Flying Goat Coffee

09/08/09

buy espresso beans at your own RISK at this store

by Tamalyn

They do not have a verbal policy at time of transaction nor a written policy about espresso bean grinding.

Buy espresso at your own risk at this store.

They ground my beans improperly so that they would not work in my espresso machine. Then they would not offer a refund.

They did not state their policy at the time of transaction, nor when I returned the ground beans, nor is there a posted written policy statement.

The employees were rude and ignorant of their policies.

The CEO was inflexible.

It seems that they do not care about customers

• Pros: Looks nice inside
• Cons: No written honest policy on coffee grinding

07/01/09

Great coffee, great service!

by scottyj

I spent 6 years working as a barista, and I'm very picky when it comes to espresso. Most espresso is too burnt, bitter, over-extracted and nasty (Starbucks & Aroma's for example).

Flying Goat's espresso is almost always creamy, delicate, complex and delicious. They've recently (6/09) started serving "Single Origin" shots that feature beans from one locale, as opposed to a blend of beans. While this can be risky (blends help even out a coffee's flavor and acidity), the result can also be sublime. The Ethiopian Sidamo-Koratie is the best coffee I've ever had. Even my wife, who was never a fan of espresso will ask for a sip when I get a Koratie cappuccino.

The service is unfailingly friendly, attentive, and skilled. They often send staff to the world barista championships, and place!

My only complaint is that the ratio of espresso to milk can vary some from day to day (depending on how busy they are, and who's running the machine), but even at their 'worst' they are better than any other coffee shop I've found in Santa Rosa.

The pastries are good, but not great.

I've been a loyal customer for years, and can't imagine that will ever change.

• Pros: Best espresso in town
• Cons: occasionally inconsistent milk/espresso ratios, ok pastries.