
Knoxville wasn’t doing well in this regard, but the downtown addition of Coffee and Chocolate could help boost its cred. At least with us.
If you want to read more about Coffee and Chocolate, Metro Pulse has a more in-depth review. And knoxnews just published a “Random This” video of producer Lauren Spuhler’s visit to the shop.
Comments 13
For my part, the overall experience is really great. The atmosphere is just what I’d want (big windows to stare out of, understated but contemporary decor, art on the walls). My only beef with the desserts was that one of the servers let it slip that the triple chocolate cheesecake I’d ordered was still thawing.
I mean, it’s bound to be that the beautiful desserts are frozen. I guess I just didn’t like hearing it. (Also, the cheesecake was more of a mousse; you just can’t do that to a girl.)
The chocolates look amazing, and I’m actually surprised they’re not featured in the more visible display as you come into the shop.
The promise of sampling those sweets will keep me coming back, as well as the coffee and cafe seats looking out windows.
(–“Fiance”)
I was wondering if the “fiancé” was going to show up for a comment or two. Both of you have me wanting to stop in for some coffee and grab some chocolate for the wife.
Thanks for the additional input Lindsay!
You’re definitely more of a cheesecake expert than I. 🙂
Casey: Definitely grab some chocolate for your wife. And plan to share (the peanut butter cups are the size of my fist! Granted, I have a small fist …).
Patrick: I’ll teach you the way of the cheesecake. Prepare to spend the next several years learning 🙂
Lindsay, if you like chocolate also check out Bradley’s in Cedar Bluff. I’m pretty sure the ladies in my department keep them in business.
A buddy of mine, who works at Starbucks, says this place has the best espresso in town.
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The espresso is great because they use one of the best espresso machines on the smaller commercial market. And their coffee is very freshly roasted! It’s hard to make bad espresso with an awesome machine and fresh coffee.
I LOVE Coffee & Chocolate. It’s the perfect size and has great art, wonderful coffee and chocolate. Sharif is a joy, as are his baristas!
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I have been to this coffee shop about 3 times and it is great; I drink alot of coffee and Starbucks is my usual. I also french press at home. I believe this is the best cup of regular drip coffee in Knoxville. The flavor is always good and tastes fresh. Not to mention the treats.
Patrick – Their coffee is roasted/provided by Alan Zeigel, who also roasts for The Golden Roast, Cafe 4, and sells at Three Rivers.