(20 March update: Go here to see the building, interior and exterior, before it was remodeled into California’s Coffee House.)
There’s something vaguely “big city” about a coffee shop in downtown New Albany that proposes to stay open more than 30 hours a week.
Are we worthy?
Thanks to a “now open” tip from Brandon Smith, it came to pass that Mrs. Confidential and I stopped by California’s Coffee House at 1515 E. Market Street.
We find it very much to our liking … and only a few blocks from the homestead, no less.
The brick and beam interior of the 130-year-old commercial building has been extensively reworked, part of it done by the previous owners (who briefly ran The Seed Gallery there in 2003-04), and the remainder by the current owners, Rey and Valeria Espinosa.
It can’t be termed a completely faithful restoration, but it is comfortable, and the ambience is ideal for a coffee shop. There’s an upstairs room that would be good for meetings (East Spring Neighborhood Association, take note), although access is by stairs only.
Street parking (three marked spaces) is on Market, and also there are parking places behind the building. A drive-through window is being installed.
California’s offers specialty coffee and espresso-based drinks (cappuccino, etc.), pastries (carrot cake, sweet rolls), salads, sandwiches and appetizers (including tamales and chicken wings).
They seemed surprised that I prefer espresso by the “shot,” but served a proper double espresso on command. If you’re a “shot” espresso drinker like me, you may have to clarify this point when ordering.
The coffee house will be open seven days a week:
Mon. – Thur. 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Valeria originally hails from California and Rey from Mexico City, and before moving here, they lived in San Francisco, hence the bridge on the logo. In case you were wondering how the Espinosas came to New Albany, it is because of their church: Christ Gospel Church in Jeffersonville.
We were delighted by our visit, and recommend that you give this place a chance.
Coming after a warm and sunny day, afternoon conversation at Destinations Booksellers, the continuing abatement of my recent illness and another excellent meal at Federal Hill Café, the espresso was indeed encouraging.
