Best Big Space for a Small Cup o' Coffee
Four Barrel Coffee
If you're going to spring a few bucks for coffee these days, not only should the brew be made from the best possible ingredients, but the space it's served in should also invite you to linger. The massive, high-ceilinged, loftlike room that houses Four Barrel Coffee features long, sleek, sculptural wood tables cleverly affixed to the walls so that they appear to balance on one leg, an intriguing and arty installation of lengths of lumber along one wall, and a row of animal heads overlooking the sugar-and-milk counter. Big windows overlooking Valencia offer prime people-watching. Don't ask for flavored syrup shots or ice-blended drinks; Four Barrel's baristas turn out the classical Italo-French lineup of espressos, macchiattos, and lattes, from beans roasted in-house. Light snacks include croissants and our fave Dynamo Donuts. Stay a while and enjoy.
