Mountain Mudd Coffee stand near arena in Billings, MT

So those little coffee stands you see in parking lots around the country,well, I’m not saying that they can’t serve good espresso, but generally the results are rather lack luster. This particular little stand was a Mountain Mudd stand, which as I later came to find out, was started and based out of Billings, MT. It's a rather small company, but as gourmet coffee drinks gain popularity it is becoming popular to franchise these little stands. So, back to the booth, even though this little booth was inhabited by a bubbly, friendly, smiling face, it just wasn’t good espresso, and this seems to be the trend. So, unless you like sugary coffee drinks or just plain coffee, look for a locally roasted and owned coffee shop.

3 beans
Mountain Mudd website

Tim Hortons

This fine establishment in a staple for predictable quality and efficient food in our neighbor to the north, Canada. I had heard rumors before we left about time hortons. Now, they don’t serve and espresso drinks, but they do serve soup with a roll, cup of coffee, and a doughnout…..as Alton Brown would say, “that’s good eats” (that’s for you food netowok fans) Although, if they added a decent line of espresso based drinks it would make them a formidable force in the growing crossover of coffee/dinner joints. In any case, if you’re in the land of “eh”, definitely stop in and get the soup combo, yum

Addendum - Upon further research I found there ARE Tim Hortons in the US, you just have to know where to look. Another interesting fact is that they merged with wendy's in the mid 90's. Anyhow you can check it all for yourself.....in all of your spare time Tim Hortons info

Sugar Bowl

This was a hip little place on the edge of the local campus. It was actually recommended by a starbucks employee when I found out that they didn’t have internet there. In fact, the cute barista (as starbucks calls them, minus the cute) said it was her favorite place to eat and read and that I wouldn’t be disappointed, and she was right. I visited there twice, and eat time had great coffee as well as great food. The have a full bar and coffee offerings as well as tasty mid-eastern fusion menu. Since I visited this place before my mocha latte quest began, I only had coffee, but with the quality of everything there, it would be a safe bet to order a mocha latte in this place, so I’m giving it 4 beans (if not for the food alone), it is definitely better than starbucks and I would definitely recommend visiting it if in Alberta.

eCity Java

After a rather lack-luster week in Anderson, SC, on my way out of town I decided to give their one and only mom/pop coffee place a whirl. Well, I have to say I was peasantly surprised. The coffee joint is located in a vintage downtown building and upon entering you see the counter and a large coffee roaster (usually a good omen of tasty things to come) So I ordered, what else, but a mocha latte and few other random pastry things that peaked my gastric instrest. As I was watching my drink to shape, I found out from the girl behind the counter that it was a privately owned place that had been around for a few years and the owner roasts his own beans. As I was waiting, I took a look around, and the adjoining room had a high ceiling, comfy plush chairs, warms colors, bar stools, and free internet......all good signs in my book. So I went in with slim expactations, but left with an envy of Anderson coffee lovers, for they truly have a wonderful filling station in their midst. (I should have requested not whipped cream) But the espresso flavor was the best I'd tasted since Seattle, and it wasn't too sweet and chocolate flavor was decent......

it was an overall good drink and definately BETTER than fourBucks (you're right on jennifer) so this one gets 4 beans

Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company

So, during our week in West Palm Beach I only had time to really check out 2, well 2 coffee places. This was the last of the 3 and was located about a 1/2 hour north of west palm at a place called Albacoa town center. It was new years day and beautiful weather, so the ride there was quite a treat, and thankfully I didn't hit any alligators on the way. Being that it was new years day and late morning, business was slow, so I ordered my usual mocha latte and a citrus orange muffin. Well the muffin was actually really good, but since this is a coffe site I will talk about the coffee......and there's not much to say except the espresso was weak, the chocolate was mediocre, and the drink was too sweet. The main thing that stood out about this visit was the gang of biker chicks that pulled up on their honda shadows. I was intimidated for but an instant, and then said a quick prayer expressing thanks that my bike is not a honda shadow, gulped down my average joe, and sped away with my italian lady...........

too sweet, was there espresso in the drink? definately 3 beans