Searching for a great cup of joe? Six places to find it in Avalon
Some of us are so addicted to caffeine that we’d be happy to take our lattes intravenously. But you don’t need to do that in Avalon, which is filled to the brim with coffee joints that will help you kick-start your day. Whether you’re seeking café au lait, Americanos, blended drinks or drip coffee, you’ll find it here.
Ben’s Bakery: One of the newest places on the Island to grab a superlative cup of coffee — and be tempted by delish baked goods — is at Ben’s Bakery in the newly renovated Shops at the Atwater. Ben’s serves coffee from Illy, a well-known Italian coffee roasting company that specializes in espresso. While you’re here, try a chocolate cinnamon croissant ($4) or a chive omelet ($3.50). Coffee drinks, $2.25-$4.75. 119 Sumner Ave., visitcatalinaisland.com
Catalina Coffee & Cookie Company: If you want coffee really early in the morning, 5am for instance, this small shop in the Metropole Arcade is your spot. Catalina Coffee & Cookie Company, which is brewing when everybody else in still in bed, is open from 5am-8pm. It has build-your-own-breakfast-sandwiches ($4.95-$6.95) all day, and has a large variety of cookies ($2.25). Coffee drinks $3-$5.50. 205 Crescent Ave., catalinacoffeeandcookieco.com
Catalina Island Brewhouse: OK, we know you’re wondering why we included a brewhouse in this list of coffee joints. But this business was originally named Courtyard Coffee and still thinks of itself as an espresso bar that happens to also be a brewhouse. It serves coffee from Washington’s Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters. Also find quiche ($4.50), breakfast sandwiches and bakery goods. Coffee drinks $1.75-$7.50. 417 Crescent Ave., catalinaislandbrewhouse.com
Descanso Fresh: This gourmet espresso bar, which opened in summer, doubles as a classic beachside ice cream shop, offering fresh-pressed juices, crepes, snacks and spiked ice cream. (You read that correctly; you can get adult-only ice creams here). Descanso Fresh serves coffee from the Italian coffee maker Illy. 1 Descanso Ave., visitcatalinaisland.com
Lloyd’s Confectionary: On a budget? You’ll find the cheapest coffee in town at Lloyd’s, where you can get a 12-ounce cup for 50 cents or 16 ounces for 75 cents, with prices going up to $5.25 for a double white mocha. If you’re in a hurry, try the outside window, or go inside for baked goods such as doughnuts ($2.50) or bear claws ($3.50). Grab a bag of loose candy or a caramel apple for later in the day. 315 Crescent Ave., catalinacandy.com
Scoops: If you need a daily Starbucks fix, Scoops is your place. This ice cream and gelato shop opened in the fall and claims to be the only place on the Island serving the brand. The shop doesn’t carry the entire Starbucks’ menu, but hopefully has some of your favorites. Coffee starts at $2.45. Pastries occasionally available ($1.50). 501 Crescent Ave.; scoopscatalina.com
By Rosemary McClure