City Brew Coffee — Restaurant in Bozeman

This was my first time at a City Brew, and for the uninitiated it closely resembles a Starbucks in decor (I think they have the same front cooler, similar layout, etc). BUT! This is coffee far and above the Starbucks’ level. My brewed coffee was a medium roast, light and smooth, if lacking a little in flavor. The espresso was a little bland or stale tasting mid-sip, but the front was bright and tangy and the finish was smooth and sweet. This would normally be a slightly above-average review for me, but the fourth star comes from the incredible gouda and egg sandwich I had. Really creamy, all the few simple parts cooked perfectly with regard to the others. I’ll come back just for that!!

On top of all of this, really friendly staff and a clean and relaxed environment, easy to park (or walk from nearby hotels). All of my order came out extremely fast and proper temperature. The coffee issues happen at the roast level, not any fault of the baristas, and even then definitely above average for a chain! I look forward to more City Brew in the future!

Oh, and did I mention the beautiful...

The Coffee has gone down hill. You could order 4 shots in your drink and not even taste the coffee just watered down milk. I used to love city brew and would go almost every day. Now I stop at Starbucks sadly. I know my coffee will be strong. Today I tried giving city brew another chance and again I was disappointed. Waited in the drive through without moving for 7 minutes. Thankfully I was last in line so I was able to back out. Went inside in hopes that it would take less time. It did but I understand why the line wasn’t moving the gals working were giggling a talking amongst themselves rather than trying to get customers orders done in a timely manner. Yes, go ahead and have fun with each other but make coffee while you’re doing it? Coffee was ok but not very strong and I ordered an extra shot in my grande Americano. Oh well guess I’ll go somewhere...

The service is great, the cocoa decent, and the atmosphere more cozy than your typical coffee shop or bookstore. Would be nice if the indoor fireplace was on, particularly on cold nights ... and, sadly, the cookies ... are NOT good.

Stale and nothing special. I don't mind paying $3 for a cookie, heck I'd even pay more, but when a guy like myself who rarely lets a cookie go to waste would rather throw it out than be forced to eat a second bite ... that's not a good sign.

It's not hard to make a great cookie ... why do so many of these kinds of places seem happy...