The Pour Choice — Restaurant in Auburn

2025:

I really do hate to give a negative review, but when a business deserves it, I feel it is a must to keep these sites legit. Otherwise why have reviews!

I’ve been visiting Pour Choice since they opened in 2017. We used to live near by and now visit annually from abroad as we have family here. I do enjoy their coffee (but do hate paying for alternative milk such as Oat) and my husband enjoys a matcha or chai tea (also with oat milk). We also like the avocado toast served as vegetarian.

My issue is the tables have now become work space for those that feel a local coffee cafe is their personal office or library. No regard to others that would enjoy a seat at a table. No regard to those of us that do not want to hear their ZOOM meetings. No regard to those of us that ARE PAYING customers and you definitely pay a premium here as prices are on the high side.

Today, 12 May 2025, happened to be a bit cool outside. Arriving at 2pm, my friend and I wanted to have a coffee and a light lunch at an inside table.

I counted 11 - YES ELEVEN - tables occupied by laptop users. Both on the lower level and the upper level.

Though we FINALLY found a seat, we were wedged tightly between the ‘office workers’. And you know what, in our hour stay, we observed 99% of these tables with NO FOOD or BEVERAGES to consume!!

Even as we left, the same ‘gang’ were occupying the tables. And as we were leaving, two came in to share a table and immediately pulled out their laptops. As I was walking down the stairs, another young man was arriving to - yep - sit down on the upper level with his lap top.

At this point, all I could do was shake my head in disbelief.

If this is the atmosphere you want to allow, that’s fine. Then please replace your name with either THE POUR CHOICE LIBRARY or THE POUR CHOICE COMMUNAL WORKSPACE. That way, those of us PAYING CUSTOMERS would know to take our business elsewhere. I sure don’t want to sit amongst entitled workers that don’t know how to pay for their own WiFi or can’t figure out how to commute into an actual office building. You know, like we all used to HAVE to do in the ‘olden days’ of real jobs or university libraries!

Please Jordan and Melinda, listen to those of us long time customers. You could easily set restrictions. Make MOST of the tables laptop free. Set time limits. Set purchase requirements. There are many ways to make your establishment friendly to all of us. I know you are busy getting the new restaurant up and running. But just think, you will be offering dinner at the new location. How will it go over if this ‘laptop gang’ goes there, orders an inexpensive bite to eat or drink and then occupies a table all evening? That’s not going to go over well as others wait for a table or have to be surrounded by an office atmosphere which most people are trying to escape!

Thank you for ‘listening’. I really hope you take this constructive criticism seriously.

2020: As you enter, there is a LARGE sign stating masks are required. Sadly, this place is in 100% violation of practicing Covid safety.

What the heck are they thinking? Why would you even wait on anyone that walks in without a mask? Not even ‘hanging’ on ones ears. This woman flat out did not have a mask ANYWHERE on her body nor did she attempt to put a mask on. At this point, the staff should have asked her to wear a mask OR TO LEAVE!!

Also tables are packed indoors, not practicing social distancing or limited occupancy. This people, is why we will not get back to ‘normal’ for a long long time!

DO NOT SUPPORT A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT DOES NOT GIVE A S... ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!

Simple enough. Pour Choice you have made a VERY POOR CHOICE! I’m so saddened and very disappointed. I guess dollars are worth...

If you find yourself in the picturesque town of Auburn, California, make sure to stop by The Pour Choice—it's an absolute gem! This delightful establishment has left an indelible impression on me, and I can't wait to return.

From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with warm smiles and a genuine friendliness that instantly put me at ease. The Pour Choice truly embodies the spirit of hospitality, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The staff members are not only knowledgeable about their craft but also incredibly friendly and approachable, always willing to share their expertise and recommendations.

One of the standout features of The Pour Choice is their incredible selection. Whether you're a craft beer aficionado, a wine connoisseur, or a lover of fine spirits, this place has you covered. Their carefully curated menu boasts an impressive array of beverages, featuring a diverse range of local and international options. With each visit, I discovered new and exciting libations that piqued my interest and expanded my palate.

The attention to detail at The Pour Choice is truly commendable. The presentation of the drinks is impeccable, and the flavors are expertly crafted. Every sip was a delightful experience, leaving me wanting more. The bartenders' skill and passion shine through in each drink they prepare, making every visit a unique and memorable adventure.

What sets The Pour Choice apart is their dedication to creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you're a solo visitor seeking a quiet corner to unwind or a group of friends looking to celebrate, you'll find the perfect spot here. The cozy seating arrangements, coupled with the tastefully decorated interior, create an ambiance that encourages relaxation and good conversation.

In addition to their exceptional drinks and ambiance, The Pour Choice offers fantastic service. The staff members go above and beyond to ensure your needs are met, making you feel like a valued guest. Their attentiveness and genuine care for their customers are evident in every interaction, enhancing the overall experience.

As I conclude my review, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for my next visit to The Pour Choice. This remarkable establishment has captured my heart with its friendly atmosphere, remarkable selection, and top-notch service. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make it a point to visit The Pour Choice in Auburn, CA—you won't be disappointed!

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at The Pour Choice for providing such a fantastic experience. Keep up the phenomenal work, and I look forward to...

As many of you know, I'm a coffee addict. I love spending loads of time in cafés all over the world—sipping espresso drinks, eating a pastry or meal, hanging out talking to locals, doing work on my laptop, or chilling out and listening to media. So it was with huge pleasure that I discovered a new hangout joint for me right in Auburn, California!

This place hits all the marks for me. See, for me, coffee is only a portion of the café experience. It's like I love the bass guitar, but it can't be the whole band. So cafés, for me, need a killer location, a welcoming and interesting atmosphere, super friendly staff, talented baristas, and healthy, fresh food that is super tasty. The Pour Choice has all this. In fact, they even have beer—though I didn't have the opportunity to partake yet.

It's got loads of space with an upstairs and lots of outdoor seating, including an upstairs patio.

The location is right in the middle of historic Auburn, where the state capital once was during the Gold Rush days, with gold discovered just down the hill at Sutter’s Mill. So the setting feels special and charming, even though the historic area is a bit overlooked these days.

I went there with my wife, another coffee aficionado, who shared the same sentiment about the experience.

The place has a modern, clean, and casual feel—so it’s not like an old-timey saloon, which you might expect in a touristy historic town. Rather, The Pour Choice felt like it could be parked on a hip corner in San Francisco. My wife felt right at home in her high boots tucked into jeans.

My wife had a flat white, and I had an Americano. (I always drink unflavored or untreated coffee on first visits so I can taste the pure flavor.) Both of us were super happy with our beverages and found them to be delicious.

Now I want to go back for a beer sometime. All in all, it was a fantastic stop for coffee and for hopping off the merry-go-round...