My dad dropped a new nickname on me a few days ago.
LPCS. Le petit coffee snob.
I wasn’t sure where the nickname came from, but then I looked down at the pour-over I was making before I left for school and it all made sense. I’ve turned into a bit of a coffee enthusiast after dating men who are intensely interested in coffee and starting my own collection of home-brewing devices.
While LPCS is not the most endearing nickname my father has given me, I’m not complaining. If anything, the title makes me feel qualified to critique the local Phoenix coffee scene.
If someone asks me about the local coffee scene, I launch a five-minute recommendation spiel about where to go for what type of drink he or she is looking for, where to go for a strong Wi-Fi connection and where to go to see and be seen. I’m quite sure I’ve been to every coffee shop in the downtown Phoenix area and can speak to the strengths and weaknesses of each one.
When I heard Mornin’ Moonshine would be opening soon, I jumped on the opportunity to give it a test. It opened a few weeks ago as the coffee-centric brainchild of DJ Fernandes, owner of popular eateries Vovomeena and Tuck Stop.
I could tell that the shop was a rejuvenating space when I set foot inside the first time I visited. Wood panels and orange carpet squares graced the walls, with seating available at a window-length bar and a table that reminds me of where I ate breakfast every morning as a child.
Peaceful music played in the background and the small space felt fresh and personal. I’m afraid if too many people are ever there at once, it will be overwhelming — but it was perfect for me to stop by and get a cup of coffee and a pastry.
I ordered the first item listed on the menu: Japanese cold-brewed iced coffee ($4.50/small, $5.50/large). The price seemed a little high to me, but after looking at the rest of the menu, I realized I should order it, because it’s the signature drink.
I’ve had my fair share of cold-brewed coffee (including but not limited to Jobot’s cold-brew method and Cartel’s toddy brew), but Mornin’ Moonshine’s cold brew is different. It has flavors earthier, deeper and more pungent than the average chocolate-and-caramel tasting notes. Like most cold-brewed coffee, it included more caffeine than an average cup o’ joe.
Bethany, the barista, was kind and outgoing. We talked about school, work and vacations the first day I visited. Better yet, she told me a little bit about the Japanese cold-brewing method!
She told me the machine looks like something out of a laboratory. Ice is suspended above coffee grounds, and as the melted ice saturates the grounds, the coffee is brewed! I’m excited to watch the process when Mornin’ Moonshine puts the machines on display in their space — they weren’t there when I visited.
The second time I visited, a different yet equally calming playlist was on, and a steady stream of customers came in to order coffee or compliment the baristas on a drink consumed earlier in the day.
I ordered a basic drip coffee ($2.25, free refills all day). A full range of sweeteners (raw sugar, honey, simple syrup and regular sugar) was available, along with milk options.
The brew was piping hot, even though it came out of a thermos. I drank the coffee black, and it was smooth and strong. I figure one of the best ways to judge a coffee shop is by its drip coffee — if it’s too watery or bitter, something is wrong. The drip coffee wasn’t bitter, sour or weak, so I was content with my choice.
I tried to use Mornin’ Moonshine’s Wi-Fi, but it wouldn’t work with my 2011 Dell Inspiron laptop or my iPhone 6. However, the 111 Monroe Tower lobby’s Wi-Fi reaches the coffee shop and worked well on both my phone and my laptop, so Internet was ultimately accessible.
All things considered, my visits to Mornin’ Moonshine were incredibly calm and pleasant, but writing this review seems like a Catch-22. I enjoy Mornin’ Moonshine for its chill, laid-back atmosphere, but as more people hear about this gem, I fear it will become a more wild environment.
Then again, it is located in a business district, so it’s unlikely Mornin’ Moonshine will attract a rowdy crowd. Regardless of how busy it gets, this new joint will undoubtedly become a regular stop on my rotation of downtown coffee shops — as long as there’s a seat open at the breakfast nook table.
Mornin’ Moonshine is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers free refills on drip coffee and iced tea. Pastry happy hour is from 12 to 2 p.m. with $1 off all pastries.
Location: 111 W. Monroe Street, Suite #111
Star rating (0-5): ★★★★ ½ (Downtown Devil dining reviews changed their scale from a 4-star scale rating to a 5-star scale)
Contact the reporter at alacasse@asu.edu
