Bar Francis

Subject: Bar Francis

Location visited: Olympia, WA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Washington weather really colors your perceptions. My first trip to Olympia was a soaking wet side quest that put me 2 hours out of my way, giving me a glum and bleak impression of the city. But my second visit proved to be a sunny saunter west with no real rush, fully changing my perspective of the state capitol.

One other thing that differed was my coffee stop. In my path that lovely day happened to be a place called Bar Francis, a coffee-centric shop located on Franklin Street. Inside, the shop is minimalist in its feel with a pleasant mixture of different types of art situated purposefully in a cozy space. 

As for coffee that day, they served up Four Barrel, with my espresso the Friendo blend and the drip a single origin Kenyan. The espresso, pulled short with brown crema, smacked of chocolate, lemon, almond croissant, blackberry candy and seltzer, proving bright and effervescent. The filtered brew also delivered an excellent brew, with vibrant notes of toffee, peach, brioche, cream, cidery and fig leaf. 

Sadly I could not stay long, but I took some time to enjoy my coffee before embarking further west. If you happen to be in Olympia, whether sunny or downpouring, make a stop for Bar Francis.