This month, the Food Feud gets jittery. Two interns make their case for which local coffee shop makes the best latte.
Kate Rose – Red Berry Coffee Bar
If you’re anything like me, the promise of an iced latte is what gets you out of bed. After a sleep-deprived junior year, and what’s looking like a sleep-deprived senior year too, I’ve become very acquainted with which lattes do the job: taste-wise, vibes-wise (all very professional scales).
So, if you suffer from the condition where you wake up every morning craving caffeine instead of water, let me be your doctor with zero qualifications.
My first prescription? The chai latte from Red Berry Coffee Bar.
For one, it’s the opposite of watered down (full shade to Starbucks’ new chai recipe), but it also isn’t too sweet. In fact, it’s a little spicy! They use a warm spice blend, adding some ginger, pepper and cinnamon to an otherwise creamy drink. And it’s not overpowering at all, it just leaves a warm tang in the back of your throat. It’s for the people who want to feel a little excitement in their lives, but still be tucked in bed by 9 p.m.
And I can’t advertise a Red Berry latte without advertising Red Berry itself, an adorably homey café on Main Street in Los Altos. I wouldn’t label it a “hidden” gem, as it’s often quite busy. I can’t count the number of times I’ve confidently walked into their upstairs seating area just for it to be completely filled. Then I do a walk of shame back down the stairs. It’s a fun bit we’ve got going.
But the high demand absolutely makes sense: It’s a perfect working environment. There’s natural sunlight, comfy chairs with pillows and windows that let you look at the people ordering below. Where are my fellow people-watchers (in an innocent, making-up-their-backstories way)?
And if a chai isn’t your cup of tea (pun intended.), there are plenty of food options and other drinks to try. So, I’ll see you upstairs… if you can find a seat.
Mia Scott – Kona Island Coffee
Tucked amid the storefronts in The Village at San Antonio Center, Kona Island Coffee always manages to bring a slice of Hawaii to Mountain View. Whether stopping by for a midday break or looking for a place to study, it’s quickly becoming a go-to place I always look forward to visiting.
Before I even push open the door, I can smell the fragrant notes of Kona’s espresso and roasted macadamia nuts. Ever since the shop opened in the spring, I have been eager to visit – and glad I did. Having fallen in love with Island Vintage Coffee in Hawaii, I am excited to have found that same rich taste a little closer to home.
While I have yet to dive into Kona’s food menu, the drinks alone make the trip worthwhile. When I stop by for a treat, I always order the iced Kona latte. It’s a classic that’s perfect on a warm afternoon.
The secret is the beans themselves. Authentic Kona beans from Hawaii are known for their lower acidity, with notes of milk chocolate, honey, caramel and subtle fruit, skipping the bitterness that often comes with a standard espresso. Blended with creamy milk and subtle island notes like coconut and macadamia nut, each sip lands the perfect balance of blonde coffee flavor and sweetness.
Beyond the drinks, the space itself makes me want to stick around. It has a modern, calming vibe, with light wood accents and greenery that make it a great place to pause and get some work done or just hang out.
A visit to Kona is an easy way to capture that vacation feeling without ever having to leave town. When a busy day starts to blur, knowing this spot is right down the street makes a nice afternoon reset – and a dependable island escape.
Red Berry Coffee Bar, 145 Main St., Los Altos and Kona Island Coffee, 2565 California St. Ste 84, Mountain View
