Oval Dogs Coffee — Restaurant in Rio Rancho

My favorite spot in the city by a wide margin. I'd give it ten stars if I could. Yes, it’s a little hard to find but that’s a one-time problem. Once you’ve found it, its out-of-the-wayness is a definite plus.

The coffee is fantastic and the owners (Daniel and Beth) are wonderful people. Daniel (occasionally joined by one of their kids) tends bar while Beth does most of the roasting. Pastries made by local Romanian couple, scones and gluten-free muffins baked fresh by the owners. Usually have oat, almond, and soy milk available for those with lactose issues. Most of their drinks aren’t that sweet because the point is to taste the coffee, but the standard sweetener is honey. Requests for anything beginning with “frapp” will be received with kindness but be aware that you have been silently judged by all the regulars.

If you’re in a big hurry and/or are content with caffeine tasting either like a milkshake or a burnt tire, this probably isn’t the place for you and there’s no shortage of drivethrough alternatives nearby. People routinely wait a few minutes for drinks when it gets busy but no one cares because they’re too busy chatting with Daniel or other patrons. Once you’ve been a couple of times, the place starts to feel a lot like Cheers but with caffeine instead of alcohol served by a faithful husband and father instead of a gigolo. You’ll meet sweet and motherly types who expect you to share your food with them, so be sure to bring extra. You may also see pizza waffles, a detective named Hopper, and a dog named Yuki.

Avoid the bearded men with laptops. They...

This is the closest thing to a "speakeasy coffee bar" as you can find. A garage door on the backside of a nondescript office building.. some outdoor seating...a small sign with the hours posted (that are never correct).... but if you brave the uncertainty and open that door you will find the best, hand-drawn, coffee on the West-side (...and IMO the entire metro area). This business is first and foremost a Roastery that sells beans to many local coffee bars. The barista is the owner, his wife the roaster. The small-batch baked goods are homemade. You can get a cup to go, but sitting at the live-edge wood slab bar, sipping your drink from a hand-thrown pottery mug, chatting while your coffee is crafted, meticulously and calmly...it is a wonderfully peaceful way to start...

Daniel, the owner is gracious and informative about the art of coffee making. He will happily walk you through the various variety of beans around the world. His father, a carpenter craftsman, has built a beautiful inlaid coffee counter and Daniel and he continue to add unique touches to their growing business. Well worth making a turn at the light on 528 onto Northern Blvd - Oval Dogs is a one minute drive from the light. So instead of Starbucks on your way to work one morning, check out OD - a wag your tail way to...