Choco Latte Coffee and Handmade Candy — Restaurant in Aurora Township

My little sister went to school at SDSU. I was just visiting her. Then this place ruined coffee for me!  Ever since my visit I have been disappointed in all coffee since. These events took place about 2ish years ago I believe.

It all started with pulling up to the drive thru. My sister wanted something to warm her up in the winter and who am I to deny my baby sister.

As I creek up to the microphone menu terminal thing I hear a pleasant voice welcoming me to their establishment. Putting me into a happy trance. She asks for my order and I awkwardly place my sister's complicated order. Similar to a child repeating what their parents are telling them to say to grandma on the phone.

Once the dreaded instructions that are longer then the manual on how to fly a plane, it is time. But I havent thought that far ahead. Oh what shall I do.

While in this happy trance the kind voice from the magical coffee order box put me in, I say with full confidence "Can I get one of those fufu coffee drink things. Hot but like not super sweet?".

The voice giggled and responds "Ummm sure do you know what kind of flavor that is?". After a bit of back and forth friendly banter my order comes down to this "What ever you think is best. I'll trust you fully. You know clearly know more about this then I do". And she rattled off instructions similar to the manual my sister had my provide her. To this day i have no idea what that arcane language was. However i regret not memorizing it into my soul. For I would forever regret that decision.

Before the box dismissed me to approach her at the window she ask. Would you like any pastry with that? And in my happy daze I said "If you recommend anything to go with it then I'll take that. Otherwise no". This was... if not... the best decision I ever made in my life.

After receiving my total I get to the window. I received not only a cup of the sweet nectar given to me by the coffee goddesses that work at this establishment. But also a blueberry scone. And... it was warm!

After this kind lady hands me my order I drive forward not wanting to hold up the line. As I begin my drive I had to pull over because when I took a sip of this coffee. It was the BEST thing I have ever had. I didnt know coffee could taste this good. But wait it gets worse.

The scone. Oh the blueberry scone. Heck even blueberries in general. How did I never experience the explosion of your taste prior to this. I dont know what crazy concoction of witchcraft and scientific mastery they did on these two seemingly simple but amazingly complex items. But combined was like experiencing life at its fullest. The explosion of the blueberry mixing with the subtle smoothness of the coffee...

If I was a weaker man I would of cried tears of joy. However, this place has since ruined coffee for me. I still drink the stuff. But it leaves a bit of sadness as I will never experience the greatness that is the coffee again.

Also, the staff at the window that also took my order was amazing. My only other regret was not catching her name. But who ever you were Ms Barista. I...

--- COVID-19 Times review ---

The location: Easy to find, it's in the strip mall across the street from Walmart in Brookings. Clear signage!

The place: I didn't go in due to The Pandemic Times, but the drive-thru was easy to find. The menu is easy to read, but didn't have the holiday menu included. Luckily, I'd looked at the Facebook page for Choco Latte earlier that morning and I was able to ask questions about what was available.

The service: The service at Choco Latte was superb. Sitting at a drive-thru and asking the barista (through a mask) about the holiday specials while she explained (through a mask) was the specials were, I could still hear her smile. This barista made my morning with her patience and kindness.

The drinks: Butter cookie spice mocha - AMAZING. I could taste just the right amount of spice, sweetness, and richness. Beautiful. Cinnamon French toast latte - Delectable. Tastes like breakfast.

Next time: I'll take another look at the holiday menu so I can work down the list. I would...

I had not been to Choco Latte in over a year….far too long. Returned today to get my daily dose of caffeine and was met with stellar service at the drive-thru. I don’t know the lady’s name, but she was phenomenal. Gave me a free sample of their popular fudge, which was excellent. I used to work at a big-name cafe, and I know the job can be stressful at times. I currently work in hospitality, so I know great service when I see it. I included a nice tip and asked her to pass on the good vibes and random act of kindness to someone else. I will definitely be back. ~Jay Certified Front Desk Manager Certified Guest Service Professional Certified...