McCafferty's, A Coffee House, Etc. — Restaurant in Fairbanks

Chances are if you've driven down Cushman towards the Chena, you've driven past this place and not seen it or given it a second thought. I popped in this morning looking for some breakfast and coffee and I'm glad I did. I got a pumpkin steamer (get at me, I like Pumpkin) and an apple strudel. The steamer had a shot (or two? Judging by twitchiness?) and was balanced really well. The shot was as I've come to expect from the coffee places in town that aren't Starbucks; creamy, sweet with a robust flavor and full body. It wasn't bitter and burnt tasting like large batch roast coffee. Anyway, it went really well with the homemade pumpkin mix they make there in house. The Strudel tasted homemade, with a light and delicate, flaky texture and just the right amount of sweetness to the apple filling. It wasn't over bearing sweet like the majority of American pastries I've come across. The large granules of sugar (I'm not versed in pastry vocabulary) were crisp and not painfully hard to eat. That's the food. The ambiance of the shop was lovely, if a little overwhelming. There's lots of flyers (ha, they didn't make the playoffs...the Flyers), art work, stuff on the walls etc. Honestly, it's not bad and it seems like it's Fairbanks eccentric in the way that makes this great place as wonderful as it is. There's scattered tables and chairs, cafe style, a stage for live music and the shop doesn't feel cramped. All in all, it's a lovely place. The lady who was working there this morning was patient, friendly and quick - yet precise with how quickly she was able to get my drink together. Oh, it was really cool. There were two teenagers who came in after me, grabbed a drink and sat down at one of the tables and started playing a card game. It was cool seeing a place that let's young'ns chill before school and hang out. I thoroughly enjoyed myself this morning and would recommend McCafferty's to anyone looking for a good drink and chill spot to hang out. Oh, I had to park on a cross street because I didn't see parking like right in front of the shop. I assume you could park in the Sadler's parking lot and walk the 85 feet from there. Sorry this was long winded. If you read all of this, I...

Let's start with the positive. Mocha Breve very good.

Now on to the balance of my experience....

Visiting town, looking for a place away from hotel where I can sit down, relax, have an espresso drink and a couple of shots of espresso. I Drive about town passing by a seemingly endless variety of drive up shops only to stumble upon what looks to be a truly an inviting place.

My request to the barista was, and I quote, "May I have a Grande Mocha Breve and 2 shots of espresso on the side?" Barista: so you want a hot cocoa and the espresso on the side?

Me: I would like to have a Grande Mocha Breve, however it is made and then on the side, a cup with two shots of plain espresso.

Barista rings me up and presents credit card chit to sign. I looks at it and notice that I've not been charged for the double shot of espresso on the side. I ask the barista about the 2 shots of espresso and paying for them...

Barista: so, you want your espresso on the side?

Me: I dont know how that (Mocha Breve is made or how many shots of espresso is in it... id like it made the way it's made and then another cup, with two shots of espresso.

Barista: looks confused, says something like oh my God

Me: you know what, let's do this and keep it simple.... I'd like that (Mocha Breve Grande) in a to go cup and leave it at that.

Frustrated, the barista makes my drink whilst I fill out the chit, leaving $2 on a $5.50 chit, sign and submit.

Keeping in mind the above exchange, I takes the high road and say to the barista, and I quote "I am sorry if I am not being clear on my order." She doesn't acknowledge my attempt...

I get my drink and walk out... miffed, frustrated and going to drink my tasty espresso drink in my dang car.

In summary, I should have went to the first dang drive through espresso shop and had my drink in the car while exploring Fairbanks and saved the SPIKE in blood pressure and still not getting what I asked for and a lot less attitude, frustration and angst.

Have changed my rating to 2-stars vice 3-stars while rereading this review. Bummer... a really welcoming and...

Lovely place with live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Bill (gtr Vic), June (Vic) and bassist Dave are great musicians and veteran entertainers, check them out for a family friendly fun night of music, jokes and stories. They are such friendly hosts! This is a cafe, no alcohol, but lots of great coffee and soft drinks. Try the special sipping chocolate which starts with an X, or a coffee roasted right on the premises (I think they are the ones with music titles). My favorite: Girl From Ipanema. Emphasis on family friendly, really a nice place to go after a family dinner out. A chance to get off your digital devices and have some old-school fun together, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

I took my wife, son (14) and daughter (12) there and we had a great time. Fun (analog) games, bubbles for the Tiny Bubbles number, what a hoot! Can you find all the items in the shaker? We are still trying and will head back soon to complete the list.

Prices are VERY reasonable. We’ve been there several times in the evenings and a few in the am too. They have pastries and soups during the day, not sure if soups are available in the evening, but pastries and other desserts are available in the pm. Try the Mario balls...

We were very happy to discover such a welcoming place for families. My recommendation: check out a great restaurant of your choice in Fairbanks on a Friday or Saturday night, then get to McCafferty’s just before 8:30, trust me it will be a great way to end...