Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters
524 Church ST, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Evans Brothers is a roaster and community coffeehouse conceived by two brothers while riding the chairlift on nearby Schweitzer mountain. I honor of their creation story, they’ve named their signature blends after ski runs on the nearby mountain. In a sign of transparency and authenticity, their single origin coffees are named after the specific area the beans come from, often a micro climate all its own, or they bear the actual name of the grower.
Coffee:
Appropriately named after a black diamond run with trees and chutes, Big Timber was my drip coffee. It’s a multi continent blend of dark roast with a smoky, cocoa signature. Steep and bold, this is a black diamond cup of coffee. My cortado featured their Headwall Espresso blend, a medium roast, multi-continent blend that provided an assertive espresso experience despite its 50/50 mix with whole milk. While my coffees were both blends, a single blend was also offered.
The facility includes an attached roastery that is purely an industrial operation without consumer engagement save a heady aromatic signature.
Barista:
The staff was friendly and attentive and happy to provide narrative on their various coffee roasts. Equipment was attentively cared for and overall operations were well organized and clean.
Vibe:
EB’s efforts to created a destination of connection, both for the Sandpoint community as well as to the growers and importers they support is front and center. This community oasis is clearly a local favorite with a flavorful dose of van dwellers, bike and ski enthusiasts (depending on the season), and long-time locals. Hanging out and visiting while enjoying your tasty brew seems nearly mandatory as this is a place that welcomes you, dogs included, and oozes with laid-back comfort. Community tables, sofas, and lounge chairs compliment a mix of tables for individual parties and two generous outdoor areas. Food options include a quality selection of bakery and some tasty breakfast burritos. Local, high quality art is featured on he walls with price points if you are so inclined. A turntable and selection of albums invites customers to spin the vinyl of their choice and a fireplace adds to a cozy mood in the winter. Garage doors open up in the summer to a large outdoor space between the shop and the old grain mill, the tallest structure in town. Merch is solid. The single bathroom is accessed by going outside and entering another doorway.
Make You Better
Merch was solid, but lacking in the diversity of sizes available. outdoor heaters would be a nice option in the winter.
Evans Brothers is a comfortable meeting place for a diverse audience of authentic mountain town folk and visitors alike. Truth be known, I’ve spent several mornings in their spaces, and even a few nights on the adjacent street, waiting for them to open up while taking advantage of their wifi. No harm, no foul. I think that’s the kind of welcome matt they roll with. Good coffee, good stop.
~ Clyde <3
