Hub Coffee Roasters, Reno, NV – Review

Coffee will likely play a pretty big role in Saturday posts here on The Hungry Dater, as “coffee dates” have become the “it” thing.  I’m tempted to say it’s due to the serious upswing in online dating.  Coffee dates offer a low pressure, easy-out first meeting, which gives the opportunity to actually meet a person before actually committing to a real life first dinner/movie date.  I find that comforting.  And hey, when you have amazing coffee places like The Hub in your area, there’s no reason meeting for coffee can’t be a great casual date!

According to their website, the Hub opened their original retail store in 2007, in a small garage.  Now they roast their own coffee, have started sourcing from Guatemala and Mexico, and have 3 retail spaces, while providing coffee to numerous partners who serve it in their establishments.

Dating-ambience-wise, The Hub is great for several reasons: It’s cozy and personal-feeling in the Winter and open and welcoming in the Summer.  There are always people there, so safety-wise, you’re pretty much always covered.  It’s close to the Truckee River and the River Walk, so if you’re ever on a date that’s going well there’s plenty of options for other things to do.  And if you’re on a not-so-great date, if you’re a local, you can almost always guarantee you’ll see someone you know who can get you out of it.  Kidding, kidding.  Another notable quality is The Hub is dog friendly outside, and you can bring your dog inside just long enough to wait for your coffee.  Hey, first meetings with pooches in toe sometimes help alleviate pressure.  The casual atmosphere makes this an ideal place for a first meeting with an online acquaintance or a post-movie coffee with a third or fourth date.  If you’re already in a relationship, this is a great place for a Saturday morning ritual of a great cup of coffee and a short walk on the river or a game of corn hole (yes, they have this too!).

So, now that we’ve established the ambience is good, let’s talk about the coffee.  Because, let’s be honest, the whole premise of this blog is that often the ambience doesn’t have anything to do with whether a date is good or bad.  Sometimes it’s all you can do to make the best of a date simply because you get to consume something tasty.  I don’t want to oversell or anything, but I honestly didn’t know coffee could taste this good.  I’ve always been a subscriber the thought that coffee is coffee.  Sortof bitter and burnt tasting, but perfectly lovely with a sufficient amount of fat and sugar added.  Now before everyone goes up in arms regarding that comment, let me just say, “Boy, was I wrong.”  The Hub has coffee that has a pungent sweetness–and a flavor I really haven’t ever experienced before.  It’s bold but not in your face with a light earthy flavor.  There is no semblance of a camp fire, and the milk enhances and embraces the flavors rather than masking them.  They use high quality flavorings that do not come in a bottle of un-naturally-colored liquid adorned with an Italian-sounding label.  Rather, their caramel is made at Dorinda’s: the artisan chocolate shop which sits next door.  The flavor is wonderful, but make sure to stir it.  It’s so thick it tends to stick to the bottom of your cup.  😉

Now, a review wouldn’t be needs at least a couple of constructive comments, and while I really don’t have many, my one complaint is the milk choices are not as extensive as I think they should be.  I understand the desire to make sure the quality and the integrity of the coffee is not compromised.  However,  even without the obvious argument of health issues, some people just don’t like whole milk–myself included.  And some health issues do overrule the “integrity of the coffee” argument.  And honestly, it makes me sad to think there are people who won’t be able to partake in The Hub’s lovely coffee drinks simply because they don’t offer skim milk.  They do offer Almond milk which is a really nice alternative.  It gives the drink a rounded nutty flavor and a depth–but it still changes the flavors in a way some people might not like or want.

The Hub’s website says they have new pastries now, and I have to say, I’ve looked at them and they look stellar.  Of course, I can’t review them seeing as I’m GF.  But if looks say anything about them, they’re likely wonderful.

So the next time you’re looking for a low-key and casual first meeting or just a nice place to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning with a paper and a pup, try The Hub!  Their coffee is wonderful, the people who work there are friendly and helpful, and the ambience is open and warm–all of which could help with any awkwardness you’re in for on a date!  🙂  In the meantime, have a great weekend, stay caffeinated, and happy caffeinating!