Argos Coffee Roasters

195 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-293-8256, argoscaffe.com

Wake up and smell the coffee at Argos Coffee Roasters. If you’re lucky, you’ll come by when they’re roasting their beans in-house, making sure you always get the freshest coffee around. Their pastries come from Grateful Bread Co. in Sacramento and are equally coveted. Calling itself the first espresso bar of its kind in Folsom, this tall claim is laid to rest once you taste Argos’ offerings. Join their coffee club and be exposed to the world of artisanal coffee. Try the Bali Blue Moon with notes of brown sugar, jasmine, lime and caramel or the Guatemala Quiche with its notes of dark chocolate, caramel and blackberry. Watch their Facebook page for occasional music performances and special offers.—TM

Eat This:

Eat: Cinnamon Swirl Toast with Almond Butter

Drink: Caramel Latte (espresso, steamed milk and house-made caramel) 

Einstein Café 

411 Stafford Street, Folsom, 916-544-8384, folsom.ca.us/city_hall/depts/library/services/einsteins_cafe.asp

If you're looking for brain food, look no further than Einstein Café, located inside the Folsom Public Library. The smiling faces working behind the counter immediately greet and welcome you in. They have a limited menu of sandwiches and wraps, but the quality is top-notch and everything is made fresh. Their kids’ menu has quite a few options for little ones too, including scoops courtesy of Sacramento classic Gunther's Ice Cream. Drinks include smoothies, teas and espresso offerings that feature Rocklin's own Vaneli's Handcrafted Coffee. Although a small spot, there are tables inside and even a few out. While you wait for your order, peruse the art hanging on the wall and take in the quiet atmosphere that seems to extend beyond the doors of the library.—EP

ORDER THIS

Eat: Animal Sugar Cookie

Drink: Espresso

Folsom Grind

7610 Folsom-Auburn Road, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-932-7757, folsomgrind.com

This coffee shop serves as a pit stop for cyclists and coffee-lovers alike. They serve java by Temple Coffee Roasters, delicious goodies by Bella Bru, and beer and wine for those seeking a different type of buzz. The local flavors bring folks in from near and far, to bond over bikes and brew. Relax indoors or out, listen to good music and enjoy the cool coffee shop vibes. Soy and coconut milk are available for the lactose intolerant, and the folks here are accommodating and friendly. Keep it simple with a cold brew and go on your merry way pumped for the day.—TM  

ORDER THIS

Eat: Raspberry Crumble 

Drink: Con Pana (espresso topped with whipped cream)

Coffee Republic

6610 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, 916-987-8001, coffeerepublicfolsom.com

Travel the world, one coffee bean at a time at one of Folsom’s favorite cafés: Coffee Republic. Here you can taste coffee from Sumatra, France, Panama or Papua New Guinea…to name a few. A variety of teas, gourmet sandwiches, salads and other delicacies are also on offer. Choose from regular, soy, hemp, almond, rice or coconut milk—the options are endless. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating means you can easily pass time by people watching or studying. Get yourself a rewards card (after 10 of the same drink the 11th is free), avail of the free Wi-Fi and drink from their infused water station. This comfortable locale has lots of character and will definitely keep you coming back for more.—TM    

Order This:

Eat: Quiche Lorraine 

Drink: Tiramisu Latte (espresso, tiramisu syrup, steamed milk)

Karen's Bakery and Café

705 Gold Lake Drive, Folsom, 916-985-2665, karensbakery.com

Karen's Bakery and Café has been a staple in Historic Folsom for over 15 years and for good reason. Their menu offers something for everyone, is prepared fresh daily, and changes seasonally. Call ahead, as most dishes can be prepared for takeout, or enjoy an afternoon out on the patio. Their breakfast and lunch menu includes plenty of sit-down options (scrambles, sandwiches, salads) but there's a large assortment of pastries ready for the taking too, in addition to a full espresso bar. It’s the prime place for a leisurely coffee date with a side of people watching.—EP

ORDER THIS

Eat: Blueberry Coffee Cake

Drink: Fog Lifter (espresso infused with a cup of freshly brewed coffee)

Julian's Pâtisserie and Café

6610 Folsom-Auburn Road, Suite 7, Folsom, 916-936-4735, jppastryarts.com

When it comes to perfect pairings, nothing beats coffee and confections. Luckily, pastry artist, Folsom High School graduate and Cake Wars contestant, Julian Perrigo-Jimenez’s European-style bakery is a dessert lover’s dream come true. Since opening their doors just under a year ago, the pâtisserie and café has created quite the buzz and loyal following. In addition to fresh fruit Danishes, sweet and savory crepes, chocolate eclairs and other scratch-made baked goods—which you can watch being crafted thanks to an open kitchen—the light, airy and intimate space also serves java from Kingdom Coffee Roasters (free refills if you’re dining in!) and cold brew. Oftentimes, Julian and his wife, Ashley, can be seen working or interacting with customers, making it the perfect place to get cozy…and caffeinated.—TM

ORDER THIS

Eat: Fruit Tart

Drink: Cold Brew

Sue’s Café and Deli

1150 Iron Point Road, Suite 150, Folsom, 916-741-3210

Sue’s Café and Deli is a quiet little nook that offers sandwiches, salads and soups that are quick, nutritious and delicious. Their café menu includes a multitude of Peet’s Coffee offerings, including white mochas, cappuccinos, matcha green tea lattes and iced chai. You can customize your drink to include soy milk, an extra espresso shot or flavored syrup (extra charge) or try their fabulous blended Frios. The food is always fresh, and you can enjoy it inside or out. Don’t forget to try their house-made cookies, too; trust me: They’re a real treat.—TM 

ORDER THIS

Eat: Cheese Danish 

Drink: Caramel Iced Latte (espresso, milk poured over ice with caramel swirls and foam on top)

Pure Life Juice Company

604 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-932-4100; 350 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-932-4619, purelifejuicecompany.com

Pure Life Juice Company is fairly new to the community and already boasts two locations: one in Palladio and the other in Historic Folsom. Their focus is on organic, pressed juices, smoothies, nut milks and raw foods. All food and drink options are vegan, as their milks are solely made from nuts, and they don't serve anything but fresh produce. Nutrition is key here, but flavor is a close second, and menu items are crafted to provide necessary nutrients without sacrificing flavor. Coffees are made with organic, fair-trade beans and utilize said nut milks and different forms of coconut (butter, nectar and sugar) to flavor and sweeten. If you're looking to start a health journey, or are simply craving a tasty treat, your hunt ends here.—EP

Order This

Eat: Strawberry Acai Bowl 

Drink: Cold-Brewed Mocha (espresso, cacao almond milk)

La Bou Bakery and Café

13385 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 900, Folsom, 916-608-2288; 404 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 600, Folsom, 916-983-3885, labou.com

It all began 35 years ago with warm, homemade croissants that locals lined up for. Now, with fresh croissants still on the menu, La Bou has locations all over the Sacramento region, including two in Folsom. Their breakfast and lunch menus include sandwiches, pastries, gourmet salads, specialty wraps and more. They also offer daily soup specials, along with regular flavors like the beloved creamy tomato bisque. With plenty of seating for dining in, including a patio at both locations, quick service, and strong, aromatic espresso drinks—crafted using beans from notable San Francisco roaster, Capricorn Coffees—it’s a perfect spot for some midday fuel.—EP

ORDER THIS

Eat: Almond Croissant

Drink: Thai Iced Tea (Thai tea, sugar, half and half)

BJ Cinnamon

402 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-608-8824, facebook.com/bjcinnamon

You might know BJ Cinnamon from a Buzzfeed article earlier this year that deemed it the best bakery in California. That’s right, California’s best is in your backyard. It’s no wonder then that they top the list for local pastries, with an array of donuts, muffins, savory croissants, famed cinnamon rolls and more. They also serve coffee to go along with these sinful treats because, of course, coffee and donuts go hand-in-hand: one hand donut, the other, a hot latte. Some of their Big Train Blended Ice Coffee options include mocha freeze and cookies and cream, but try their espresso, hot chocolate and milk teas, too. You won’t be disappointed.—TM 

ORDER THIS

Eat: Pecan Sticky Bun  

Drink: Café au Lait (equal parts espresso and steamed milk)

Bella Bru

3941 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-5454, bellabrucafe.com

Bella Bru has been an El Dorado Hills staple for years, providing gourmet meals in a casual environment. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with weekly specials and occasional live entertainment. Their breakfast menu includes an array of specialty coffee drinks, pastries and more filling plates of fare like waffles, French toast, omelets, huevos rancheros, oatmeal and more. To-go orders are welcomed, but they provide plenty of seating inside and out on their dog-friendly patio. It can get quite busy (that's a good sign, right?), but you'll always be greeted and served with a smile. —EP

ORDER THIS

Eat: Carrot Cake Muffin

Drink: Bella Bru Special (espresso, steamed milk, chocolate, almond syrup, whipped cream, toasted almonds)

Nicholson’s MusiCafe

632 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-984-3020, nicholsonmusic.com

Nicholson’s draws people in not only with the promise of good music, but also good coffee. Aside from the open mic, live music and instrumental lessons (ukulele anyone?), they offer all the usual caffeinated favorites—including pour-over drip coffee, mochas and cappuccinos—along with sandwiches and pastries of every kind (fresh from BJ Cinnamon). If you want some quiet time, laze around on their outdoor patio and watch Folsom go by. Soy and almond milk are available and so are vegan cookies. Support local artists and exhibit your own musical talents—all while sipping a well-made latte. —TM

ORDER THIS

Eat: Apple Fritter

Drink: Pumpkin Spice Latte (espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove-flavored syrup; available until Thanksgiving)

Zia's

4364 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills, 916-939-9427, ziasgelato.com

Zia's is a little bit of Italy in El Dorado Hills. From the homemade pastries and gelato to the authentic espresso drinks, quality and taste span the entire menu. Their location in Town Center is charming and cozy, but still offers plenty of room for those looking to read a book or work on a laptop. Warm up with a hot drink or cool off with homemade sorbetto, and if you're looking for something more substantial, Zia's offers salads and paninis aplenty. Unsure of what to order? The staff is always patient and willing to help you choose. The positive atmosphere and fresh food and drinks are what make Zia's such a sweet spot for locals.—EP

ORDER THIS

Eat: Muffant

Drink: Caffe Miele Macchiato (espresso sweetened with Spanish lavender honey and topped with a dollop of steamed milk foam)

Cooper’s Coffee House

189 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 130, Folsom, 916-351-5889, cooperscoffeehouse.com 

Cooper’s is always a good idea, whether it be for breakfast, lunch or a mid-day snack. They offer a whopping 15 different sugar-free syrup flavors (including chai, coconut, English toffee and peach) and approximately 17 blended beverages (white chocolate peppermint bark for the win), plus gluten-free brownies and bars, and milk alternatives like soy, coconut and almond. From steaming hot lattes to six freshly brewed daily roasts, there’s something for everyone. They also come up with great seasonal drinks that are sure to fix your pumpkin and peppermint cravings. And don’t forget to try their variety of muffins, bars, cobblers and more. Here’s the best part—after 4 p.m., all their remaining pastries are only $1, so you’re all set for dinner!—TM.

ORDER THIS

Eat: S'mores Bar 

Drink: Blended Peanut Butter Banana Mocha (milk, peanut butter, chocolate chips, cold brew coffee and banana blended with ice)

Nugget Markets

4500 Post Street, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-1433, nuggetmarket.com 

Nugget is a popular addition to the community—not only for their quality groceries, but for the coffee and juice bar where they offer a variety of espresso drinks, pastries, smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices and plenty of seating in a welcoming atmosphere. For an additional fee, add coconut, almond or soy milk, syrups or an extra shot of espresso. If you’re in charge of bringing pastries into the office, grab a “pastry platter,” which includes your choice of freshly baked bagels, croissants and Danishes. It’s easy to grab a coffee and pastry for the road, but if you have time to spare, take your order upstairs or outside to their patio.—EP

ORDER THIS

Eat: Almond Croissant 

Drink: Cold Brew

Sweet Dozen Cones

807 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-358-9832, sweetdozen.com

While strolling along Sutter Street in Historic Folsom, the sweet, sweet smell of sugar will lead you straight to Sweet Dozen Cones. The literal sweet spot opened in September, and they’ve garnered quite the following ever since. With a focus on donut cones (you have to see it to believe it) filled with your choice of ice cream and toppings, they also offer plenty of coffee drinks and pastries (I’m a fan of the croissant poppers and Fruity Pebbles-topped donut). Beverage offerings include classic espresso drinks, plus Vietnamese iced coffee, hot chai tea and hot apple cider. You'll be greeted by a (soon-to-be) familiar face, and can enjoy your treats inside next to their exposed brick wall or at a table out front. Sweet Dozen Cones is a late-riser; they open at noon, making it the perfect spot to get an afternoon pick-me-up.—EP

ORDER THIS

Eat: Maple Vanilla Bacon Sweet Cone

Drink: Affogato (espresso poured over vanilla gelato)

Kingdom Coffee Roasters

306 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-287-0240, kingdomcoffeeroasters.com

Like their name suggests, Kingdom roasts and brews their own coffee and does a pretty good job of it. Purchase a bag of beans, and you could go home with a free cup of hot or cold coffee. The stylish café serves a bevy of beverages, including a milky and soothing cortado (espresso “cut” with a small amount of warm milk). Choose from dairy-free, soy-free or gluten-free treats, and don’t miss their cookies, cronuts and croissants. And if you like a side of humor with your cuppa, check out their wall of clocks that lets you know what time it is in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville and El Dorado Hills…in case you were wondering.—TM  

ORDER THIS

Eat: BlueBerry Danish

Drink: The Pearl (espresso with sweetened condensed milk)

Sandy Toes Coffee Shop

118 Woodmere Road, Suite 110, Folsom, 916-608-8850, busykidzfolsom.com/sandy-toes-cafe

Located inside BusyKidz Play Town is Sandy Toes Coffee Shop, a beach-themed, full-service espresso bar and café that provides easy access to food and drink for busy parents, and welcomes those without kids. Their beans are roasted locally by Naked Roasting in Sacramento, and their food is always organic—much of it gluten-free, too. Beverage offerings include iced and hot coffee drinks, tea, smoothies and hot cocoa for the little ones. If you're lucky enough to randomly receive a stamped "Elly Cup," you'll receive one month of free admission to BusyKidz for one child. They also offer curbside pickup (just call ahead your order, and they'll bring it out to you upon arrival) and $1 coffee and tea Thursdays.—EP 

ORDER THIS

Eat: Elly Cookies 

Drink: Panda Ellyccino (espresso, white chocolate, dark chocolate and milk blended with ice; topped with whipped cream)

Snooks Chocolate Factory

731 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-985-0620, snookscandies.com

Since 1963, Snooks Chocolate Factory has been serving up sweets to Folsom residents and out-of-town visitors, but did you know they also serve espresso drinks? Stocked with brittles, fudge, toffee, caramel corn, ice cream, “fill-a-bag candy” and hot and iced coffee drinks, you’ll literally feel like a kid in a candy store here. There are tables inside and benches outside, or you can always stroll down Sutter Street to get the full Historic Folsom experience. Stop in to get your caffeine fix and satisfy your sweet tooth, and take a peek at their very own chocolate factory. It may not be as large as Willy Wonka's, but small batches of chocolates are what make Snooks a staple in the community.—EP

ORDER THIS

Eat: Waffle Cone with Ice Cream

Drink: Brewed Coffee (add vanilla soy milk)

Barnes and Noble Kitchen

280 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-984-4407, barnesandnoblekitchen.com 

This experimental kitchen has Folsom folks swooning with praise. Bring your appetites and buy a book because you’re bound to spend a lot of time eating, drinking, reading and basically living here. Their menu consists of elevated breakfast and lunch fare, as well as wonderfully crafted coffees. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get a cute animal “drawn” on your latte by one of their gifted baristas. Time your visit to coincide with a live musical performance by local talent or catch an author in discussion (check stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3300 for the schedule). With all of the quality eats and drinks, plethora of reading options and entertainment available, this upscale location will whisk you away to a relaxed and indulgent way of life.—TM

ORDER THIS

Eat: Bear Claw 

Drink: Mocha (espresso, steamed milk, chocolate)

Bakerie and Latte Chateau Arme

2222 Francisco Drive, Suite 500, El Dorado Hills, 916-939-0834

If you’ve stopped by Bakerie and Latte Chateau Arme, chances are you’ve met the owner Helen, or have at least seen her working in the kitchen. She’s often there at (or before) the crack of dawn preparing breakfast and lunch for hungry locals, and has been since 1994. Offerings include a full espresso bar and a variety of drip coffees, plus delicious pastries including raspberry scones, blueberry muffins, cinnamon rolls, a bacon-egg-and-cheese panini and croissants. For lunch, order a sandwich, salad or bowl of their daily soup. Everything is homemade (including all the breads) every morning, and can be enjoyed inside their quaint interior or outside on the dog-friendly patio.—EP

ORDER THIS

Eat: Chocolate Croissant

Drink: Latte (espresso, steamed milk)

*Due to an accident in October, Bakerie and Latte Chateau Arme was temporarily closed at press time. Please call ahead before visiting.

Whole Foods Coffee Bar

270 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-984-8500, wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/folsom

The next time you’re buying wholesome, organic and consciously sourced food, why not end your shopping spree with some good coffee? You can get whatever your heart desires at the coffee bar at Whole Foods Market, including lattes, cappuccinos, espressos and Americanos, made from Allegro Coffee that’s organic and fair trade. If you’d like, you can have your perfectly crafted coffee with the soy, almond or coconut milk they offer. Good coffee requires a good pastry—which is why they also serve delectable, freshly made offerings that run the gamut from vegan donuts and croissants to cheese Danishes. What more could you ask for? —TM

ORDER THIS

Eat: Vegan Donut

Drink: Espresso Blend (espresso, vanilla powder, vanilla syrup and milk blended with ice)

Cameron Park Coffee and Deli

3161 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, 530-350-8146, facebook.com/cameronparkcoffeeanddeli

Cameron Park Coffee and Deli has been serving the surrounding businesses and residents since late 2014. As you enter the quaint coffee shop, a smiling face and conversation await, along with freshly brewed coffee and homemade muffins. They buy their beans through direct trade, meaning the farmers they purchase from receive fair wages. In addition to coffee, they serve smoothies, salads, sandwiches (try their famous and delicious bahn mi) and gourmet Polish dogs. The relaxed vibe makes it easy to enjoy your coffee with an old (or new) friend, though it’s no problem to grab your goodies to go.—EP

ORDER THIS

Eat: Nutella Muffin

Drink: Iced Coffee

Espresso Explained

Espresso: Very hot water is pressured through finely ground beans to make one ounce of strong, concentrated coffee

Americano: An espresso diluted with hot water 

Italiano: A 1:1 ratio of espresso and hot water; also known as a short Americano

Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk foam

Cortado/Gibraltar: An espresso cut with warm milk; cortado is of Spanish origin, whereas “Gibraltar” was invented in San Francisco and simply refers to the type of tumbler it is served in

Latte: An espresso with steamed milk and topped with milk foam

Flat White: Similar to a latte, but creamier due to the use of microfoam (very small bubbles in steamed milk)

Coffee World Records 

The largest coffee shop in the world is the Al Masaa Café in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which can seat 1,050 people.

The largest coffee cup pyramid was constructed by the Birla Institute of Management Technology in India. It consisted of 23,821 paper cups.

As of November 2012, Robert Dahl from Germany has the largest collection of coffee pots—a whopping 27,390.

Caffé Bene in South Korea made the largest iced black Americano in a cup measuring 10 feet 10 inches in height and 8 feet 7 inches in width. It consisted of 3,758.7 gallons of coffee.

The longest journey by a coffee-powered car was made in 2010 by a 1988 Volkswagon Scirocco. It travelled 337 kilometers from London to Manchester using “car-puccino,” that can reportedly reach 60 miles per hour and achieve one mile per 56 espressos. 

Medano Coffee in Singapore sold the most expensive coffee pod for $54.63 per pod. It contained the highest quality King Jantan peaberry coffee beans and 22K
gold dust. 

Local Coffee Cocktails

Chocolate Martini (vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and Bailey’s Irish Cream) from Bacchus House Bistro in Folsom, bacchushousebistro.com

Coffee Colada (vanilla vodka, coconut cream, espresso, spiced brown sugar and caramel) from Bar 101 Eats and Drinks in Roseville, bar101roseville.com

Sienna Wake-Uptini (vanilla vodka, espresso, Kahlúa, Bailey’s Irish Cream and vanilla simple syrup) from Sienna Restaurant in Roseville and El Dorado Hills, siennarestaurants.com

Chocolate Flirtini (vanilla bean vodka, Irish cream, espresso liqueur, raspberry liqueur and dark shredded chocolate) from Sauce'd Cocktail House in El Dorado Hills, saucedcocktailhouse.com

Double-Shot Espresso Martini (360 Organic vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlúa Especial and espresso) from The Independent Restaurant and Bar in Placerville, independentplacerville.com

by Tara Mendanha and Emily Peter