Wednesday, August 8, 2012

MoCa Coffee - Cleveland,Oh

MoCa Coffee

Address: 10435 Clifton Blvd Cleveland, Oh

Phone: (216)961-6799

Wifi: yes (free)

Outdoor seating: yes

Hours: Mon-Thu 6:30 am - 10 pm, Fri 6:30 am - 11 pm, Sat 8 am - 11 pm, Sun 8 am - 10 pm

Parking: street

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I found Moca coffee on a random internet search for coffee houses in Cleveland. They don't have a website but they have rave reviews on Yelp, they have a Facebook page and are on Google +, so I thought we'd go and check it out while Chad was off from school. They have only been open a year but they are working towards being one of the up and comers in the Cleveland coffee scene.

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Walking in the first thought in my mind was 'where is everyone?'. The decor was stunning. Dark floors and interesting and creative artwork on the walls, but no other customers. I knew we had found a gem the instant we walked up to the bakery counter that was immaculate, filled with bakery that was made in house...I repeat IN HOUSE. It ALL looked good. I ordered an iced vanilla soy latte and Chad ordered an iced Americano. When I saw the barista reach for the toddy I was fine with it, I actually do prefer hot shots but it's ok. When it came to me pure white I knew I was in trouble. During the time we were ordering and looking over the bakery area, Chad was chatting up the barista (of course) and he was SO nice and helpful. He took his job seriously and spoke about coffee like I love for baristas to speak about coffee, like they really love it. Like the coffee is actually flowing through their body, mixed with their blood. He was proud of the coffee shop he worked in and he was excited to tell us about the freshly made bakery and the coffee. Here is the rub, it's PHOENIX coffee. Now I am actually NOT a fan of Phoenix coffee. I think it's so great that they are a local roaster and they are keeping it local. I love that they do things for the community and that they promote local commerce. I just can't get past the taste of their coffee, there is this aftertaste that lingers on your tongue.

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Anyway I knew right away that they toddy hadn't been brewed for long enough. I've done this a few times myself. You didn't brew the toddy until late and by the next morning you're out so you have to use the toddy that isn't done brewing yet so it's super weak and light. So light that it doesn't change the color of the latte. The only thing that kind of bothered me is he still served it to me. There was no color change when he added the toddy, my drink was pure white. But the 'I don't want to hurt anyone's feeling' part of me kicked in and I didn't say anything (this is my achilles heel). Chad really liked his americano and I REALLY liked my chocolate chip cookie.

We brought Noah with us and hung out for a little while having some family time. It was a nice day and we were able to people watch a little from our window seat.

The results? I would definitely come back, sure my coffee wasn't great but these reviews are about the overall experience and while the coffee is the big part of it, it's not everything. Next time I go I will request hot shots as opposed to the toddy and I am hopeful that it will be worlds better. This is one of those hidden Cleveland gems that I hope will rise in popularity, they certainly deserve to.