Escape the tightening grasp of the long arm of Seattle with local favorites

Sarah Cook, reno.com
December 3, 2008

Other than the ever-so-popular and seemingly endless amount of Starbucks Coffee locations in this city (and every other city), there are quite a few tasty places to grab a hot cup o’ Joe in Reno. Here are five favorites:

5. Java Jungle

Java Jungle is a great, hip place to get coffee at, as it’s the most artsy-fartsy coffee shop in town, offering poetry readings, art events, music performances, and more. Located right along the Truckee River, Java Jungle offers a large selection of coffees and teas, as well as other random drink selections, including alcoholic beverages and juices. Java Jungle also has absolutely amazing espresso drinks that are sure to keep you on your feet all day. Wi-Fi internet access is also available.

4. The Purple Bean

The Purple Bean is a coffee shop that’s been in Reno for what seems like forever. They offer a wide selection of coffees, a fun and cozy environment for sitting down and hanging out in, and a menu with prices that aren’t going to make you wonder how much money you spend on coffee every year. This is a great place to go if you’re in the Northwest area of Reno, as there really isn’t anything that can compare for miles.

3. Bibo Coffee Co.

Bibo Coffee Company offers an awesome selection of coffees, including one called “The Monsoon Medley” that’s super delicate on your stomach, for those of us who don’t eat breakfast and are easily thrown off when it comes to a strong cup o’ Joe. Bibo also has a beautiful outdoor grassy area you can sit in, with benches and the cozy feel of summertime relaxation. Although newer to the Reno area, Bibo has managed to rack up a huge customer base and for a darn good reason – this place is absolutely wonderful!

2. Dreamer’s Coffeehouse

Dreamer’s Coffeehouse is ideal for getting a cup of coffee and simply hanging out, people watching, doing your schoolwork, or chatting it up with friends. It’s located right along the Truckee River, and has plenty of seating, including outside seating for the warmer months. Perks at Dreamer’s include free Wi-Fi internet access, a complete coffee bar menu, teas, soups, sandwiches, breakfast items, and best of all, live music!

1. Walden’s Coffeehouse

Walden’s Coffeehouse is, in my opinion, the best place to get a good cup of coffee in this city. They offer coffee that actually tastes unique, to the point where you could probably say, “Hey, did you get that at Walden’s?” Walden’s has a huge selection of foods, drinks, teas, and anything else you’d like to find when hitting-up a coffee shop. Other perks at Walden’s include free Wi-Fi internet access, tons of seating, and a friendly staff. It was, however, a better place to go when they offered live music, but alas, those days are said and done.

Other great places to get coffee in the Reno area include Laughing Cat, Comma Coffee, Se7en, Record Street Café (which is actually now tied to Java Jungle), and the little coffee/dessert shop inside Borders Bookstore.