Coffee Works – In roaster terms, Coffee Works was the second wave – when espresso drinks came on the 
scene. An East Sacramento landmark since 1982, they were coffee central ahead of Java City and Starbucks. Regulars have been coming for decades. Eight to nine single-origin, organic beans roasted on-site. Try the toddy-style cold brew with house-made French pastries. It’s a winning combination.
Naked Coffee – In 2002, first 3rd wave specialty roaster in Sacramento to geek out on coffee and educate consumers. Specialty roasting and brewing techniques draw out intrinsic properties. With the exception of espresso, they roast only single-origin beans – no blends. Spawning many of Sacramento’s top roasters and baristas, the “mother ship’s” long lineage includes her Broadway roasting warehouse, three coffee houses, Orphan Breakfast House and Arthur Henry’s Supper Club.
Insight Coffee Roasters – Birthed in a re-purposed brick building in Southside Park, 
the 'hood was coffee barren circa 2011 when this heavy hitter came on the scene. Passionate coffee devotees leaped; in 2016 their fifth store will open in Carmichael. The standards are core – cups, lattes, and caps – they do simple things very well! Free hour-long, weekly tastings are offered at each store. Educating consumers through their taste buds is ICR 101.
Old Soul Co. – The Alley activation got its start here roasting, baking, and educating in a restored warehouse. The roaster is busy six days with 1,200-1,500 pounds of coffee a week. Ethiopia Wenago Natural scored a staggering 95 points and was selected as the #12 coffee on Coffee Review's list of Top 30 Coffees of 2014. More 90+ scores followed in 2015. In 2016, expansions to R Street and a wine bar and small plates restaurant at 25th and Broadway are brewing.
Pachamama Coffee Cooperative –100% farmer-owned and controlled, Pachamama is truly farm-to-cup. Out of 
sight in a Midtown alley, the warehouse sells all organic beans roasted daily in small batches. Yours can be delivered to your doorstep in a Farm Fresh to You produce box. Over in East Sacramento, every cup is slow poured at Pacha’s new retail coffee bar; no breakfasts here. Very Guinness-esque, sample bubbly and smoother nitrogen injected potions. The goddess Mother Earth, Pachamama is revered by indigenous of the Andes.
Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters – High on customer service, baristas describe coffee notes to regulars and first-timers. Public tastings and barista trainings are available. SPLAT, the latte art throw-down, originated here to create a coffee community. The owners transplanted from New Zealand where barista is a college course. Yes, they have chocolate fish (courtesy Midtown’s Ginger Elizabeth) an iconic candy indigenous to Kiwis given as a “thank you” for a good deed.
Sac Caff Cafes
Broadway Coffee
New vibe on Broadway doles out art, vegan treats, music, and Temple brews. 3200 Broadway, Sacramento;
The Mill
Slick Midtown caffeine scene plus local Zeal Kombacha and Maiden Ice Cream. 1827 I Street, Sacramento;
Tiferet Coffee House
Locals like the simplicity. Two sisters embrace their Ethiopian roots with only dark and bold beans; no light-roast here.
Son of a Bean
Cool beans, funk and groove on the Boulevard! Mexican Mocha es muy bueno!
