Plank Coffee Cloverdale — Restaurant in Cloverdale

Excellent coffee and a wondrous selection of pastries! (4/5 green stars) It was definitely worth stopping in Cloverdale to see the town (and its quirky artwork) and visit Plank coffee. In terms of design, it’s one of the nicest coffee shops I’ve ever come across. Great light and a good mix of seating from the large communal table to the big armchairs. I had a Guatemala Huehuetenango pour-over (you heard me!) – reasonably priced at $3.25 and very nicely roasted & brewed. They now roast their own beans, with 10 oz bags for sale at $13-14. I also had a piece of their Hungarian shortbread ($2) and having made my own at home (and thinking it was good) I can say that theirs was exceptionally good! I was shocked to hear that it’s also gluten-free – a local baker makes it using their special rice flour mix. They have a great selection of pies and pastries with several vegan and gluten-free options.

I’m wavering between 4 and 5 “green stars” for social and environmental impact, based on these reasons:

• I believe that their coffee and teas are organic. • Having said that, I’d like to know more about their coffee – I forgot to ask and now can’t find any info online. I think that some bags are labeled as organic and some not. Not sure about trade practice. Hope to learn more! • They stock organic almond and soy milk. • Some vegan-friendly pastries. • They now roast their own coffee in restored roaster and package it in compostable (I think) bags. • I like that as an alternative to soda they sell a “Shrub of the Week”, made from local produce. Great idea! • Their amazing décor is largely from salvaged (communal table), vintage (armchairs) or locally-sourced (their wooden wall) materials. • Lids not compostable – anyway, bring your own mug!

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Yeah - five stars across the board. I did think about being careless with praise here - I feel justified. I ordered a breve latte and a stand-alone shot of espresso - so I could taste the core product. I watched the barista at work and noted her professionalism in puck preparation. The resulting espresso was creamy and was timed to capture the sweetness without the bitter flat taste of an extended pull. Even though latte art does not contribute to the taste of a latte, it inspires the idea of something delicious, and demonstrates the honed abilities of the barista. The resulting latte impressed me with a caramelization of honey, plum, and a hint of grapefruit in the finish - revealing a blend of arabica and probably at least some Colombian beans.

Weather helped us enjoy the outdoor seating - where a helpful staff member followed us with our drinks on a tray. The atmosphere was kitschy,...

Deceptive pricing. The menu clearly shows a lavender latte is $5.45 for 8 oz. I ordered an 8 oz lavender latte with extra lavender. They charged $7. I didn't catch it till after they made the coffee. I asked why it was $7 when the posted menu clearly shows lavender latte at $5.45 [there is even a line from coffee to the price]

The girl said they add a $1 to lavender lattes and then add an extra $1 for extra lavender. No one said a word when I ordered that drink. I will be taking my business to the Starbucks. They don't secretly charge extra for a specialty drink

I paid $7 for 8 oz when I could have gotten a grande specialty beverage at Starbucks for less!

I have a kids size drink for $7. And it barely tastes like lavender despite the extra...