Trip Ideas

barista making espresso at Coffee Bar in Truckee California

Mission: Coffee Shops Truckee And The Foothills Of The Sierra

Nevada County is filled with locally owned coffee shops ranging from hip espresso bars with experimental drinks to a cozy bookstore perfect for working. If you're in need of a mid-afternoon pick me up or just your morning caffeine fix these shops have you covered.

Tips & Resources

Explore Truckee’s coffee shops & bakeries

Dining, coffee, restaurants & more in downtown Grass Valley

Dip your pastry into Nevada City’s coffee scene

By Laura Petersen

Do you start your day with a double latte or a cappuccino? Or maybe a shot of espresso or a simple but carefully curated certified fair trade drip cup is more your thing. If you have a day of adventure and exploring planned, Nevada County coffee shops in Truckee all the way down to the foothills are the right place to be for those that appreciate that a fine Cup O’ Joe is a necessary art form.

Nevada County Has You Covered#

Whether you’re planning to spend your day on the trail, kicking back at the river, heading to the growers’ markets or farm stands, checking out the local culture at art galleries, record stores and bookstores, or spending the day thrifting, walking the historic downtowns, shopping unique boutiques or wine tasting, we’ve got your caffeine fix covered.

Better Latte Than Never#

Fuel your day with our list below of worthy stops for your first jolt or afternoon pick-me-up. Sustainability pro tip: Bring your reusable coffee mug (most coffee shops honor a discount).

Nevada City Coffee Shops#

exterior of Heartwood Eatery in Nevada City California
Image appears courtesy: Heartwood Eatery

Outer Heaven Espresso#

121 Argall Way – Website

Outer Heaven is committed to quality, proving that great things come in small batches. They roast their coffee fresh on-site throughout the week, ensuring that each cup showcases the full beauty and flavor of every bean. Whether you enjoy it brewed in their Nevada City shop or prepare it at home, every sip is crafted to deliver a rich, satisfying experience from start to finish.

Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co.#

211 Commercial Street – website

Co-Owners Shana Maziarz and Dave Cowie are “locavores” and make supporting local farmers a priority. You’ll always find organic fair trade coffee on the menu at this lively community hub. Lots of fresh baked goods with real ingredients too.

Java Johns#

2 locations: 306 W Broad St & 950 Maidu Ave – website

Everyone’s coffeehouse, Java Johns has been a fixture of Broad Street for decades. Open at 7 a.m. seven days a week.

Heartwood Eatery#

237 Commercial Street – website

This local, seasonal eatery known for its grain bowls, salads, and artisan toasts also makes a mean cup of coffee. Stay in and enjoy sipping from an artisan ceramic mug. Did we mention the cold brew to die for?

Communal Cafe#

233 Broad St. – website

Hello, community. Thalia and Jade have created an artsy gathering place featuring freshly roasted and ethically sourced coffee.

Grass Valley Coffee Shops#

Photo courtesy of Brew Bakers Coffee And Tea

Caroline’s Coffee Roasters#

128 S. Auburn St. – website

This old-school coffee roaster located in the heart of downtown Grass Valley roasts in-house five days a week, upwards of 12,000 pounds a month!

Flour Garden#

2 locations: 999 Sutton Way & 109 Neal Street – website

This OG bakery with two Grass Valley locations has been serving up espresso and other coffee beverages with a European flair since 1981.

The Fergon#

155 Mill Street – website

The Fergon stands out as a craft coffee shop with a speakeasy feel tucked inside West Home in downtown Grass Valley, blending exceptional espresso with a stylish, intimate atmosphere. What makes it unique is the experience itself, where carefully crafted coffee meets thoughtfully curated furniture and home goods in one warm, inviting space.

Brew Bakers#

209 W Main Street – website

This family-owned coffee house features Temple coffee and baked goods made daily. Located conveniently across the street from the Center for the Arts and the (some say haunted) historic Holbrooke Hotel.

BriarPatch Food Co-op#

290 Sierra College Drive – website

Locals know this is the place to go to grab a quick pour-your-own brewed Fair Trade coffee or place your order for a specialty beverage. Lots of healthy prepared grab n’ go items and baked goods for the road too.

Corvus Bakery#

154 Mill Street – website

Nestled in the heart of downtown Grass Valley, Corvus Bakery is a modern and inviting space. They serve up delicious coffee and offer a delightful array of treats, all of which are 100% gluten-free. Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, you can indulge in their offerings with confidence.

Cake Bakery & Cafe#

131 Mill Street – website

At Cake Bakery and Café, coffee is more than just a drink, it is a slow, social ritual rooted in the classic French café tradition. They blend old world baking techniques with new world twists, serving thoughtfully crafted espresso drinks made with Wrecking Ball Coffee, or a bold dark roast from Taylor Lane if that is more your speed.

Gloomy Bloom#

167 Mill Street – website

A new shop by sisters Bailey and Belle Douglas focused on simplicity and quality. The menu avoids trendy drinks and instead highlights high quality beans sourced daily from Coffeebar in Reno, along with ethically sourced organic milks and syrups. By keeping things streamlined, Gloomy Bloom emphasizes consistency and craftsmanship in every cup.

 

Penn Valley#

a colorful iced frappuccino made at Java Dream Coffee House in Penn Valley
Image appears courtesy: Java Cream Coffee Roasters

Java DREAM Coffee Roasters#

11434 Pleasant Valley Rd – website

It’s not like the movie Inception where it’s a dream within a dream but a dreamy experience of the coffee kind. These purveyors of java serve up local coffee alongside the perfect Italian dessert accompaniment – Gelato.

North San Juan#

The Ridge Cafe#

29318 North Yuba – website

Take a trip to North San Juan and settle in for some back-to-the-land hospitality that is as authentic Nevada County as they come. Great place to fuel up on organic fare made with love before heading up Highway 49 for a scenic drive, hike, or swim in the North Yuba.

Truckee#

closeup of an artfully crafted cappuccino at Coffee Bar in Truckee California
Photo courtesy of Coffee Bar.

A good day in the mountains begins with great coffee. From local coffee roasters to European inspired cafes, Truckee coffee shops will ensure you’re caffeinated AND happy for every adventure.

Coffeebar#

2 locations: 12047 Donner Pass Rd & 10120 Jibboom St – website

Inspired by the Italian coffee bar culture, these folks take coffee seriously. Almost as much as their hospitality ethos and knack for latte art and ethically sourced beans. They are the real deal.

Drink Coffee Do Stuff#

2 locations: 10115 Donner Pass Rd & 10001 Soaring Way (In Raley’s) – website

A specialty coffee company founded by pro snowboarder Nick Visconti inspired by his time in the Swiss Alps in 2012. That zest for the extraordinary continues today by sourcing and roasting coffee in the mountains, resulting in sweetness achieved by altitude roasting.

Whole Treats Bakery & Coffee House#

10015 Palisades Dr # A3 – Website

After more than a decade as the leading wholesaler of guilt-free, healthier alternatives for satisfying your sweet tooth, they’ve opened a storefront. The shop offers a wide selection of treats, grab-and-go meals, locally roasted coffee and espresso, as well as artisanal teas.

Zuri Coffee Company#

11357 Donner Pass Road – website

A uniquely quaint Swiss experience in the alpine town of Truckee featuring an extensive coffee menu, crepes, salads, and paninis.

Wild Cherries Coffeehouse#

11429 Donner Pass Road – website

A staple in Truckee for two decades, this coffee house featuring European-style pastries is run by Founder Kristin Krone, a native Truckee resident and two-time Olympian in alpine skiing.

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters#

10009 River Street – website

Join Darth Vader and give your dark side a try and head to Dark Horse Coffee Roasters! Where poets, artists, and philosophers are welcome in equal measure in this judgement-free zone. Did we mention the killer coffee?

Pacific Crest Coffee Company#

10736 Pioneer Trail UNIT 13 – website

Fresh crop, small batch roasted coffee and espresso with online ordering and a walk-up window. You’ll love the world-class outdoor vibe created by former professional snowboarder Ralph and co-founder Travis, the highest ranked male in Downhill and Super G on the U.S. Ski Team!

 

Laura-Petersen

Laura Petersen

Laura Petersen has a passion for storytelling and for two decades has chronicled the people and places of Northern California. Fascinated by folk who make a rustic livelihood from the land, her writing examines the complexities of human relationships with nature through topics such as sustainability, food and farming, arts & culture and outdoor recreation. In 2018, she founded Hiking For Good and can regularly be found hiking on trails in Nevada County. Read her work at https://muckrack.com/lpetersenmedia and contact her at laurapetersenmedia@gmail.com

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