At the corner of Holcomb and Liberty, Hannah Eddy painted the words “Find Your Flow,” a potential motto for each and every small business coffee shop in Reno. No matter which one you decide to sip coffee at and enjoy the new age energy, it will always have a unique spark and flow. The vibe differs from place to place, but it never seems to disappoint in creativity. Ambiance and aesthetic are two features that define local coffee shops and put its own take on what coffee in Reno should look and feel like.
There are three coffee shops in Reno that I consider my favorite places to stay and study or to quickly grab a delicious cup of joe on the go.
Coming from Pleasant Hill, located in California, the only coffee shops around are the big brand name ones from huge corporations.
Being a coffee lover since the beginning of high school, I was instantly attracted to the coffee culture in Reno when touring colleges.
I inherited the caffeine addiction and desired tastefulness from my father. He worked at a small espresso hut stand during his high school days that originally lit the coffee grounds fire inside him.
On my way to high school in the mornings, I would be slightly delayed by my eager father “quickly” making a Nespresso coffee for me. My job when I attended the University of Nevada, Reno was to seek out the best coffee shops for him to try when he visited me. Along my journey, I have successfully found what I believe to be my top three: Bibo Coffee Company, Perenn Bakery, and Hub Coffee Roasters.
Bibo Coffee Company is located near the entrance of Midtown on South Center Street. The location faces the backside of the Midtown strip, providing a safety net and oasis away from the hustle and bustle. There is a patio area out front with seating and umbrellas, perfect for studying and sipping on the best americano in Reno. Served in an adorable tiny coffee mug makes it that much more enjoyable. You can distinctly taste the richness of the ARSI light roast coffee, yet it is surprisingly refreshing with hints of fruit and citrus originating from Ethiopia.
Perenn Bakery is a small corner cafe in Midtown on Lawrence Avenue. The building is red brick and has a modern farmhouse look with an indie vibe. Their coffee is locally sourced from an organic farm in the East Sierras. They have excellent pastries and even better coffee. In my opinion, they have the best basic dark coffee blend if you are craving regular coffee, but I also really like their light roast lattes with pretty designs.
Hub Coffee Roasters is beautifully placed along the Truckee River on Riverside Drive. The location is my favorite because you can sip your coffee on their large outdoor patio while peering out at the moving river. You are easily swept into the vibrant indie energy as you step into the shop. Their americano is intense in the best way and has a nice sweet foam to top it off. They also serve a variety of lattes and chai teas.
All of these coffee shops have their own specialty coffee blends and roasting techniques that exude Reno’s coffee culture in one delicious cup.