As self-proclaimed coffee connoisseurs, we get excited whenever we discover a fellow coffee snob, especially another Idahoan. Meet Brian Keleigh. A blogger/ foodie/student but soon-to-be-graduate from Boise, Idaho who knows a thing or two about a quality cup of coffee and a good read. We were so inspired by his penchant for coffee that we asked him to write a piece for us about one of the best coffee shops in Boise: Slow by Slow
As an avid coffee enthusiast, I have definitely developed specific tastes for my brews. I like to stick with light roasts, and within that realm, I look for notes of citrus and fruits which give the espresso an acidic quality that pairs well with my similarly described personality.
I didn’t develop an affinity for coffee until I was a sophomore in college. I was a diehard Frappuccino drinker until I discovered I was lactose intolerant, which was silmultaneously when I realized Frappuccinos were not real drinks unless I was at a Starbucks. No longer able to add cream to my coffee, the thought of adding straight sugar to my coffee absolutely repulsed me. So you could say I was forced into loving black coffee. And now, I am as addicted to the flavor as I am the caffeine.
Amidst my constant quest for quality espresso, I’ve stumbled upon Slow by Slow, a coffee bar in the BODO section of downtown Boise, Idaho. They feature two types of espressos that rotate every so often, as well as a stellar range of beans from coffee roasters around the Pacific Northwest. They have carried batches from some of my favorite roasters: Heart out of Portland, Oregon, and Publik from Salt Lake City, which provide plenty of variety to put a zing in anyone’s day. While I typically order a doppio - two shots of espresso, served with palate cleansing mineral water - their pour overs and americanos are divine.
The environment is an Instagram dream. Cute tiled floors provide a foundation for exposed brick walls that rest under white painted beams. The lightly colored wood tables create the perfect backdrop for any photo. This place will surely upgrade your feed’s aesthetic.
Last but not least, the pastries are top notch. Whenever I try a new coffee shop, I always get a piece of banana bread; i.e. my fave. If it passes the test, then you will only hear me talking about it for the next week. So believe me when I say Slow has the best banana bread in BOI. If you find yourself in Boise and in need of quality coffee from skilled baristas, look no further than Slow By Slow.
