San Juan Coffee Roasting

We were recommended the harmony chai by the woman next door. It’s a spiced chai. I’d say it was only okay. Wasn’t very warm, was covered in lots of foam, and the taste was just a bit too subtle for my liking. This place is known for their coffee though so maybe that is better.

I’m an accidental coffee snob having lived in Portland for over 20 years… we have no shortage of local roasters and I grind my own beans every morning for my French press, plus, my life has been blissfully easier since I started drinking my coffee black (with the occasional pat of butter or coconut oil, but rarely cream or sugar). That said, I may have to start mail ordering my beans until I can move to San Juan Island because this coffee is that good! I bought a bag of Sumatra Mandheling to bring home and got a free cup of fresh brewed along with some very pleasant conversation and excellent customer service.
Additionally, I don’t usually like to leave my dog tied up outside of establishments but on an uncrowded day there is a perfect spot a few feet from the door where, much to my surprise, my little man got the same friendly attention I did including a healthy treat (rather than the usual milk bone that I generally say no to). Not only would I come back… I can hardly wait until I do!

If you are looking for the highest quality coffee, tea’s and chocolates look no further. Steve and Irene are both incredibly skilled and knowledgeable in the field of coffee. Every roasted bag of delicious coffee is not only the freshest bag you will probably EVER buy but also possesses the most complex flavors I’ve experienced yet. Another perk, Steve (Owner/​Roaster) is a very particular man which means you can be sure that intimate attention to detail was a part of the entire roasting process. Irene, (owner/​shop runner and barista extraordinaire) makes some of the most delicious coffees; they are smooth, full of flavor (even without all the fussy syrup’s) and FRESH FRESH FRESH. My first experience trying SanJuan coffee was a total surprise. First, the place didn’t look like I would find good coffee in it; it was hard to figure out what I was there for: chocolates, teas, at home coffee, ice cream etc. Second, it wasn’t as «HIP» as places I’d been, which boasted of having «serious baristas». I was wrong. My thoughts upon trying the coffee the first time: «This isn’t coffee… This is like nothing I have ever had before, it’s so strong, and these flavors, it’s like trying teas. No flavor evaporated by the burnt roasting processes I’ve had before!» I was quickly educated in the business of coffee sales and learned that I had yet to truly experience FRESH ROASTED coffee… Not that I hadn’t had good coffee before but to truly sell and share FRESH ROASTED beans takes some serious attention to detail, quality control and perhaps a lot of lost product along the way. Willingness to do those things takes a dedication to the trade above an interest in big money and flashy affairs and that is what you get at san juan roasters; a love for the art and it shows. If you drink coffee to be hip you will not appreciate this place for what it is, if you drink coffee for the experience of intricate flavors it is what you have been longing for.

The owner Irene is a sweet lady and makes excellent coffee. They roast their own coffee, and package it in a darling Orca coffee bags, makes for an excellent gift. Wide selection of coffee drinks and teas… especially like her chai latte. Awesome location as you exit the ferry. It is also a chocolate shop and will satisfy your sweet tooth with an abundance to choose from.

Honestly, they made one of the best espresso I ever had in the States. Yes, that good!
Very nice boutique, very nice people, very good stuff!
I will certainly stop by again any time I’ll need so black roasted fuel

Decent enough place for an espresso, but they sell chocolates rather than baked goods. If you are into chocolate, a wide assortment of good stuff is available. They also make tea from loose leaf tea, but the choices are very traditional and the staff are not too helpful. A tiny place and you are unlikely to get a place to sit, not that you’d want to (since it is so cramped).
They are open til 5 pm, which is a bit later than most other SJI espresso places.
If you are under 60, you may feel out of place, since it appears that the place is a hangout for pensioners. I would much rather go to The Bean Café across the street, provided it’s before 3 pm.

Decent cappuccino while you wait for the ferry.

Good chocolate selection! They have ice cream too! Staff was nice. Great location right off of the ferry terminal.