Dawson’s Downtown

Atmosphere: 5 out of 10
Food/​Drink: 7 out of 10
Service: 7 out of 10
Notes: Seems that a lot of places sell they’re coffee, and its good, but nothing to cheer about. Decent cup of coffee in a good location. Atmosphere/​layout/​design is not inviting. There are better places to sit at and meet with people within a few blocks, but give it a shot!

Good coffee and great service. Plenty of seating and a casual vibe. Convenient location to restaurants and bars. A Boise fav!

I haven’t stopped in to Dawson’s Downtown in quite a while. My mom and I ducked in to grap a quick cup of joe because we were FREEZING on our walk back to our car after eating breakfast near by. The girls working were very chatty and friendly; however, the service was SLOW. We probably stood there for a good 10 minutes waiting for a peppermint mocha and a mocha with coconut. I was given the choice of whether or not I wanted full coconut flavoring (I said yes) so I will take responsibility for the fact that I didn’t LOVE my drink.

Dawson’s offers a great cup of coffee in a prime downtown locale.
First a note about their coffee – Dawson Taylor coffee is seriously legit. They’re locally roasted and offer organics and single origin, in addition to their espresso and specialty blends. They are one of my favorite local roasters.
My typical order here is a mocha. I like that they offer 3 shots of espresso in their standard 16oz mocha, which makes for a more espresso forward and less overly sweet mocha (yes!). The service is always friendly and their baristas are fast and fabulous.
I like this location in the summer for the leisurely patio sipping and people watching opportunities. I am less fond of sipping in-​house in the winter months, and will typically take my mocha to go. I’m not sure exactly what I don’t care for about the interior – it’s just a little loud, the seating is a little uninspired, and it’s a bit drafty. Not a problem, though – I still wander in and happily take my mocha to go on a pretty regular basis.
Ambiance aside, for me, it’s all about the coffee and Dawson’s serves it up in delicious style.
Get to it!

Some of the best mochas in town! I love getting an iced mocha and waking around the Saturday market every week. They have such a fun, inviting staff, too!

One of my favorite pastimes is finding local coffee shops on the weekend. Went into this place on a Saturday morning and the wait wasn’t too bad. Ordered an iced vanilla latte for me and a vanilla iced coffee for him. Both drinks were WAY too sweet, and my latte had no coffee flavor, only milk and sickeningly sweet vanilla flavoring. I am not a person who wastes anything, but I sadly ended up throwing the whole thing away. I might give it another chance one day, and ask for it to be less sweet, but only if I’m feeling adventurous. Sorry, I just don’t get the hype.

Coffee was good, mocha Frap a must try. Muffin was amazing! But that view on the street sipping coffee on a sunny afternoon was what sold it! A must stop on a day when you can soak in the surroundings and want a good coffee.

If you actually like coffee (and not the sugar, milk and syrup-​overloaded drinks) then this is your place. Delicious drip AND espresso. Baristas are knowledgeable and interested in coffee and always friendly. The patio is great for reading and meeting a friend. No free refills on drip.

Their coffee is great but I find it to be overpriced compared to other places. And just today, one of the ladies was quite rude when I apparently questioned if she had heard my coffee bean order. I’d rather walk a little farther to The District or Java.

Deliciois. The espresso here is magnificent. Coffees abound. Lattes yum. alternative milks galore. Heaven.

If you love great local coffee, gluten free donuts, a nice relaxing patio, and wifi… then may I suggest Dawson’s Downtown. I know my coffee like I know my jeans, and I can say, this is the best coffee in town! I ordered my usual iced, soy, latte with an extra shot. perfection! Yet another reason to love Boise.

Always reliable when I need a solid connection and comfortable table to get some work done on the way thru town.

What a cute little café in Boise! I have a gluten sensitivity and the employees were very helpful with trying to figure out my selections. (Unlike Starbucks) I bought a Agni flavored tea that was recommended by the gentleman who was helping me and it was so good! The only bummer is they sold out of the gluten free donuts! I would of loved to try them. Maybe next time :)

Stopped in for a Peach Italian Soda — very good and refreshing in a warm afternoon in downtown Boise.

So far in Boise, this is as good as it gets! After being repeatedly disappointed at Hammer right across the street, I have come back. I try every new coffee house I come across and always come back to this one. I love the dark chocolate!!!

I frequent Dawson’s downtown to meet friends and do writing. Here the voices are varied and wonderful. The coffee is good EVERY time, baked goods are awesome and the hot chocolate to die for.
I’m no coffee expert but I am a connoisseur of warm people… THEY’RE OVER HERE, PEOPLE! Nice music too. I’ve met people who are much like myself and polar opposites. It’s an awesome place to connect with people or quietly watch the local color stroll by.

Best espresso in Idaho. Great location, very diverse crowd, everyone welcome. Wifi recently improved. Great staff (and owner) i’m there every morning.

Really great locally roasted coffee. Service was exceptional. Best coffee I had while in Boise!

I love Dawson’s! Sadly this location is no longer there — it has been replaced by another coffee house.
I encourage everyone who is interested in finding real and strong coffees/​espressos to try to find a Dawson’s around town though. The owner is absolutely great! He is so down to Earth and really wants to make a great impact on the community and in the coffee industry in the Northwest. He has open and free tours/​entry into his headquarters and brewing area in Garden City off of Chinden Monday-​Friday during regular work hours.
This company is so passionate about their coffee and it really shows! I mean, one of their brewing specialists has been making coffees basically all of his life and I believe he’s in his 60’s! They have their brewing down to the seconds and make sure they are constantly refining their processes and traveling abroad to find and create the best brews possible. If you want to support local companies — here is a great opportunity!

The coffee here is great, they always have organic roasts on, and I like that it’s a local business. Great tea selection, they use tasty Monin syrups instead lower-​quality brands, and you get free coffee with a purchase of whole beans. Baristas are well-​trained, and often have a smile for you when you walk in.
The store in general is kinda dirty, and there are sometimes sketchy characters hanging around, although I can’t fault the place too much for that. I feel like I need to sanitize myself after I’ve been in the shop.
No free refills, which is a bummer, but I can’t begrudge the $.25 too much – although it’s the principle that matters.