It’s soothing and warm, or cool and refreshing. It’s the ideal study partner, or the ultimate pick-me-up. It’s the perfect drink to socialize with friends over, or to enjoy in solitude from the comfort of home.
Coffee serves a variety of purposes, and it’s an integral part of college culture.
Moscow is home to more than 15 coffee shops and drive-thru stands, but two in particular are prominent. In a recent Facebook poll, University of Idaho students and Moscow locals voted for Red Star Coffee Company and Bucer’s Coffehouse Pub as their favorites.
Shannon Nichols, Red Star owner, said its drive-thru setup is ideal for busy college students with an on-the-go lifestyle.
“Everybody’s into convenience these days,” Nichols said. “Red Star is perfectly located right on the highway. It’s quick, and people don’t even have to get out of their cars.”
Nichols said Red Star’s lack of a standard or set menu is what makes it unique.
“We just try to make what our customers want,” she said. “We always try different things, and feature wild and crazy ideas on our sign — sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t.”
For those wishing to take a break from their busy lifestyles, UI junior Sydney Penner said Bucer’s is the perfect place.
“I really like the environment, classical music and cool Main Street location,” Penner said.
Penner said she goes to Bucer’s almost every other week to catch up with friends over Big Train chai tea and the occasional turkey-pesto panini, or slice of Guinness chocolate cake.
Owner Pat Greenfield said Bucer’s combination of leather and wood interior, lined with fully-stocked bookshelves gives it a literary ambiance that attracts the academically-oriented Moscow community.
“I moved to Moscow from Lewiston twelve years ago, and the difference that I really noticed is that … people here never quit learning — I don’t care how old they are,” Greenfield said. “They seek out knowledge.”
She said Bucer’s environment also appeals to the diverse culture in Moscow.
“Moscow’s kind of a melting pot,” Greenfield said. “There are so many different people from all over the world that end up here … At any given time, I might have five different cultures represented in the front room. That’s awfully cool in a town this small.”
Greenfield said there’s a treasure for everybody at Bucer’s.
The books come used from BookPeople of Moscow and not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but are available to purchase. Bucer’s also offers a selection of tobacco and cigars, as well as local wines and microbrews.
Bucer’s boasts a commercial kitchen, in which all of its food is hand-crafted.
Penner said Bucer’s has a coffee shop setting by day and pub feel by night.
“In the daytime, it’s more relaxed and there are people studying,” she said. “On the weekends and in the evenings, there’s live music and a larger crowd.”
Greenfield said Bucer’s lights are dimmed at 7 p.m. to create a more relaxed environment. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, they’re dimmed to prepare for a live band.
Bucer’s features a variety of music — from folk to jazz — but Greenfield said she doesn’t allow just any local talent to perform.
“I have people go through an audition process because I don’t want to torture my customers,” she said. “If I want them, I book them.”
One of the many aspects that sets Bucer’s apart is its fresh, on-site roasted coffee, Greenfield said.
Greenfield said she began roasting coffee with her former husband three years before opening the shop in 2000.
She said Bucer’s lattes, espresso and drip coffee have a signature developed taste, complete with a combination of rich chocolate and nutty flavors.
“I’m not talking about anything you would add,” Greenfield said. “I’m talking about the country that we get the beans from, the combination of the beans and then the way we roast it.”
Another unique item on Bucer’s menu is Cuban coffee, which Greenfield said was originally introduced to the area by the shop’s first manager.
“Cuban coffee is the way the coffee is actually made,” she said. “The espresso shot is extracted and then caramelized with sugar. The Cubano isn’t all you can get here, but it’s definitely one of our signature drinks.”
No matter the purpose, Moscow has a coffee fix for almost any lifestyle.
Britt Kiser can be reached at [email protected]
Donny McNair, student at New Saint Andrews College, studies at a table Sept. 17 in Bucer’s Coffee House Pub.
philip vukelich | rawr