Deep within Sonoma County is a quiet little town, shaded by the Armstrong
Redwoods and warmed from the inside out by a friendly and inclusive vibe.
Guerneville is many things to many people – a place for a romantic
getaway, a rural retreat, a fishing hole, and a natural tourist
attraction. This town only has a few streets, but the basics are covered,
and in Sonoma County that means green certified coffee joints. No matter
what brings you to this hamlet, in the mornings everyone is looking for
the same thing.
Coffee Bazaar frequently has canine greeters sitting with their masters in
the wooden plank chairs outside. Last trip I patted a huge Newfie on the
head before ordering my fresh pastry and fair trade espresso to go.
There’s more advanced breakfasting to be had here too – eggs, bagels,
scrambles and a myriad of muffins are at your beck and call. The cheerful
barista topped of my drink with a curly-que of foam, just how I like it,
and she was happy to package up my to go bagel in compostable packaging.
Coffee Bazaar is a melting pot of locals and travelers – all in search of
a bit of lively conversation over organic coffee and a few good eats. The
green beans are purchased directly from the farmers who grew them in the
shade of their forest habit, then roasted on a weekly schedule right in
the back of the shop. Smell the deep, pleasant aroma, and expect a cup
from very recently roasted coffee here.
Coffee Bazaar, 14045 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, 707-869-9706
Just outside the main cluster of Guerneville businesses is Kaya, a coffee
paradise, albeit a small one. Order cappuccinos (before 11 if you want to
pretend you’re Italian), and you’ll find hearts, stars and marbleized
squiggles floating on your morning beverage. Each espresso is packed and
poured with care just for you, and the organic snacks complement the cups.
Sip something other than wine when you are in Sonoma County, even if it
just to get you going in the morning. To avoid killing your pallet, just
be sure to cleanse it with some bread or crackers before heading to the
wineries.
Kaya Organic Espresso Shop 16626 Highway 116, Guerneville, 707-869-2230
