Week 125: Baci Coffee

Week 125: May 18th-24th, 2025

On my monthly trip to the pharmacy to pick up some meds, I realized I had played it quite safe this week and hadn't done Something New. This resolution to try Something New Every Week started in 2023, continued through 2024, has followed me into 2025, and is entirely self-inflicted and self-regulated, so I don't have to continue it.... But come on... We're on a 125 week streak. We can't stop now.

So, while I waited in the Kaiser Pharmacy, I panic-searched on Yelp for spots nearby. I came across a couple promising options, but settled on Baci Coffee. Their Yelp page was cute. Plus, it was only 7 minutes away and on my way home.

Firstly, if I hadn't found their Yelp page and then followed the many signs and arrows along the street that were pointing me in the right direction, I would have literally never known about Baci Coffee. It is up a random driveway, two lots back from any main road, and underneath what seems to be an apartment building. It is not located in any busy shopping center, so it is incredibly unlikely anyone would ever stumble upon it. I felt like I was trespassing a little as I pulled into the parking lot and saw mostly "Reserved" parking spots.

The long, random driveway leading to Baci Coffee

At least there were designated parking spots!

Very odd, unassuming entrance to Baci Coffee

The difference between the outside and the inside of Baci Coffee was incredible. The inside is decorated to the nines with Italian-inspired wallpaper and even includes a little market with Italian products.

The fun wallpaper inside! (Photo From Yelp)

The seating area from another angle

Baci's Italian goods for sale!

There was a speakeasy, too apparently!

The lighting was a bit dark and moody for an early morning coffee, so if you're looking for a brighter vibe, I'd try to sit by the window or outside. Apparently there is also a speakeasy in the space next to Baci, which was a fun surprise. I'm not sure if it is a bar speakeasy, or just a fun place to sit in secret. At the Baci counter, they had a lot of items on the menu, and even more to offer on their digital menu. I kept it simple and ordered a medium, "Matcha Honey Moon," which was just an iced matcha latte with honey. I thought it was cute they had an electric fireplace and wonder how strong their WiFi connection is.

My total was a whopping $9.61 after a $1 tip. I did a double take, but played it cool and tapped my card. As I waited for my drink to be made, I browsed the shelves. There was some really cute multi-colored bow tie ("farfalle," if you're being fancy) pasta for sale, but after my surprisingly expensive drink, I didn't want to break the bank.

My matcha was overall just okay. It was a little grainy and wasn't anything special or remarkably delicious, but I didn't have high expectations. I mainly wanted to check the place out and keep my SNEW streak going.

Baci Coffee's "Matcha Honey Moon"

The grainy bits at the bottom of my drink

It is a bit unfortunate that supporting new local businesses may cause you to spend $10 on a mediocre matcha but alas, you win some and you lose some. In this case, I won some by supporting a new cute business and keeping my SNEW up, but lost some (about $6) by overspending on a sweet treat. Maybe their other menu options are better.

I question the business decision of Baci Coffee's location (and their insanely high prices), but hey, it was worth a shot. I managed to find Baci Coffee and gave it a try solely from their Yelp page, so I'm hopeful they can bring in more customers with a strong social media presence and word of mouth. I would assume their main customer base works nearby or lives in the apartments on top of Baci Coffee, so I wish them the best of luck.

Bonus: My very generous and lifelong friend An-ya got me a Holo Taco gift card for my birthday, and my nail goodies just came in the mail! I am excited to try their products.

See you next week.