Death Before Decaf: Tally Edition
It’s no secret that Tallahassee is home to a number of unique coffee shops near campus. Favored among locals and students, Catalina Café, All Saints Café, and Black Dog Café offer a variety of delicious cups of joe that will keep you coming back for more.
= Catalina Café =
Located on Gaines Street, Catalina Café can be easily spotted by its graffiti walls that draw in everyone who walks by. Catalina gets their coffee beans from specific importers whom they’ve made contact with, ensuring the purchase of quality beans from a variety of origins. Currently, the house coffee being featured is Ethiopia Hambela Natural, a light roast that is accented by fruity flavors. “I’d say the cold brew is the favorite of most people, it’s very refreshing,” Barista Lauren said while whipping one up for the leader of the line of customers. The signature lattes have proven popular among customers, such as the Catalina Mocha with dark cocoa and white chocolate, and the Mr. William with white chocolate, local wildflower honey, and vanilla. Believe me, they are as tasty as they sound. Catalina Café’s menu also includes a range of teas, smoothies, and, of course, breakfast and lunch. Served all day, some of the popular dishes ordered are the Lox Sandwich, Pressed Turkey Fig Arugula Sandwich, and the Pressed Grilled Veggie. Impossible to resist, head over to Catalina Café for some brunch and mugs, and catch the live music played outside at Garages on Gaines for some easy listening.
= All Saints Café =
Down the street from Catalina and open 24 hours, All Saints Café has become a hot spot for all-nighter studying and has gained recognition of simply being a great place to hang out with friends. The chill atmosphere welcomes everyone with open arms, and even better, provides board games for your pleasure. Many of the coffee beans are imported from Africa and South America, providing an assortment of flavor profiles for their menu. The most popular drink in house is said to be the Dirty Chai on Ice. Their chai is made from scratch, too. Pretty cool, right? A distinctive aspect of All Saints Café is that their menu is completely vegan. While that may attract some and sound intimidating to others, the truth is that the vegan food is scrumptious. The vegan Mac and Cheese is a treasure at All Saints, perfectly creamy, and will have you going back for seconds.
= Black Dog Café =
Last, but most certainly not least, Black Dog Café is a precious gem in Railroad Square. The walls are decorated with paintings by local artists that you can buy right there on the spot. The café also has live music during the week, including jazz nights. Black Dog offers gourmet coffee, loose leaf teas, and local beers and wines. The café imports their beans already roasted, and many of their coffees are made from Ethiopian bean blends. Right now, the coffee of the day is from Guatemala, though the White Mocha with lavender is said to be the most well-liked by regulars. The menu offers vegan and gluten free options, including warm baked goods that are a perfect pair for a latte or Nitro Cold Brew Draft (yum). And if you’re looking for something cold and sweet, you don’t have to go far. A fruity selection of artisan pops is sold at the counter, with every flavor you could think of. Not to mention the best part of Black Dog: a guitar hanging on the wall just waiting to be played by one and enjoyed by all.
So, there you have it. Local and unique, these places have made their mark on Tallahassee, and now they are waiting to make their mark on you. Wake up and smell the coffee at Catalina, All Saints, and Black Dog Café!
