Three pours later, I was able to enjoy one of the best pour over coffee blends I’ve tried yet. Farley’s East, a little cafe on Grand in Oakland near Lake Merrit, with a logo featuring the silhouette of man with a blower hat and cane (a mix between Charlie Chaplin and Planter’s Mr. Peanut). Locals pack this place for the large offering, including a range from an indulgent panini to a healthy salad, or any of their many varieties of pastries, as well as the solid coffee and friendly-yet-efficient staff. The space itself can best be described as hip, with local art on the walls and two levels of seating, with wood panels adorning the balcony, an outdoor patio lined with a slick metal enclosure with natural wood accents and seating, faux grass, and red tables, and chalkboards framed in red listing the daily specials. Another exceptional feature of Farley’s is their magazine selection: two walls full of the latest magazines, with multiple copies, free for reading in the cafe, and available for purchase if desired.

De la Paz is their roaster, and today’s featured pour over was Graceland, a blend of Honduras and Rwanda beans, roasted on February 3rd. Flavors of honey yellow peach and cocao, along with sweet and inviting coffee aromas, definitely made this blend a craveable coffee, best on it’s own (no need to add sugar or milks).