I find it amazing how different various coffee shops feel. On the surface, they’re all the same: they all have an espresso machine, seating, cream and napkin station, etc. But, every single one has its own character and feel. Some I walk into and want to turn around immediately. Some I walk into and am immediately at home in.
Metropolis in lower Highlands is one of those places that for some almost intangible reason just has a great feel to me. It’s very cleanly designed, but with warm wood tones and great coffee-related decorations.
I’m a sucker for all-things coffee, so the old retired Mazzer grinders as decoration on one wall, and the selection of various pour overs methods on the other reels me in. I enjoyed thumbing through coffee-industry magazines while drinking my Cortado. I’m probably only one of a few people that would even care about this, but I love that they feature their water filtration system: it’s in a picture frame on the wall.
But, really, for me it’s about the coffee, and Metropolis delivers. They have a Synesso and Chemex pour over, and do an excellent job with their chosen roaster: Herkimer from Seattle. Herkimer does quality coffee very well, in my opinion. Shockingly, on a recent trip, their decaf espresso was bursting with fruit and chocolate notes. In fact, I’d say that my wife’s decaf Cortado was more interesting and complex than my regular Cortado. That doesn’t happen: decaf espresso is extremely difficult to do well. So, big kudos to both Herkimer and Metropolis for presenting an outstanding decaf espresso.
I didn’t get much detailed commentary, but my son’s vanilla steamed milk disappeared in near-record time. And, usually, any commentary from him isn’t a good thing.
Metropolis also has a Golden Triangle location with a different (but also great) feel, and the same excellent coffee. I’d suggest stopping by and taking in the great atmosphere and coffee any chance you get.
morgan.coffee 