COFFEE: Bent Tree

Okay, so I'm stepping outside of Akron to bring you the best coffee in Northeast Ohio. Okay, maybe that's slightly an overstatement because there's a LOT of coffee I haven't tried in Cleveland. But between Akron, Kent, and surrounding areas -- this is it.

Bent Tree locally roasts their own beans. Which means if you enter their establishment, you will be overwhelmed with the best smell in the entire world: fresh roasted coffee beans. It's heaven. The place isn't meant for hanging out. Though their is a window bar seat if you feel inclined.

Bent Tree, however, roasts over sixteen different blends at any time. All of which are of the highest quality. This is the only place I will buy bags of coffee and much to my surprise, the prices are excellent for fresh and local beans. Each roast has an information card in front of them for extra information. I absolutely love this because they are thorough.

The workers are passionate about coffee, hilarious, and helpful. I rarely pick out my own coffee because they are so excellent at guessing what I'll like and they are NEVER wrong. They also sell individual cups if you want to taste test in store. They do pour overs -- a hand pour method and maybe one or two other methods. Please do NOT pass this up. There's nothing like a pour over. Seriously. Remember that. "There's nothing like a pour over!" It's the absolute best way to brew coffee to bring out all the rich flavors and undertones.

In addition to this, Bent Tree sells cold brew single serves and coffee brewing systems. Cold brew is a method of brewing iced coffee that preserves the flavors without making it bitter with the ice. It's delicious. Bent Tree sells pour overs, chemex's and other various coffee nerd things. This is wonderful because they sell all of their products more or less at cost. You won't find better prices online or elsewhere.

The moral of the story? Bent Tree is the best coffee of all time and you need to experience a pour over at LEAST once in your life. Starbuck's does NOT count. In fact, a pour over at Starbuck's is the complete opposite of good.

Visit Bent Tree:
website: benttreecoffee.com
hours: Monday-Friday
7am -- 5 pm
location: 313 N. Water Street