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Who needs McDonald's? Specialty coffee on the cheap in Santa Barbara
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Daily Grind -- better and cheaper than the big chains.
On Monday, McDonald's released its monthly sales results, which, in most segments, were rather disappointing.
One notable area of strength, however, was its specialty espresso line, which launched earlier this year under the sub-brand of "McCafe." While many specialty coffee aficionados turn their noses at these products, the "coffee snob" isn't the intended audience. Expanded, affordable coffee options are proving to be a hit with McDonald's core customers during the recessionary economic environment.
But what of coffee fans here in Santa Barbara? Those for whom the coffee offerings at the six McDonald's in Santa Barbara/Goleta just won't do? The coffee culture here in the American Riviera is certainly storied and high quality . . . but what's affordable? Specialty coffee being just that, you aren't likely to find many steals. But here are three easy ways to get great specialty coffee or espresso on the (relative) cheap:
- Always bustling, popular shop The Daily Grind has managed to keeps its large cup of drip-brewed coffee below two bucks ($1.95). With a large selection of always fresh coffee, The Daily Grind is a slightly cheaper and far more local-business-friendly choice than Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ($2.05 for a large) or the ubiquitous Starbucks ($2). 2001 De la Vina St. (at Mission). (Oh, and while you're at it, the best breakfast burrito in town).
- Java Station. Such a relaxed atmosphere, Java Station is the place to take advantage of a bottomless cup of coffee, out of a real, honest-to-gosh mug. At less than $2, it's a total bang for your buck. Also appealing to cheapskates is the free Wi-Fi. While we'd hesitate to encourage abusing either of these perks, taking advantage of Java Station's great, organic, fair trade coffees from local roaster Green Star. 4447 Hollister Ave (near Modoc).
- Caribbean Coffee Company. No, this is not a full-service cafe; in fact, this roastery doesn't have much in a way of coffee available to drink. Its primary business is wholesale, and in fact, supplies many of the best cafes in town with coffee beans. So what does it have? Always two hot, fresh-brewed pots of coffee, one regular, one decaf, available as samples for patrons seeking to buy from its wide selection of whole roasted beans. They ask for a buck a cup, thrown in a donation jar. This is of course a fantastic deal. But on Fridays . . . Fridays it's free.
Of course, if you love the coffee, make sure you pick up a bag. When you're talking "coffee on the cheap," nothing's as efficient as making it at home for yourself. At "CCC," you can sample, indulge a little, and pick from a wide selection. Perfect for the cost-conscious. Keep an eye on CCC's Twitter feed for "virtual coupons" as well.
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