Ristr8to Original: Trendy Tunes and Tasty Brews in Chiang Mai
On my last day in Chiang Mai, I craved a caffeine kick worthy of farewell. With just one cafe to choose, I stumbled upon Ristr8to Original. The vibe hit me instantly: trendy beats pulsed through the air, a young crowd sipped and chatted, and the chalkboard menu boasted an enticing array of coffee concoctions.
I couldn't resist a classic flat white, and it arrived a picture of perfection – creamy foam swirling atop a rich espresso. Smooth, full-bodied, and undeniably delicious, it was the perfect pick-me-up. But I couldn't leave without trying the legendary Ristretto No. 8, the cafe's strongest brew. This tiny shot was a punch of pure coffee essence, intense and bold, packing a flavor wallop that lingered long after the last sip.
Presentation at Ristr8to wasn't just for Instagram – it was an expression of their coffee artistry. Every cup was a mini masterpiece, adorned with intricate latte art that rivaled any gallery exhibit. And while I may have shied away from the intriguing black coffee with gin (saving that for another adventure!), it spoke volumes about the cafe's adventurous spirit and willingness to push boundaries.
Ristr8to Original wasn't just a caffeine pit stop – it was an experience. From the buzzing atmosphere to the innovative brews, it left me wanting more. If you're seeking a trendy cafe with top-notch coffee and a touch of whimsy, Ristr8to should be your go-to in Chiang Mai. Just be warned: one visit might not be enough!
Overall: Highly recommended! Trendy vibes, delicious coffee, and an adventurous spirit make Ristr8to Original a must-visit for any coffee lover in Chiang Mai.
Tip: Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations – the baristas are friendly and passionate about their craft.
And yes, the black coffee with gin is still calling my name… next...
Read moreWent here just after checking into our hotel, to write some reviews for other places. The smell is what got me in the door. The heavenly scent of non-burned or over done coffee was fresh in the Chiang Mai air. Inside, it was deco'd in a hipster/mathematician kind of vibe, even having a coffee flow chart above the bar. I first ordered a machiato, with just a swirl of caramel. My wife ordered a hot cocoa. Hers came first and it literally tasted like pure sweet cocoa made by angels. No sugary, syrupy, sickly-sweet aftertaste. By far the best cocoa I've had in decades. Mine came next. It was smaller than the average machiato, but it was the best damned machiato I've have EVER had, and that's saying something. I drink thousands of them. There was zero bitterness, the caramel was just faint enough to be noticeable, and the coffee/milk balance was perfect. We also ordered the waffle bites. They came in an order of 4. Very good pairing with our drinks. After that, I ordered a Magic. It's like a double espresso with a faint bit of steamed milk. Absolutely delicious. If you don't like sweet coffee drinks, this is a good one to try. No bitterness before, during, or after. It's perfectly roasted coffee will pep you up but not put you into tachycardia. 15/10 would recommend this place to any coffee lover of any caliber. Great job staff!
Edited to add: I spent more than 200 baht because of the tips! It wasn't the cost of...
Read moreI have come here many many times. The standard drinks are amazing, and always worth the trip to get coffee. I often bring my family here when we come to visit Chiang Mai. At generally 89 baht, I'm not against the price. I feel like you really get what you pay for here. The desserts are also very tasty and very reasonably priced.
Today I went out on a limb and I tried one of their alcoholic coffee drinks. For the first time at Ristr8to, I was a little disappointed. The drink was nearly 200 baht, due to the alcohol in it, but aside from having just a mild whiff of the smell of the alcohol, I couldn't really taste it. And it's a shame, because whiskey/rum and coffee go really well together. Honestly I could have gotten the same thing if they had just added a little bit of extract.
I'll stick to the normal coffees...
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