Spokane, Washington’s got all this great stuff going for it—craft breweries with fans across the country, homegrown progressive dining and cocktail scenes, proximity to one of America’s most underrated wine regions, and an exemplary specialty coffee scene. We’ve quaffed & scarfed some of the formers, but more properly profiled the latter here on Sprudge in this Spokane coffee guide from Summer 2013.
Of course, more cool stuff has opened since then. Here’s one! Inadaba Coffee were early quality pioneers here in Spokane, and they’ve just opened a spiffy new downtown location to serve the Spokane masses.
As told to Sprudge by Bobby Enslow.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Indaba Coffee started as a small neighborhood coffee bar in West Central Spokane in 2009. It has evolved over the years into a multi-roaster bar serving coffee from Coava, Madcap, Slate and many more. In 2014, they began roasting all their own beans and have helped pioneer coffee culture throughout the Inland Northwest. This summer, we’re excited to bring a new coffee experience to downtown Spokane with a new location.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
The second location, in downtown Spokane, features a new ModBar espresso machine and highlighting higher-end single-origin coffees. We also want to create a space that is different from anything else in Spokane. We worked with Matthew Collins and his team at Uptic Studios to create a Scandinavian Modern feel that is still warm and inviting. Clean lines balanced with textures throughout the space centered on a beautiful island referred to as the “coffee altar” help to create a very social experience for guests.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Indaba approaches coffee the same way they approach people, with an open mind and heart. Each coffee has a “personality to discover” and we want to let it shine through in the cup. We also want to create a sense of hospitality that goes “beyond the cup”. I encourage our baristas to follow up with a glass of ice water and converse. The ModBar has helped us facilitate this type of experience in a way we could never achieve before.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Indaba Downtown will be featuring the new ModBar Espresso System along with a FETCO XTS for filter and flash brewing. We also feature the legendary Mahlkonig EK43 grinder paired with a K30 Twin grinder for espresso service.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Indaba Coffee is working with Uptic Studios on interior design, Kilgore Construction, Reynolds Woodcraft, and Sam McGhee Photography.
Photos by Sam McGhee.
