thirty-thirty Coffee Co.

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: thirty-thirty Coffee Co.

Location: Peoria, IL
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Many times, I learn of cities first through news of a promising coffee shop. As a fan of geography, I always welcome the chance to learn about a new place, especially if that place has a coffee stop worth visiting. One such situation has its roots in distant years past, when I first heard of Peoria, Illinois thanks to thirty-thirty Coffee Co.

I don't exactly recall the specific year, but I remember witnessing the opening of a great cafe and roastery outfitted with giant bear looming within its doors, located in the middle of Illinois. It took me some time, but I was able to divert a road trip through Peoria and finally visit thirty-thirty. Located in a voluminous cafe across from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, the shop is full of dark woods and giant windows, offering a rich, sultry atmosphere centered by a large bar between two seating areas.

As for coffee, while they roast their own, they also featured a guest espresso from Kansas City's Messenger Coffee, a rare yet spectacular feature to see at a roaster's cafe. Thus that afternoon, I ordered up the guest espresso and a pour over of single origin Guatemala. The espresso, pulled short/medium with brown crema, smacked of chocolate, blueberry, orange peel, fresh bread, hibiscus and currant, proving bright and delightful. The pour over also rang bells of excellence, with vibrant notes of blackberry, lemon, seltzer, cream, rye toast and root beer.

After enjoying my beverages and stretching my legs, I had to bid adieu to the shop that first put Peoria on the map for me. Hopefully it won't take me too long to one day return. If you happen to be nearby or passing through Illinois, definitely stop by thirty-thirty for some excellent coffee.